In the framework of the specific support Objective 1.2.1 “Increase private sector investment in R&D” of the Operational Programme “Growth and Employment” Measure 1.2.1.1 “Support for the development of new products and technologies within competence centres” “MACHINERY COMPETENCE CENTRE” Ltd. implements the project No.1.2.1.1/18/A/008 “Mechanical Engineering Competence Centre” from 1 April 2019 till 30 June 2022.
Within the framework of the project “Mechanical Engineering Competence Centre”, Steel PROFI Ltd. in cooperation with Latelectrics Ltd. will start on 1 December 2020 the implementation of the interdisciplinary research project No 4.8 “Research and prototyping of a small and medium-sized self-cleaning flue gas electrostatic precipitator process”.
The research project aims to develop a compact and efficient filtration system for industrially generated flue gases using electrostatic principles. The filter is to be designed in such a way that the electrostatically charged surfaces are continuously self-cleaning, thus maintaining high filtration efficiency and reducing the need for maintenance and servicing.
The study is planned to be completed by 31 December 2021. The total cost is estimated at EUR 227 568,00, including EUR 136 540,80 from the European Regional Development Fund.
The project will be financed by the European Research Council and the European Commission:
Known technical solutions for electrostatic treatment of flue gases have been investigated to define the area of advantage of the new solution, the main prospective solutions have been identified and the technological development of the necessary components has started.
The development of the 3D model, the design of the components and the preparation of the drawings were carried out.
Determination of the parameters required to generate the required electrostatic field. Aerodynamic epics of the internal flue gas flows were modelled and analysed to provide the optimal flue gas flow paths for the solution.
Period 31.03.2021 – 30.06.2021
Further development of the details of the research work.Investigation and selection of the most promising mechatronic solutions initiated and finalised. Mechanical sections of the main components developed. Required electrostatic field
Design and construction of the mechanical section for the generation of the required electrostatic field.
Initial 3D model and component detail developed.
Started fabrication of prototype components from own materials. Equipment
Principle performance tests of the components. After the tests, several adjustments were made
to the developed components and technological assemblies.
Period 01.07. – 30.09.2021
Further development of the machinery design and adaptation of the design for the start of production. Adjustments made to the 3D model. Prototype design produced and compatibility of mechanisms checked.
Electrical schematic developed and work started on electrical control solutions.
Period 01.10. – 31.12.2021
Completion of the mechanical section of the prototype. Dry tests carried out at Steel Profi. In parallel, installation of most of the electrical components was completed.
01.01. – 31.03.2022
During the reporting period, the project was completed and the prototype was tested in a near-work environment. Before the start of the tests, the following works were carried out:
- Completion of the mechanical section of the prototype and tightness testing.
- Design of the high voltage distribution and the high voltage distribution system.
- High-voltage distribution integrated into the control/drive system
Prototype tested in a near-work environment. The findings allowed improvements to be made to the design and the electrical control scheme to adapt the PLC software to different external weather conditions.