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TECHNOLOGIES

The SUREFIT project developed and demonstrated a set of advanced, cost-effective, and prefabricated technologies designed to accelerate energy renovation in domestic buildings. These innovations go beyond conventional market solutions by integrating passive, active, and smart elements into a unified retrofitting system.

All technologies were tested in real-life demo buildings across Europe, and validated in terms of energy savings, environmental impact, user comfort, and cost-performance. Their development involved joint contributions from research institutions and industrial partners, as detailed in the Key Exploitable Results section  (see Deliverable D1.5, Section 2.2, p. 18).

 

Below is a summary of the validated SUREFIT technologies:

Bio-aerogel Insulation (BA)

A novel, ultra-thin insulation material made from starch-based aerogel.

✔ Offers high thermal performance using <20% thickness compared to traditional insulation.

✔ Significantly reduces heat loss when applied to external walls and roofs.

✔ Environmentally friendly and suitable for both retrofitting and new construction.

Phase Change Material (PCM)

Encapsulated salt hydrate layer installed in ceilings.

✔ Stores and releases thermal energy during phase changes (18–36°C).

✔ Lowers peak indoor temperatures in summer and reduces heating needs in winter.

✔ Increases building thermal mass passively.

PV Vacuum Glazing (PV-VG)

Innovative windows combining photovoltaic electricity generation with superior insulation.

✔ U-value ≤ 1 W/m²K

✔ Generates up to 10% of solar energy while reducing heating/cooling loads.

✔ Offers 75% reduction in air conditioning energy compared to standard glazing.

Window Heat Recovery (WHR)

Compact ventilation units embedded in windows.

✔ Transfers heat from exhaust to incoming air using heat pipes and fans.

✔ Improves indoor CO₂ levels and air quality (below 1200 ppm).

✔ Designed to work in synergy with PV-VG — potentially self-powered.

Evaporative Cooling (EVC)

Advanced dew-point cooling system for dry climates.

✔ Low energy demand — no increase in moisture levels.

✔ Uses special corrugated plates and sealing technology.

✔ Adaptable to high airflow volumes with minimal pressure drop.

Breathable Membrane (BM)

High-performance reflective membrane installed externally.

✔ Enhances airtightness and insulation while allowing vapour diffusion.

✔ Improves comfort and reduces space heating needs.

✔ Combined with other technologies (e.g., BA) for optimal envelope performance.

Solar-Assisted Heat Pump (SAHP)

Indirect expansion heat pump connected to a solar thermal collector.

✔ Functions even in low solar radiation environments.

✔ Includes a thermal storage tank for night-time heating.

✔ COP significantly higher than conventional heat pumps.

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)

Compact geothermal solution using surface ground loops.

✔ Adapted for urban gardens — no need for deep drilling.

✔ Sustainable, low-carbon alternative for space heating and cooling.

✔ Installed successfully in UK demo building.

Photovoltaic/Thermal System (PV/T)

Hybrid solar panel combining PV and thermal energy.

✔ Reduces both electricity demand and heating needs.

✔ Transfers waste heat from PV module to water tank.

✔ Efficiency depends on local solar conditions.

Daylight Louvers (DL)

Integrated mirror-optical blinds for glare control and daylighting.

✔ Reflects direct sun while guiding diffuse light indoors.

✔ Zero operating cost — passive, dust-protected design.

✔ Enhances visual comfort and reduces lighting needs.

Prefabricated Panels (PP)

Factory-made composite insulation systems.

✔ Combines silica aerogel with XPS or polyurethane.

✔ High insulation with reduced wall thickness.

✔ Enables fast, low-disruption renovation.

SURe³FIT Tool & Handbook

An Excel-based decision support tool with 6 modules.

✔ Supports selection of optimal retrofit solutions based on building type, climate, and ROI.

✔ Includes step-by-step Handbook for contractors, designers, and homeowners.

✔ Enables evidence-based decision-making for energy renovations.

Read more in Deliverable D1.5, Section 2.1 (pp. 10–17)

Each of these technologies is described and validated in Deliverable D1.5, with ownership and contributor details available in the Key Exploitable Results table (p.18).

Contact the consortium for access to further peer-reviewed publications and technical documentation.

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