Sunlumo to design components for polymer-based pump sets
Perg, 24 August 2015 – If we have solar collectors entirely made of plastic, why shouldn’t it be possible to have entire pump sets made of polymeric materials as well? Sunlumo’s solar pros are currently investigating this question with an ambitious project co-funded by the General Programme of the FFG (*Austrian Research Promotion Agency). The advantages are clear: in addition to lowering production costs by up to 50%, the pump sets will weigh a lot less and thus be easier to transport and assemble. This research project is a logical step forward in our idea of providing solar energy for everyone. “We are currently rethinking the existing systems to develop a new component that will help in installing solar systems worldwide more efficiently and at a low cost,” Robert Buchinger adds. Pumped systems would be an attractive alternative to the thermosiphon systems that are globally standard today. The product will in future be marketed as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) component. The project is scheduled to run until July 2016 with an overall budget of 150,000 euros.
Plastic as the raw material of the future
This is another project that confirms Sunlumo’s leading role in the research & development of collectors and solar components made from polymeric materials. Plastic will be the raw material of the future and play an important role in the sustainable use of renewable energies. Polymers have been tried and tested over the years as a raw material for components and tubing in the heating and sanitary sectors. The use of polymers enables new design and aesthetic solutions. These new solutions enable the development of solar components with an even greater number of functions.
Promoting research, development, and innovation
The FFG General Programme is funding projects in research, development, and innovation. Among other things, the FFG finances innovative and efficient methods for both process and product development. The intention is to develop methods that enable the manufacturing of products as efficiently and sustainably as possible. Other core activities of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency include the promotion of technologies for more efficient energy use, the support of new and intelligent energy infrastructures, and the development and optimization of renewable energy sources. The FFG is owned by the Republic of Austria.
