Expected impact listed in the work programme
The ECOQUEST project contributes directly to the two top level objectives of the ERCTRAC Strategic Research Agenda 2020 for road transport and the ERRAC Strategic Rail Research Agenda 2020, which are reflected in the FP 7: “Based on technological and operational advances and on the European transport policy, develop integrated, safer, “greener” and “smarter” pan-European transport systems for the benefit of all citizens and society and climate policy, respecting the environment and natural resources; and securing and further developing the competitiveness attained by the European industries in the global market.’
The expected impact of ECOQUEST refers to products and operation of surface transport vehicles and are
- Reduction of external and interior noise, also in view of compliance with legislation
- Contribution to CO2 emissions reduction (or at least neutral impact to climate change)
- European competitiveness and economic impact
- Education
Apart from the present focus on automotive and locomotive, the improved technologies tested in the project will provide guidelines for the definition of low-noise and controlledemission architectures for other transportation modes. In particular, the modal shift that is promoted in the urban area, in favour of metro and light rail systems will impose further noise reduction to be truly perceived as environmentally-friendly. The operation of these systems involves frequent start and stop, and the related thermal management requires intensive cooling and causes acoustic nuisance that must be mastered to an acceptable level.
Besides the rolling system itself, the operating environment of metro systems with their stationary ventilation and the waste heat from the passing and stopping trains are a challenging future application.
And more generally, a number of outcomes of ECOQUEST will be applicable for more general air-conditioning or cooling installations typically used in buildings and factories.