HR4RS stamp
Irene Vega
The 'Zero Emissions Reactor' project, focused on transforming plastics into fuels through an innovative heating method, has won third prize in the EDP Renewables University Challenge 2023. The team from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, led by Dr. Marta Muñoz Hernández, has used magnetic fields and metallic structures (type latex) 3D printed to heat chemical reactors, resulting in an 85% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional resistive methods. “The challenges of plastic waste in landfills and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector are enormous, but our solution changes the rules of the game,” explains the URJC researcher. “In addition, we have dramatically reduced heating times from several hours to just minutes, while ensuring zero emissions during the plastic pyrolysis process.”
Therefore, this project not only reduces the carbon footprint in fuels, but also aligns perfectly with the global pursuit of net zero emissions and the electrification of the industrial sector. “We want to thank the EDP competition Renewables for this recognition, which inspires us to persist on our path towards a greener and more sustainable future,” highlights the researcher.
This work also has a long history of scientific publications, collaborative associations and obtaining a patent.
EDP Renewables University Challenge
This annual competition, organized by the energy company EDP, aims to contribute to the development of academic excellence of university students and innovative projects in the fields of Engineering, Management, Economics, Marketing and Communication.
All these projects are evaluated by an independent jury made up of university professors, EDP staff Renewables and specialists Premivalor Consulting in the areas previously stipulated.