Innovating Materials for Future Power Grids
Architectured materials illustrated
Electrification is placing growing demands on power grids. Power equipment such as transformers must withstand heat, electricity, magnetism and mechanical forces at the same time. In a new research project in collaboration between Uppsala University and Hitachi Energy, the concept of architectured materials will be studied with the aim of contributing to more efficient, reliable and sustainable power-system components.
The project, Multiphysics Architectured Materials for Sustainable Power Grids, is led by Mahmoud Mousavi, Associate Professor in Applied Mechanics at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. It is being carried out as a strategic mobility project with support from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, SSF.
As part of the strategic mobility project, the researcher spends part of their time working on site with an external partner. In this case, Mahmoud Mousavi is working at Hitachi Energy in Ludvika, in collaboration with Hitachi Energy’s research centre in Västerås.
“It is valuable to work close to the concrete challenges that arise when future power systems are to become more robust, efficient and sustainable. It gives a deeper understanding of the demands that materials must meet, while also providing insight into how industrial needs, innovation processes and long-term business priorities lead to research and technology development,” says Mahmoud Mousavi.
Mahmoud Mousavi, Universitetslektor vid Institutionen för materialvetenskap, Tillämpad mekanik
Architectured Materials for Multiphysics Functionality
Architectured materials are engineered materials in which geometry and internal structure, across multiple length scales, provide functionalities beyond those of the constituent materials alone. In the project, Mahmoud Mousavi is studying how architectured materials can be designed to handle multiple physical interactions that arise during the operation of power equipment. Through computer simulations, prototypes and testing in an industrial environment, the project will investigate how these material concepts can be applied in innovative ways in power-system components.
“In meetings with researchers, engineers and international experts, it becomes clear how fundamental research in mechanics, materials and multiphysics can be connected to long-term needs in the energy system,” says Mahmoud Mousavi.
Building on a Strategic Partnership
Uppsala University and Hitachi Energy have a strategic partnership to promote research, education, skills supply and innovation. The new mobility project builds on previous collaborations between the two parties.
For Uppsala University, the project means that research in materials engineering and applied mechanics can be developed close to industrial challenges. At the same time, experience from Hitachi Energy’s research and production environments can contribute to new research questions, student projects and educational activities. The collaboration also contributes to long-term competence supply by strengthening links between academic education and strategic industrial expertise.
“Bringing industrial perspectives and real engineering challenges into teaching is increasingly important for preparing future engineers and researchers. The project also illustrates the growing importance of academia–industry exchanges in frontier research, where addressing complex challenges increasingly requires interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term partnerships between universities and industry,” says Mahmoud Mousavi.