Innovations

eLITHE facilitates the digital transition of the ceramic sector processes.

Digital technologies play a pivotal role in the overall implementation of eLITHE’s processes, supporting their design, integration, and operation. Additionally, eLITHE will develop new materials capable of establishing circular pathways and enabling flexible electricity usage.

DIGITAL TWIN

eLITHE will develop digital twins to support the design, scaling-up and integration of the electric solutions, identifying the optimal configurations for each process.

In parallel, a set of services based on the digital twins and data coming from the process will be developed to support a digital operation of the processes, namely:

  1. the development of AI algorithms from visible and thermal cameras to facilitate the monitoring, control, and intervention required to achieve optimal processing conditions
  2. a module for managing the energy flexibility of the processes and enabling the participation in local and grid energy markets
  3. a system for the detection of abnormal parameters at process and plant level and for the predictive maintenance of the assets. These services will be integrated in the eLITHE platform

DIGITAL PLATFORM

eLITHE will create a unique digital platform that serves as the central hub for managing and exploiting flexibility in electric processes.
It includes modules for optimising process assets, maximising self-consumption from renewable energy sources, and facilitating peer-to-peer trading. In particular, the eLITHE platform will contain:

  • the development of AI algorithms from visible and thermal cameras to facilitate the monitoring, control, and intervention required to achieve optimal processing conditions
  • a module for managing the energy flexibility of the processes and enabling the participation 
in local and grid energy markets
  • a system for the detection of abnormal parameters at process and plant level and for the predictive maintenance of the assets.

Acquisition and Sensory system

eLITHE will develop an acquisition and sensory system, designed to improve the monitoring and maintenance processes within an industrial plant, focusing on the early detection and prevention of potential problems.
The system also uses predictive maintenance algorithms. These will optimise the operation of industrial process assets and electric equipment and minimize costly disruptions.

Monitoring and control system

eLITHE will develop a comprehensive monitoring and control system ensures the efficient operation of processes. It utilises advanced modeling techniques and real-time data to optimise energy management and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Safety and response system

eLITHE will develop an automated safety and response system detects abnormal parameters at process and plant levels, triggering alarms for early detection of potential issues. Real-time measurements from the sensor ecosystem support predictive maintenance algorithms for both industrial process assets and electric equipment.

Decision Support System

eLITHE will develop a Decision Support System toolset for process energy flexibility management. It aims to minimise energy costs by utilizing flexible systems and calculating flexibility possibilities to support grid operators.

NEW MATERIALS

eLITHE will create new materials to improve electric and thermal conductivity.

Expanding on the current knowledge of materials usable as Technology Energy Storage (TES) media, eLITHE will incorporate secondary source materials into the design of a novel packed bed-based TES concept suitable for temperatures up to 1,000ºC. From processing waste to selecting the optimal design for cost efficiency, eLITHE aims to develop a solution capable of establishing circular pathways and enabling flexible electricity usage.