ENTENT, an innovative young company, develops a new generation of ORC engines[1] to convert very low-temperature waste heat (between 60 and 100°C), which is widely used on industrial sites and hitherto unexploited, into useful electricity.
A breakthrough innovation selected by the i-Lab competition organised by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in partnership with Bpifrance. The aim of this annual competition is to support start-ups offering products or services that will help meet the major societal challenges of our time.
"We have embarked on a large-scale and complex project. Going through the Capenergies labelling committee has enabled us to be ready. Winning the award confirms the technological, strategic and commercial choices we've made, and is a major boost to our credibility as we prepare to raise our first round of funding", comments Stéfan Ré, Managing Director of ENTENT.
THE PULSE CONCEPT
Recently accredited by CapenergiesThe pulse motor is based on a patented innovation that makes ingenious use of heat flows to ensure fluid circulation in the thermodynamic cycle, thereby saving the energy consumed by the mechanical pump of a conventional motor.
The next stage in this promising project is to produce a 1:1 prototype in laboratory conditions. To achieve this, ENTENT will be drawing on the thermodynamic expertise of the University of Liège, " particularly in the person of Vincent Lemort, whose world-renowned laboratory possesses essential skills.
EXPLOITING AN UNTAPPED SOURCE OF ENERGY
On a European scale, 25 to 30% of thermal waste correspond to the target temperature range of the pulse engine, "i.e. the energy consumption of the southern region of France", points out Stéfan Ré.
" Investing in the PULSE will enable manufacturers to turn thermal waste into a useful electricity resource, making their structure part of a circular economy approach, while generating income from the electricity produced, with a payback period of less than 5 years. "
Following on from the support it has provided, Capenergies will be at Entent's side throughout the company's next decisive phases.
"In parallel with the progress of the project, commercial actions will be carried out to find the first customers and to adapt the technology to the needs of the field. Taking part in Capenergies events is now enabling us to forge valuable relationships with potential customers.. "
Download the full presentation of the Pulse Engine project
[1] ORC: Organic Rankine Cycle