ARES

The ARES project fits into the context of the digital transition and the circular economy, addressing the problem of the disposal of fine dust from electric furnaces (EAFs) in the steel industry. The goal is to develop a digital twin for the CleanTech® system, an innovative technology for the complete recycling of this industrial waste, transforming it into new raw materials.

ARES offers an advanced digital control and modeling system for the CleanTech® plant, allowing real-time monitoring and optimization of the carbothermic reduction process, energy recovery from flue gases, and the production of ferroalloys, mineral wool, and zinc-rich powders. The digital twin developed by Relatech SpA guarantees operational safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Relatech SpA's Digital Twin represents the technological core of the project and is the digital twin of the CleanTech® plant. Its main features are:

ARES is funded under the START4.0 2023 call for proposals. Start4.0 is the national center of excellence for the security and optimization of strategic infrastructures, which promotes digital innovation through the application of Industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing, energy, environmental, and security sectors. Co-financing is provided by AIT and Relatech through equity and credit lines, with an estimated return on investment of between 2 and 3 years thanks to the project's economic and environmental benefits.

The project is led by AIT Europa ENGINEERING Srl, owner of the CleanTech® technology, in collaboration with Relatech SpA. The team is supported by the University of Genoa (UNIGE) and the University of Salerno (UNISA) for scientific consultancy on energy modeling and data analysis. Together, the partners combine plant engineering, digital, and scientific expertise to create a safe, efficient, and replicable system.