Developed by CERTH, Deliverable 4.2 –  Evaluation Methodology  presents a comprehensive KPI-based evaluation framework to assess innovative induction and microwave heating technologies in industrial processes, supporting energy efficiency, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness.The framework was applied to two demonstrators:

The goal is to quantify improvements over conventional methods in terms of energy efficiency, production performance, CO₂ emissions reduction, cost-effectiveness, and social impact, enabling a clear comparison between baseline and upgraded systems.

To ensure consistent and reliable evaluation, a five-step methodology was developed:

  1. Dedicated working teams were established for each KPI category: technical, environmental, economic, and social.
  2. Relevant KPIs were defined using standardised KPI Cards to ensure clarity and comparability.
  3. Key process-driven parameters were identified to support KPI calculation.
  4. Measurement equipment was specified for real-time data collection at both DEMOs.
  5. Partner responsibilities for equipment procurement and monitoring were clearly allocated.

KPI Categories

  • Technical KPIs (T-KPIs): Six indicators assess energy efficiency, consumption per output, temperature and field uniformity, system tuning, and process stability.
  • Environmental KPIs (ENV-KPIs): Eight indicators cover greenhouse gas emissions, primary energy consumption, fossil fuel reduction, and the payback period for emissions reduction.
  • Economic KPIs (EC-KPIs): Seven indicators evaluate investment and operational costs, unit costs, profitability, net present value, and payback period.
  • Social KPIs (S-KPIs): Five indicators monitor workplace safety, comfort, electromagnetic field exposure, and compliance with occupational noise limits.

Each KPI was linked to specific process-driven parameters and matched with appropriate measurement tools to ensure accuracy and comparability.

Process-Driven Parameters and Measurement

For DEMO I (ARTIGO), parameters include thermal oil flow, electrical and photovoltaic power consumption, production speed, product dimensions, process temperatures, and workplace safety indicators like noise and magnetic field exposure.

For DEMO II (K-FLEX), parameters include electrical power consumption, pipe geometry, production speed, microwave frequency, layer adhesion, process temperatures, and social safety metrics such as electromagnetic exposure and noise levels.

The required instruments were listed, with procurement responsibilities assigned to partners based on expertise and supplier networks. DEMO holders retain monitoring responsibility, supported by other partners as needed, ensuring reliable real-time data collection.

D4.2 establishes a robust framework for evaluating the technical, environmental, economic, and social benefits of JOULIA’s heating innovations. Key achievements include:

  • Clear definition of KPIs tailored to each industrial process.
  • Comprehensive identification of process-driven parameters.
  • Detailed planning for measuring equipment, procurement, and monitoring responsibilities.
  • Flexibility to accommodate evolving project needs and industrial complexities.

This framework ensures that induction and microwave heating technologies can be quantitatively assessed, demonstrating measurable improvements over conventional systems. Beyond the demonstrations, it lays the groundwork for scaling and wider adoption of these technologies across energy-intensive industries, supporting industrial decarbonisation and sustainable manufacturing.

Future work will focus on real-time monitoring, KPI validation, and data-driven evaluation of the demonstration results. Insights gained will guide both JOULIA partners and the wider industrial community in adopting energy-efficient, low-carbon heating solutions, contributing to a sustainable industrial future.

The full Deliverable 4.2 is available for download in the Deliverables section of the website.