AGH University part of DUOHEAT implementation project

Its purpose is to design and develop an innovative two-stage heat pump capable of generating heat up to 200°C in an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient manner. The device is intended for use in power and heat generation, as well as in the food and chemical industries.

The AGH University team is made up of Dr Krzysztof Sornek, associate professor; Karolina Papis‑Frączek; and Maksymilian Homa, employees of the Department of Sustainable Energy Development at the Faculty of Energy and Fuels. The project work will be led by Dr Marcin Jankowski.

Researchers from AGH University will perform analyses related to heat exchangers. They will include the design and selection of exchangers for a two-stage heat pump system, as well as work on the construction and optimisation of an upper heat source heater. Thanks to the use of advanced computational tools, including CFD simulations and optimisation methods based on metamodels, they will create a series of optimal design variants. In this way, the team will make a significant contribution to the development of high-efficiency heat exchangers, key to high-temperature heat pump installations.

The total cost of the project, covered by the Foundation for Polish Science, is PLN 10,992,912.95. The AGH University of Krakow shall receive PLN 3,348,912.95.

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The TEAM NET programme is addressed at consortia of two or three research teams from Polish research entities. Its objective is to strengthen cooperation and combine competences, for the implementation of large-scale projects, from the development of solutions to testing and implementation. The programme focusses on fields relevant to the economy and security: health, environment, and industry 4.0. Projects with the highest ratings are recommended for funding.

In the 1/2025 call, 65 applications were submitted, 58 of them passed the formal assessment; however, only 14 qualified to the second stage of merit evaluation. Ultimately, eight projects were selected. Each will last three years.

For the implementation of selected projects, the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) will allocate nearly PLN 90 million from the European Funds for Smart Economy. The projects concern technologies for industrial energy efficiency, next-generation communications, digital tools supporting maritime safety, solutions for agriculture and the circular economy, and projects in the field of human and animal health.