ClimaFlex Technology Solutions
Discover why the technologies developed within the project make heat pumps and HVAC systems active components of the energy grid—able to adapt to occupants’ needs while enabling buildings to participate in flexibility markets. A new way of experiencing buildings, saving energy costs, and actively contributing to the energy transition.
Sustainable, High-Modulation Heat Pump
Developed by HIREF
At the heart of ClimaFlex is a revolutionary high-modulation heat pump designed to bring the efficiency of large buildings and offices into the future, changing the way we think about comfort.
A new heating and cooling system that doesn’t just operate—it adapts continuously to your needs and to environmental conditions.
- 100% green design: The prototype uses propane (R290), a natural refrigerant with very low environmental impact, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly solution.
- Modular adaptability: Unlike traditional on/off systems, ClimaFlex technology features high modulation capacity. Next-generation inverters and smart valves can reduce power output to below 15%, adapting to even the smallest thermal variations without waste.
- Smart savings: The heat pump is designed to “communicate” with the electricity grid, providing flexibility services and helping stabilize the energy system while reducing user energy bills.
- High performance without compromise: With a thermal capacity of around 130 kW, it is ideal for residential buildings and the tertiary sector, combining power and high efficiency.
ClimaFlex does not simply build a heat pump: it creates a virtual thermal battery, turning every building into an active player in the energy transition.
Advanced Control Algorithms
Developed by the University of Padua
A key system of the project, advanced control algorithms transform a standard heat pump into an intelligent energy asset—the “invisible brain” of the building, capable of anticipating conditions and acting proactively to deliver maximum comfort at minimum cost.
- Predictive thermostat: Using AI and data-driven models, the system forecasts building energy use up to 24 hours ahead based on weather data and occupancy patterns.
- The building as an “invisible battery”: By leveraging the thermal inertia of walls and storage systems, buildings become virtual batteries. The system can modulate power every 15 minutes, offering flexibility to the national grid without occupants noticing.
- Comfort-first operation: The algorithm balances flexibility and cost savings while always respecting thermal comfort limits.
- Continuous market interaction: Real-time calculations determine how much energy the building can exchange with the grid, enabling users to actively participate in energy markets.
With ClimaFlex, climate control is no longer just about temperature—it becomes an intelligent and sustainable choice that supports everyday life.
ClimaFlex Building Interface
Developed by MIPU
The innovation of the ClimaFlex Building Interface is to transform buildings into intelligent systems, making energy management autonomous and highly advanced.
- AI-driven foresight: Predictive and optimization algorithms schedule heat pump operation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring optimal comfort at minimum cost.
- Maximising solar energy use: The system reads and forecasts photovoltaic production in real time, aligning energy use when electricity is cheapest and cleanest.
- 15-minute smart flexibility: Every quarter-hour, the system evaluates how much energy can be offered to the grid, enabling automatic interaction with the smart grid.
- Comfort guaranteed: Thermal inertia is used as a hidden energy reserve, shifting consumption without affecting comfort.
- User-friendly dashboard: A clear interface shows savings, system performance, and environmental impact in real time.
With ClimaFlex Building Interface, buildings become active agents of the energy transition—simplifying life, reducing costs, and increasing sustainability.
ClimaFlex Peer-to-Grid (P2G)
Developed by R2M Solution
Buildings become active players in the energy market, generating value while supporting the planet.
- Energy trading marketplace: A digital platform connects energy producers and consumers (prosumers) with grid operators. Excess energy or flexibility is automatically sold to the highest bidder.
- Blockchain security: Transactions are secured via Energy Web Chain technology. Each device has a secure digital identity (DID), ensuring trusted participation.
- Automated payments via smart contracts: Payments are immediate and automatic, in euros or ClimaFlex tokens.
- Simple user experience: A dashboard shows earnings, energy transactions, and CO₂ savings in real time.
- Virtual power plant: Thousands of buildings are aggregated into a distributed energy system that stabilizes the grid and supports renewables integration.
With ClimaFlex P2G, energy is no longer just a cost—it becomes a resource.
Flexibility Audit
Developed by R2M Solution
A new era of energy management where buildings become intelligent and active participants in the electricity system.
- Beyond efficiency: The audit assesses not only energy consumption but the building’s “Flexibility Readiness” and ability to interact with the grid in real time.
- Demand Flexibility Readiness Level (DFRL): A cutting-edge metric that evaluates technological, social, and regulatory readiness for energy market participation.
- Actionable savings insights: Indicators such as the Cost Avoided Flexibility Factor quantify potential savings by shifting energy use.
- Buildings that respond to the grid: The system evaluates integration with renewables and storage, turning building structures into invisible thermal batteries.
- New business models: Enables access to flexibility markets previously reserved for large industrial players.
With the ClimaFlex Flexibility Audit, buildings become strategic assets—supporting comfort, savings, and the energy transition.