| Project Detail |
Harnessing concentrated solar energy for surface modification of metallic parts
Surface modification, as a sub-field of Surface Engineering, targets on enhancing the performance and longevity of metallic parts that operate under severe environments that involve wear, abrasion, erosion and cavitation. Addressing these issues is crucial as industries strive towards sustainable solutions amidst global climate concerns. In response, the EU-funded TWINSOLARSURF project unites Greece’s University of West Attica’s Triblab with leading institutes like Germany’s DLR and Spain’s CIEMAT-Plataforma Solar de Almeria. The project will develop an innovative elaboration route for surface reinforcement of metallic surfaces of large dimensions by harnessing concentrated solar energy as an alternative to conventional hardfacing processes. This green, energy-efficient approach enhances material resilience in aggressive environments and aligns with Europe’s green technology objectives.
TWINSOLARSURF’s overall aim is to improve the knowledge, skills, competencies and innovation capacities of the research and administrative staff of the Laboratory of Surface Engineering (Triblab) of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of West Attica (UNI.W.A) Greece. The strategic target is the evolution of Triblab from a laboratory of a former technological institute to a unique in Greece, future-oriented research unit of an engineering school, strategically conceived as a self-sustained contact mechanics facility and eventually established as a reliable research partner for academia and industry at European level of innovation. In this perspective and in conjunction with EU and Greece’s transition into a carbon neutral economy by 2050, Triblab has partnered with two top-class EU Research Institutes, namely the Institute of Future Fuels of the German Aerospace Center/DLR and the Spanish CIEMAT-Plataforma Solar de Almeria. The consortium will work together on a strategic plan for co-developing a capacity building programme, sharing knowledge, integrating expertise and skills of institutes during and towards their transformation and evolution and delving into new research avenues. This endeavour will run in parallel with an exploratory project on the research playground of surface processing of metallic materials for use in aggressive environments (e.g. wear, abrasion, erosion, high temperature), via exploitation of solar energy, in an ambitious, yet pragmatic and feasible workplan based on previous relevant research efforts of the partners. The overall approach is fully linked to the European Green Deal strategy for green industrial technologies of the future, further penetration of renewable energies and building the skilled research personnel capable of addressing the global societal, political and environmental challenges of our future ecosystem. |
