Have you heard about the Helioroof project? Developed in collaboration with ArcelorMittal, this project offers a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solution tailored for steel roofs in industrial and commercial buildings. Helioroof stands out with its lightweight design, optimized architectural integration, and exceptional solar energy production performance. 

Innovation at the Heart of the Energy Transition

Helioroof is designed to meet the growing demand for photovoltaic solutions in the construction sector, where energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics are essential. This integrated BIPV solution, winner of the 2024 Innovation Industry Award in the Photovoltaics category, features high-power crystalline solar modules, among the largest ever produced for terrestrial applications.

ArcelorMittal, a global leader in steel, developed Helioroof to provide a sustainable, lightweight, and easy-to-install solution for inclined steel roofs. These prefabricated, insulated solar panels ensure better integration with steel structures, offering reduced environmental impact and enhanced energy performance.

CRM Group’s Role in the Project

The CRM Group plays a key role in developing the materials and manufacturing processes needed for the implementation of these photovoltaic modules. Our expertise in material evaluation and durability testing ensures that the solutions provided by Helioroof meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

Through our collaboration with ArcelorMittal, we have contributed to the design and optimization of industrial processes to ensure the robustness of solar panels in demanding environments. Additionally, our approach to decarbonization and the circular economy reinforces our commitment to sustainable solutions for the future of solar energy.

Helioroof’s Benefits

• Lightweight Design: Helioroof panels are tailored for steel roof structures, making installation easier.
• Energy Efficiency: The high-performance modules ensure maximum energy production, even in low-sunlight conditions.
• Architectural Integration: The BIPV solution seamlessly integrates with inclined roofs, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic.
• Durability: Helioroof is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring a long lifespan with minimal maintenance.

Moving Toward Commercialization

Currently in the certification phase, Helioroof is on track for large-scale commercialization. This innovative solution represents a major step forward in photovoltaic roofing for industrial and commercial buildings, contributing to the global energy transition.

At CRM Group, we are proud to be part of this journey, promoting clean and sustainable technologies for a greener future. 

To learn more about Helioroof and our contributions to the solar energy sector, don’t hesitate to contact us.

As part of the REMADE project within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, CRM Group recently installed a high-pressure Cold Spray system within its Advanced Manufacturing platform. This innovative process was successfully tested during trials for VLM Robotics, which brought in a mold manufactured through additive manufacturing (WAAM) that required protection with a copper coating.

Cold Spray is a cutting-edge technology that enables the deposition of metallic materials at high speeds without heating the objects, thereby preserving the metallurgical properties of the materials while ensuring excellent coating adhesion. This deposition process is ideal for protecting critical components used in aerospace and aviation sectors.

During the trials with VLM Robotics, CRM Group demonstrated its ability to apply a thick copper coating to large-scale (XL) parts, thanks to the combination of Cold Spray and a robot coupled with a rotating table capable of handling heavy and bulky objects. This collaboration highlighted the flexibility and precision of the process, paving the way for applications in demanding industries such as aerospace and energy, where the protection and durability of components are essential.

Cold Spray perfectly aligns with the industry's priorities of decarbonization and circular economy, addressing the growing need for component repair and protection without degrading their properties. With its state-of-the-art equipment, CRM Group is well-positioned to offer innovative solutions to companies, strengthening its role as a key player in the aerospace sector.

On July 1st, CRM Group proudly launched five new RFCS (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) projects, four of which we are coordinating. These projects—Metconzero, Vismain, Olacskin, and EdgerRolls—represent significant strides towards improving steelmaking technologies and processes. The fifth project, SafeHDRI, sees CRM Group contributing as a key partner. These initiatives underscore our commitment to driving technological innovation and collaboration within the steel industry.

What is RFCS?
The RFCS is a European program dedicated to funding research and development in the coal and steel sectors. By supporting projects that enhance safety, sustainability, and technological advancement, the RFCS plays a crucial role in helping industries meet the environmental and economic challenges of today.

Overview of Our Projects:

Metconzero (Metallurgical Consequences of Zero Carbon Steelmaking)
This project focuses on understanding the metallurgical impacts of zero-carbon steelmaking processes. As we shift towards circularity, more complex input flows will affect alloying conditions, altering microstructures and the final properties of steel. Metconzero aims to study these changes to ensure the production of high-quality, zero-carbon steel grades.

Vismain (Visual Assisted Inspection of Rolling Stands)
The Vismain project seeks to improve the safety and efficiency of visual inspections in hot strip mills. Current methods often provide poor visibility and expose maintenance workers to risks. Vismain will develop a visual inspection system that offers better results without compromising safety, reducing the need for personnel to physically enter the rolling stands.

Olacskin (On-Line Laser Cleaning of Skin-Pass Rolls)
Olacskin aims to create a dry skin-pass cleaning system using laser technology to remove zinc and detect defects in real-time. The project will develop a portable sensor prototype capable of capturing high-quality images of zinc stains, enabling accurate defect detection through an advanced algorithm.

EdgerRolls (Advanced Manufacturing and Improved Performance of Hot Rolling Mill Edger Rolls)
This project focuses on improving the supply and performance of tapered edger rolls for European hot strip mills. By adapting advanced manufacturing methods and improving cooling, lubrication, and caliper geometries, EdgerRolls will help enhance the performance and durability of these critical components.

SafeHDRI (Safe Transport of H2-Based Direct Reduced Iron)
The SafeHDRI project addresses the safe transport of hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H-DRI), focusing on reactivity, stability, and the effectiveness of passivation methods. By evaluating safety risks and the reusability of materials, SafeHDRI aligns with the European Green Deal and aims to support the transition to clean steel production technologies.

A Bright Future for Innovation

These projects reflect CRM Group’s ongoing commitment to advancing steelmaking technologies and promoting sustainability. As we move forward, we look forward to sharing the progress and innovations that will emerge from each of these groundbreaking initiatives.