Sustainable Materials Hackathon: the materials of the future

Terna has always been at the forefront of innovation and research, particularly involving young talent. This commitment forms the basis of the recent hackathon promoted in collaboration with UniSMART, the University of Padua foundation, and aimed at university students, researchers and post-graduates of STEM degree courses (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

This challenge was intended to generate new ideas and innovative approaches based on the principles of industrial, economic and environmental sustainability, in this case in the arena of Advanced Materials: materials with “superior” properties or performance able to make a difference in the electricity grid of the future. The category includes all technologically advanced materials with properties that are useful to create lower-cost, higher-efficiency applications supporting the energy transition. This is a starting point to successfully manage the progressive transformation of electricity infrastructure with sustainable solutions.

The entirely digital contest, involving brainstorming and training sessions, took place from 23 November up until the final on 26 November, held live on ZOOM in the presence of Stefania Ratti and Simona Sapio “Head of Innovation planning, governance & Hub management” and “Head of Talent Acquisition & Employer Brand” at Terna. Five teams were selected: Smart_Sustainability, Ecolution, EnTra, DC/AC, Tutti Fermi. These teams were judged to be best aligned with the goal of the challenge: combining advanced technology with circular economy logic, in line with one or more of the SDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals).

The Smart Sustainability group focused on Beacon technology as a method for preventing accidents during helicopter rescue operations in areas with high-voltage electricity lines. The beacons are low-frequency radio transmitters fitted on pylons, which use Bluetooth Low Energy technology to send signals to receivers on helicopters, avoiding possible collisions.

The Ecolution team proposed use of innovative materials in the field of energy storage: this ultralight and durable material would allow lower production and transport costs. Furthermore, its very high conductivity makes it perfect for electrical devices. The EnTra team members concentrated on problems deriving from construction of infrastructure, starting with the polluting materials used. Their solution was “pharaoh’s cement”, a cement (used at the time of construction of the pyramids) that is entirely sustainable, being produced with waste materials.

Tutti Fermi developed the idea of several microcapsules capable of repairing micro-damage on insulating sheaths of underground cables. Using self-repair technology, once incorporated with the damaged sheaths of the cables, the capsules release dicyclopentadiene, an agent that binds with the sheath material, preventing breakage.

The winning students (who received a cash prize of € 3,500) were those on the DC/AC team, thanks to two innovative solutions for coating pylons and cables. The project began with the desire to create a system capable of reducing the environmental impact of pylons and prevent damage caused by extreme weather events. From here arose the idea to create “smart” coatings based on requirements. For pylons, the students proposed a coating to transform structures into photocatalysts; catalysts that are capable of breaking down polluting organic molecules (such as those from road traffic) using sunlight. The other coating, for cables, was a combination of materials that produces the same photocatalyst activity and is also extremely hydrophobic, allowing water to run off conductors without creating damage. Both coatings would be applied using a powder coating system, without the need for chemical binding agents. Basically, a non-polluting solution that makes the project 100% green and perfect for the electricity system of the future.