Validering av demonstrator för vattenkraft

Viktiga resultat som projektet gav

Projektmål enligt ansökan: Manufacturing and validation of semi-industrial self-lubricated graphene-based polymer composites bearing. Målet är uppfyllt och flera typer av demonstrator utvecklades av två olika av grafen baserad kompositer samt kommersiella lager material. Demonstratorers tribologiska egenskaper testades i olika testmiljöer (torr/vatten och miljövänliga smörjmedel).

Långsiktiga effekter som förväntas

Introduktion av grafenbaserade material i nya industriella tillämpningsområden på prototypnivå. Utveckling av flera typer av experimentella och kommersiella komposit prototyper för att utvärdera och jämföra de tribologiska prestanda och livslängd. Etablering av ett nytt samverkanssätt mellan lager tillverkare och slutanvändare. Inom projektet skapades en strukturerad plattform för gemensamma diskussioner kring utmaningar, prestandakrav och felmekanismer mellan material utvecklare och slutanvändare.

Upplägg och genomförande

Project was focused on graphene based bearing composite prototypes for hydropower applications. Test results confirmed significantly improved tribological performance compared to commercially available materials. Surface functionalisation enhanced graphene-matrix interactions, while sustainable lubricants and water were evaluated as alternative lubrication. Prototypes were successfully validated, increasing technology maturity and supporting reliable and sustainable energy production.

Abstract in English

Validation of hydropower bearings demonstrator based on self-lubricating graphen/2D based polymer composites

Important results from the project
Project goal according to application: Manufacturing and validation of semi-industrial self-lubricated graphene-based polymer composites bearing. The goal is met and several types of demonstrator have been developed from two different graphene-based composites and commercial bearing materials. Demonstrators tribological properties were tested in different test environments (dry/water and environmentally friendly lubricants).

Expected long term effects
Introduction of graphene-based materials in new industrial application areas. Development of several types of experimental and commercial composite prototypes to evaluate and compare tribological performance and service life. Establishment of a new way of collaboration between bearing manufacturers and end users. The project created a structured platform for joint discussions on challenges, performance requirements and failure mechanisms between material developers and end users.

Approach and implementation
Project reports the development of graphene-based self-lubricating polymer bearing prototypes for hydropower applications. Laboratory tests at LTU confirmed significantly improved tribological performance compared to commercial materials. Surface functionalisation enhanced graphene–matrix interaction, while sustainable lubricants and water were evaluated. Semi-industrial prototypes were validated, increasing technology maturity and supporting reliable, sustainable energy production.

Utlysning:
Samverkan kring kommersiella tillämpningar med grafen, 2021

Projektpartners: Luleå tekniska universitet, Fortum, Skellefteå Kraft, Statkraft, Sustainalube, Trelleborg och Vattenfall

Projektledare: Nazanin Emami, Luleå tekniska universitet

Projektform: Demonstratorprojekt

Bidrag: 4 050 000 kr

Projektets löptid: April 2022 - januari 2026

Relaterade projekt:
Grafenbaserade självsmörjande nötningsbeständiga kompositer för lager i vattenkraft

Relaterade styrkeområden: