THE PROTOTYPES

The Air4NRG project focuses on the real-world validation of its technological innovations through the development of three distinct prototypes, charting a clear path from scientific foundation to industrial readiness:

RAPIDCOMB PROTOTYPE

RapidCompB is a highly instrumented scientific prototype designed for deep physical analysis and technological tool development. Operating at a power output of approximately 5 kW and pressures up to 300 bars, it serves as the essential bridge between laboratory simulations and industrial pilots. 

This unit focuses on optimising advanced control algorithms and refining the understanding of complex thermodynamic and physical phenomena. By mapping these core processes, RapidCompB mitigates technical risks and secures a robust foundation for the scaling phases of the Air4NRG I-CAES technology.

HA PROTOTYPE

The HA unit is our first containerised prototype, providing the initial operational proof of concept for the integrated storage and discharge process. Delivering a power output of 25 kW, it is built entirely with standard industrial components from project partners to demonstrate real-world feasibility, safety, and modularity. 

This pilot is dedicated to long-duration use case demonstration and critical TRL5 validation in a relevant end-user environment. It is designed to prove the performance and viability of the system under grid conditions before moving to full commercial scale. 

Timeline: The prototype will undergo shakedown testing in Spain at the ABC Compressors facility in mid-2026, followed by field deployment and validation in Portugal at the EDP LABELEC facility by the end of 2026. 

HX PROTOTYPE

The HX unit represents the final prototype of the project and a full-scale upscaling of the HA architecture. Utilising full-size industrial components, it stands as the ultimate validation of the scalability, modularity, and replicability of the Air4NRG I-CAES process for large-scale energy storage. 

Designed for heavy-duty, multi-hour grid support, this system demonstrates the readiness of our Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) solution. It directly addresses the market’s need for sustainable, large-scale decarbonisation tools. 

Timeline: The HX final prototype is scheduled to be fully operational and demonstrated in Spain in mid 2027, marking the project’s final milestone and its transition toward industrial deployment and commercial market integration.