Imagine your factory's air compressor is like a car engine that wastes a third of its fuel just running. A Norwegian company built a completely new type of compressor that works like a rotary engine instead of a traditional piston — spinning smoothly rather than hammering back and forth. It uses at least 30% less electricity and costs 35% less to run. They built five units and tested them in real industrial settings with a major gas company, targeting nitrogen generators on cargo ships first.
Industrial air compressors are energy hogs — they account for a significant share of factory electricity bills and ship operating costs. Traditional reciprocating compressors are heavy, maintenance-intensive, and waste energy through mechanical friction. Companies running nitrogen generators in maritime shipping and industrial gas production are paying far more than necessary for compressed air.
Five physical CRC compressor units were manufactured and prepared for industrial piloting. The project also produced a project website. The technology moved from validated lab prototype (TRL6) toward real-environment demonstration, with piloting planned in collaboration with Air Products.
If you are a shipping company dealing with high energy costs from onboard nitrogen generators — this project developed a rotary reciprocal air compressor that delivers minimum 30% energy savings and 35% lower operating costs. Five units were manufactured for industrial piloting. The lighter weight also reduces vessel load.
If you are an industrial gas company dealing with inefficient compressor technology in your nitrogen generators — this project built a first-of-its-kind rotary reciprocal displacement compressor piloted in collaboration with Air Products. It cuts energy use by at least 30% and operating costs by 35%, giving you a direct competitive advantage in equipment efficiency.
If you are a manufacturing plant spending heavily on compressed air — this project developed a compressor that reduces energy consumption by minimum 30% and operating costs by 35%. If widely adopted across EU industry, the technology could cut 17MT of CO2 emissions, helping you meet carbon reduction targets while saving money.
The project data does not disclose unit pricing. However, the objective states CRC reduces operating costs by 35% annually, so the total cost of ownership is significantly lower than conventional compressors regardless of purchase price.
Yes. Five CRC units were manufactured for industrial-scale piloting, with Air Products as the pilot partner. The company projected accumulated revenues of €67.81m by year 5 post-project, indicating plans for volume production and wide market deployment.
OTECHOS AS is the sole consortium partner and likely holds all IP rights. The CRC is described as the first rotary reciprocal displacement air compressor on the market, representing a unique selling point. Based on available project data, licensing terms would need to be discussed directly with OTECHOS.
The project aimed to raise the technology from TRL6 (validated in lab) to TRL9 (market-ready). Five physical units were manufactured and prepared for piloting in real industrial settings. The project completed its two-year timeline in June 2019.
The CRC targets nitrogen generator manufacturers in the maritime shipping sector as its primary market. Based on available project data, the compressor is designed as a drop-in replacement for conventional air compressors in nitrogen generation systems, with the added benefit of being lighter weight.
The project objective states minimum 30% annual energy savings compared to conventional compressors. If widely implemented across EU industry, the technology could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17MT of CO2. These figures come from the SME Phase 1 feasibility study.
OTECHOS AS is a Norwegian SME that received €1,596,875 in EU funding through the SME Instrument Phase 2. Their project website is otechos.com. Based on available project data, the company projected creating 29 new full-time positions by year 5 post-project.
This is a single-company project by OTECHOS AS, a Norwegian SME that received €1,596,875 through the competitive SME Instrument Phase 2 — a funding scheme that requires a strong business plan and commercial viability assessment. The 100% industry consortium with no academic partners signals this is a market-driven venture, not a research exercise. The collaboration with Air Products (a global industrial gases leader) for piloting adds commercial credibility, though Air Products is not a formal consortium member. For a business buyer, this means you are dealing directly with the technology developer and likely IP owner, simplifying any licensing or procurement conversation.
OTECHOS AS is a Norwegian SME — contact their business development or CEO directly via otechos.com
Want an introduction to the CRC team at OTECHOS? SciTransfer can arrange a direct meeting to discuss licensing, integration, or bulk purchasing. Contact us for a one-page technology brief.
