Ljubljana, 12 January 2026 – The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana (UL FME), has achieved an excellent result in this year’s University of Ljubljana Innovation Fund call: both projects submitted by the faculty have been awarded funding. The successful proposals are led by Assoc. Prof. Katja Klinar, PhD (Laboratory for Cooling and District Energy – LAHDE) and Assoc. Prof. Primož Poredoš, PhD (Laboratory for Environmental Technologies in Buildings – LOTZ). Together, they are developing advanced solutions with clear potential for real-world deployment—from more effective cooling of electronic components to healthier indoor living environments.
A silent, sustainable solution to indoor humidity and mould (LOTZ)
Assoc. Prof. Primož Poredoš, PhD, is developing an innovative device for regulating indoor humidity in residential spaces. The concept combines passive and active operation enabled by advanced sorption materials (e.g., zeolites, MOFs, LiCl composites, hydrogels). The solution is designed to control humidity efficiently without noise, without compressors, and without environmentally problematic refrigerants. It can be used as a stand-alone unit or integrated into interior architecture—for example as a picture-frame element or wall panel.
The project addresses a widespread and health-relevant issue: dampness and mould in homes. In the EU, humidity-related problems are estimated to affect around 20–30% of households, with potential consequences including asthma, allergies, and respiratory disease—particularly in infants and children. The device targets users seeking a quiet, aesthetically integrated, and energy-efficient solution that avoids frequent emptying and disruptive operation.
The project scope includes prototype development, laboratory and field testing, intellectual property protection (patent/utility model and trademark), pilot installations in households and public buildings, and preparation of a commercialization strategy. Sustainability is a key focus: the device can operate fully passively without electricity, while sorbent regeneration can be accelerated when needed via a USB-C connection. Integrated sensors and IoT connectivity enable smart control and data collection to optimize performance. The research team includes Assoc. Prof. Primož Poredoš, PhD, and Assist. Dejan Trajkovski.
“Excess humidity and the resulting mould gradually undermine living comfort and users’ health. With SORBIOM, we are developing an advanced concept based on next-generation sorption materials to regulate indoor humidity comprehensively and improve indoor comfort throughout the year,” emphasized Assoc. Prof. Primož Poredoš, PhD.
Micro vapour-compression cooling for processors and power electronics (LAHDE)
Assoc. Prof. Katja Klinar, PhD, and the LAHDE team are advancing the development of a micro vapour-compression cooling system for compact devices in microelectronics and power electronics, where components generate very high heat fluxes during operation. The proposed system represents a next step in thermal management: it can outperform conventional air and liquid cooling approaches, while being designed for refrigerants with low global warming potential—aligned with environmental requirements and regulatory trends.
The system has already been experimentally validated in the laboratory, reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. With Innovation Fund support, the team aims to advance the technology to TRL 6, meaning demonstration in relevant, real-world applications. To this end, the prototype will be adapted for cooling a processor (target market: computing components) and an IGBT module (target market: power electronics). The project team includes Assoc. Prof. Katja Klinar, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Urban Tomc, PhD, Dr. Daniel Calleja Anta, and Prof. Andrej Kitanovski, PhD.
“We are pleased that our concept was recognized during the innovation selection process as both compelling and highly promising. The next development step is testing on an actual processor and benchmarking against conventional solutions,” noted Assoc. Prof. Katja Klinar, PhD.
Impact and next steps
Both projects underscore UL FME’s research excellence and deliver solutions with tangible impact: healthier indoor environments, improved energy efficiency, decarbonization potential, and more reliable operation of advanced electronics. In the next phase, both teams will develop prototypes, conduct testing and pilot deployments, secure intellectual property protection, and prepare a clear pathway to market.
PHOTO:
Cover image: created with the help of artificial intelligence
Doc. Primož Poredoš: photo by Mateja Jordovič Potočnik
Doc. Katja Klinar: photo courtesy of the University of Ljubljana