Almost PLN 11 million for research for scientists from Gdańsk University of Technology | Gdańsk University of Technology

OPUS 25

Project "Dangerous legacy. Harmful pollutants and their identification in the substance of an industrial monument and its conservation protection model", project leader: prof. Jakub Szczepański, Faculty of Architecture, funding amount: PLN 1,097,246.

Project description

Many former industrial plants have been abandoned as a result of economic changes or industry collapse. These objects often gain the status of monuments and are adapted for new purposes. The aim of the project is to investigate the relationship between the resources of post-industrial cultural heritage and the pollution accumulated within it and their potential harmfulness. This issue will be examined based on the case of the former Gdańsk Shipyard complex.

Project "Research on phenomena accompanying friction in sliding joints lubricated with water containing solid particles of mineral origin", project leader: prof. Wojciech Litwin, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology, funding amount: PLN 702,400.

Project description

The main scientific goal of the project is to investigate and understand the wear process of the metal - flexible polymer sliding pair lubricated with water containing solid particles of mineral origin. A specially designed and recently built laboratory research stand will be used for testing water-lubricated sliding bearings, which allows for examining the wear process of sliding pairs while precisely recording movement resistance and temperatures. The project has both scientific and practical significance. Completing it will allow us to gain new knowledge about friction and wear processes. Practical knowledge in the selection of sliding pairs, shaping their geometry, and the use of the latest CFD and FEM software to create models of friction nodes will increase ecological safety through "green" bearings for use in water pumps, hydropower and the shipbuilding industry. Key development directions include: "green tribology" focusing on friction and wear of sliding bearings, from which substances harmful to the natural environment, especially oils of mineral origin, have been eliminated.

Project "Experimental research and modeling of pollutant transformation processes in biochar-sand filters", project leader, prof. Adam Szymkiewicz, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, funding amount: PLN 1,725,945.

Project description

Biochars are porous material obtained from various types of organic waste. The aim of the project is to investigate the usefulness of biochar and sand mixtures for removing nitrogen compounds and selected pharmaceuticals from polluted water. Research is planned in the laboratory and at a pilot facility. Numerical models will also be developed to simulate water flow processes and pollutant removal in biochar-sand mixtures. The project will be implemented by a consortium of Gdańsk Tech and the Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

PRELUDIUM 22

Project "Virtual reality technology in architectural heritage and its impact on the conservation of monuments", project leader: Szymon Kowalski, MSc, Faculty of Architecture, project supervisor: Piotr Stanisław Samól, PhD, Eng., funding amount: PLN 189,120

Project description

The project focuses on architectural research of a homogeneous group of historic buildings - Dominican churches in Gdańsk, Tallinn and Pavia - and the visualization of their results, showing the four-dimensional construction history as the changeability of the structure over time using virtual reality technology. Based on digital inventory using photogrammetry and laser scanning, it is possible to create accurate digital copies of real objects and then visualize their transformations using 3D computer modeling techniques. Such an interdisciplinary approach, thanks to its non-invasiveness and immateriality, does not have a destructive impact on the authenticity of monuments and allows us to "experience" history through stimulation of the senses and immersion in the digital world using the latest technologies.

Project "Decision support system for the diagnosis of small vessel disease using the synergy of machine learning and radiomics", project leader: Maria Ferlin, MSc, Eng.  Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, project supervisor: Michał Grochowski,PhD, DSc, Eng., funding amount: PLN 195,200.

Project description

The project aims to analyze the possibility of using the synergy of the latest machine learning and radiomics methods to detect changes in the brain caused by small vessel disease (SVD). Diagnosing this disease is extremely important in preventing the loss of cognitive functions. As part of the research, a system for detecting microbleeds and segmenting leukoaraiosis and lacunae will be designed, and then the MRI images will be analyzed for radiomic features to select those that will allow the detection of individual changes. In the final stage, the most advantageous way to combine these two methods will be examined.

Project "More than MoS2: Study of charge storage mechanisms using in-situ Raman measurements in transition metal dichalcogenides as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries", project manager: Zuzanna Zarach, MSc, Eng. Faculty of Chemistry, project supervisor: Andrzej Paweł Nowak, PhD, DSc, Eng., funding amount: PLN 140,000

Project description

The project focuses on the study of transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) as potential anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The main goal is to investigate the chemical and structural properties of these materials and improve their stability when storing energy. The project will use the in-situ Raman spectroscopy technique, enabling the analysis of processes occurring during energy storage, including processes responsible for the degradation of materials and reducing their stability. This research is expected to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies, supporting the development of sustainable energy solutions.

Project "Production and properties of polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC) obtained using bio-polyols synthesized in the process of biomass liquefaction", project leader: Adam Olszewski, MSc, Eng. Faculty of Chemistry, project supervisor: Łukasz Piszczyk,PhD, DSc, Eng., funding amount: PLN 70,000

Project description

Natural, low-emission and formaldehyde-free wood-like boards – is it possible? As part of his project, Adam Olszewski, MSc, Eng. will produce a new type of polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC), which may become such materials. The aim of the project is to investigate the impact of replacing petrochemical polyols with bio-polyols synthesized in the biomass liquefaction process on the properties of PU-WC composites. The developed materials will have almost zero formaldehyde emissions and reduced impact on the natural environment, while maintaining quality standards sufficient for industrial use. Composites can be used as an alternative to commonly used wood-like boards in the furniture and construction industries and in the production of packaging. The introduction of the developed composites into mass production may contribute to reducing the consumption of fossil raw materials, limiting the negative impact of the plastics industry on the environment and increasing the quality of life of end users of products.

BIS SONATA 13

Project "New power electronic subsystems with high power density as the basis for future hybrid microgrids", project leader: Oleksandr Husev, PhD, Eng., Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Automation, funding amount: PLN 2,881,640.

Project description

The aim of this project is to accelerate the energy transformation through the development of low-voltage hybrid DC and AC microgrids that can solve problems related to the further increase in renewable energy production, electrification of vehicles and reduction of environmental pollution. At the heart of this project are advanced, high-power-density power electronics converters that can be considered fundamental for future hybrid microgrids.