LIFE ABATE. The pilot launch begins

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From theory to reality: the system is already operational at Ecoparc 3

After time of designs, calculations, and assemblies, we can officially announce that the LIFE ABATE project pilot is now up and running.

It is not just a pilot: it is a demonstration system that aims to prove that a more sustainable, lower-emission and energy-efficient waste management is possible.

  • Photo 1. LIFE ABATE project pilot.
The launch preparation

A few months ago, we explained that the different pieces of the LIFE ABATE pilot project had arrived at Ecoparc 3. But the most important thing was still missing: the assembly and the start-up of all the equipment. Thus, these last few weeks have been spent finalizing the necessary details for the implementation of the ABATE solution.

The heat exchanger, the equipment responsible for cooling the clean air entering the greenhouse, has been installed and connected to the adiabatic cooler. This system allows the treated, clean air to cooled before being injected into the greenhouse. The adiabatic cooler allows a stream of water to be cooled, which then meets the hot air from the pilot and, through the heat exchanger, this air is cooled and ready to enter the greenhouse.

  • Photo 2. Heat exchanger.
  • Photo 3. Adiabatic cooler.

Once all the equipment was installed and connected, Kalfrisa moved to Ecoparc 3 to begin the start-up of the entire system.

At the same time, the experimental campaign for the greenhouse crops began, led by the Grup de Recerca i Innovació de la Construcció de la Universitat Politècnica de Barcelona (UPC). In this phase, the impact of the air from the LIFE ABATE pilot system on the growth and development of the horticultural and ornamental plants inside the greenhouse will be monitored and studied.

  • Photo 4. Plants inside the greenhouse.

Finally, on March 13th, the pilot of the project was launched. As a reminder, the LIFE ABATE project aims to:

  • Reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint by 90 %
  • Decrease operating costs by 82 %

Currently, the pilot is in operation, and the first operational data are already being monitored through the control system.

The team

This achievement is the result of joint work and coordination between all project partners. Thanks to everyone who made it possible!

  • Photo 5. Kalfrisa team in the start-up of the LIFE ABATE pilot.
What is next?

April will be dedicated to the optimization phase. During this period, we will be observing the system’s performance, adjusting operating parameters and analyzing the initial results. The ultimate goal will be to close the CO2 cycle by fully connecting it to the greenhouse.

Do you want to see it in action? Follow us on our social media channels; where we will be posting updates on any news or progress.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeabate/

X: https://x.com/LifeAbate

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAbate

Web: www.lifeabate.amb.cat

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/life-abate/