The EPFL spin-off ExerGo is developing a low-temperature energy network that saves 85% of energy and 90% of CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based systems. The startup has obtained a Tech Seed loan of CHF 100’000 from the FIT foundation to test the solution.
The distribution of energy services in dense urban areas with increasing human and commercial activities, still strongly depends on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, urban heating and cooling networks are expanding, with more than 16’500 new networks foreseen in Europe by 2035. Today’s thermal networks use water as heat transfer fluid.
Incorporated in 2018 by Alberto Mian, Daniel Favrat and Luc Girardin, ExerGo is developing an energy network that uses CO2 flowing in a closed-loop network to transfer renewable heat from the environment or waste heat. The solution can directly satisfy cooling using heat exchangers and heating through decentralised heat pumps. Thanks to its high energy density, CO2 makes it possible to improve the energy transport potential by 5 to 10 times in comparison to the current networks using water. By decreasing the fluid flow rate between suppliers and users, ExerGo also reduces the network footprint, costs thanks to compact and flexible tubes and disturbances.
The FIT seed loan will co-finance the planned tests to ensure an efficient, reliable and risk-free implementation for first customers, according to Alberto Mian, CEO and co-founder of ExerGo. The company’s vision is to combine its solution with cogeneration and carbon capture technologies. “The system will become an integrated solution for heating, cooling, CO2 transportation to store electricity in the form of green fuels and even contribute as a fire suppression agent,” said François Maréchal, member of ExerGo’s Advisory Board.
Target customers include real estate developers and utility companies which thanks to the solution will have the opportunity to accelerate the energy transition through an integrated, efficient, cost-effective and green technology.
Additional support
Besides holding several patents, Exergo has collected numerous accolades from winning awards or being recognised by acclaimed organisations such as the Solar Impulse Foundation, TheArk Foundation. It is also part of AutoDesk’s technological impact program. To add on its seed financing, ExerGo is seeking to raise additional funds to ensure new technical developments and realise its first installations in 2021.
(Press release/RAN)
Picture: Exergo Team
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