Students got known to the innovative concepts of UPC's nearly zero energy buildings, exploring and analysing the technological innovations of the LOW3 prototype house in the fields of solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, HVAC, building management and energy monitoring systems.
A second focus has been this year to understand and apply a holistic approach to sustainability through the visit of a neighbourhood project on energy efficiency and energy poverty, focusing on lifecycle and system thinking at city level.
Students co-created in dynamic group sessions innovative product or service concepts for “a more sustainable urban life in 2050” using concept maps, collective brainstorming, and finally a story telling approach. The holistic visioning of a more sustainable future, generated ambitious discussions and allowed to foster the creative potential of these future "game changes" of KIC InnoEnergy.
The "Innovation talk" focused on the success and drawbacks of different innovations like PCMs (Phase Change Materials) integrated in building materials, vacuum insolation panels, translucent insulations, concentrated photovoltaic’s, or new applications for drones in PV plant operation and maintenance, giving a valuable insight into the entrepreneurial, R&D as well as the business side of innovations in the field of energy.
