Cold Region Technology Center

General information

The COLDTECH Foundation was formed in 1986. From 1996 COLDTECH is an integrated part of Luleå University of Technology. The aim of COLDTECH is to support research and development within the field of cold climate technology. Luleå University of Technology has always been focusing on research and development in cold climate engineering. The theme is quite natural due to the geographical location of the university. Research is carried out within a broad area of technology, in connection with the specific demands imposed by the climate. Presently, more than 70 persons at the University are involved in research projects concerning cold climate technology.

One of COLDTECH's goals is to bring research and industry closer together. Determining the needs and interests of business is one of COLDTECH's main tasks. Swedish companies are encouraged to participate in various research projects. Their roles can vary, everything from involvement in a consultative group to full active participation in a research project using their own personnel, equipment and money.

Research support can be carried out in different ways, e.g.

- COLDTECH arranges seminars and conferences

- COLDTECH is acting as an information center where scientists and companies can get information about cold climate technology.

Luleå University of Technology is the leading center for technical cold climate research in Sweden. Companies and research institutions with an interest in cold climate technology are invited to participate in those seminars and conferences arranged by COLDTECH.

COLDTECH also aims to encourage international exchange and, in that spirit, provides grants for guest researchers and participants in international conferences. A resource catalogue for information is available at Luleå University.

Some examples of COLDTECH research projects are mechanical properties of snow and ice, icing, frost, frost-heave, thaw weakening, building design and plans for building, planning and maintenance of winter roads, machine design and working conditions in a cold climate.

Icing

Icing is a well known phenomenon for anyone who lives in the northern latitudes. Ice-covered windshield wipers and frozen car doors annoy us during winters. A big problem is the icing of water intakes at power stations, radio masts, power lines and aeroplanes. De-icing costs millions every year. At Luleå University research is being carried out on the phenomenon of atmospheric icing. This research aims to increase understanding as to how ice builds up on different surfaces and how we, through proper choice of materials, can reduce the adhesiveness of the ice.

Construction work

Another area that COLDTECH is interested in concerns the conditions affecting construction in a cold climate. It is not necessarily so that construction techniques developed in warmer climates can be similarly applied in arctic climates. How such climates affect the quality of the materials, welding technique, lubricants, and how the constructions should be organized are examples of questions which the researchers seek to answer.

Further information can be obtained from:

Luleå University of Technology
COLDTECH
S-971 87 Luleå, Sweden

Professor Sven Knutsson
e-mail: Sven.Knutsson@ltu.se
Telephone: + 46 (0)920-49 13 32
Telefax: + 46 (0)920-49 20 75