The aim of the project is to achieve advances on the following topics: welding processes and methods, materials for arctic conditions, light-weight structures, standards and patents, coatings, and 3D manufacturing and corrosion protection.
"Our program area is an emerging cluster for Arctic technology development which utilizes extensive Russian and Finnish experience. To remain competitive in the field of Arctic engineering, strong cross-border cooperation is needed and institutional frameworks should be established. The project will assess the usability of new high-strength materials and advanced joining methods for application in various Arctic structures," said associate professor Paul Kah, EFREA project manager.
"The problem of energy supply is very acute in the Northern regions. The delivery of the organic energy resources to these areas is very expensive. In addition, the emissions of fuel combustion products, as well as storage of the spent fuel barrels cause significant environmental damage to the Arctic nature," said Professor Viktor Elistratov of SPbPU.
At the first stage of the project, the scientists expect to set the type and design parameters of the modular wind turbine, which will be developed based on the principles of digital design. Researchers will assess the natural and climatic characteristics and wind potential of the Arctic region and identify the most effective zones and extreme climatic factors for designing and manufacturing of the wind turbine. It should be noted that both grounds and floating (underwater) installations will be considered.
Taking into account the features of the Northern Sea Route operation, the large water surfaces of the northern seas and lakes in Russia and Finland, the manufacturing of such installations opens up tremendous prospects for the ecological energy supply to remote Arctic regions.
The Finnish participant of the consortium is LUT University which has extensive experience in the development and implementation of Arctic materials. "We have long-term experience in collaboration with LUT University," said Professor Sergei Parshin of SPbPU.
He added that supervisor of the project from Finland, Paul Kah, has been a visiting professor at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University for the past three years.
The third participant in the consortium, the Central Research Institute of Structural Materials, is engaged in analyzing the materials which can be used in the manufacturing of structural elements and the construction of the installation in Arctic conditions. The result of the project should be a prototype of a wind turbine adapted to northern conditions, as well as a geographic information system with wind potential, natural and climatic characteristics.
As an educational aspect of the project implemented in the framework of the European program "Cross-Border Cooperation", the obtained results will be used in programs for students of SPbPU and LUT University in the relevant departments. The students will be able to work in the framework of a real-world international project.
