13 November 2024
New Technology Could Extend the Lifespan of Turbines
Nazanin Emami, Professor of Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology, has been selected for this year's prestigious IVA 100 list for a project that could enhance performance and extend the lifespan of bearing materials in turbines used in renewable energy systems. This research is an important step towards reducing environmental impact and increasing sustainability in hydropower, wind power, and wave energy.
Nazanin Emami and her research team have developed environmentally friendly polymer composite bearings that have shown up to 34% lower friction and nearly double the wear resistance compared to traditional materials.
"This technology aims to solve issues with short lifespan and to reduce or eliminate harmful PFAS chemicals in today’s polymer bearings used in turbines, which decreases maintenance needs and can improve energy efficiency," says Nazanin Emami.
Reduced Friction and Longer Lifespan
The new bearing materials are currently being tested in a specially designed test rig at Luleå University of Technology. The tests simulate real industrial conditions and have shown promising results.
"It is incredibly exciting that the self-lubricating polymer composite we have developed in the lab can, in some cases, reduce wear by up to 95% compared to commercial bearing materials. We hope this can lead to significant improvements across the entire energy sector," says Nazanin Emami.
Nazanin Emami. Professor at Luleå University of Technology.
Industry partners involved
The project is supported by VINNOVA’s SIO Grafen program and collaborates with major players such as Vattenfall, Trelleborg, Fortum, Statkraft, and Skellefteå Kraft. The project budget exceeds eight million SEK.
"The goal is to provide the hydropower and wind power industries with a sustainable solution that can improve both turbine production and lifespan. We are at a critical stage in the development of renewable energy," says Nazanin Emami.
IVA's 100 list
The project is one of eight projects that Luleå University of Technology has included in the 2024 edition of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) prestigious 100 list. The research projects on the list are considered to have great potential to benefit through commercialization, business and method development or social impact.
Contact
Nazanin Emami
- Professor
- 0920-491939
- nazanin.emami@ltu.se
- Nazanin Emami
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