Energy Transition
Prof. Jaime Lozano
Head
- (48) 3721-7900
- jaime@polo.ufsc.br
Energy Transition
Global energy consumption increased by approximately 60% between 1990 and 2022, accompanied by an approximately 65% increase in greenhouse gas emissions. This rapid growth, driven primarily by industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, has had profound impacts on the environment and human life. It is one of the greatest challenges we have ever faced as a species, requiring coordinated action on several fronts. Governments, institutions, and civil society are increasingly pushing for sustainable solutions that can reverse or mitigate these effects. However, the economic viability of these solutions remains a decisive factor for their widespread adoption.
It is in this context that research centers like the Polo become strategic, proposing innovations that balance environmental performance and economic competitiveness. The Polo's operations focus on thermal systems, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, the intelligent use of resources, and applied innovation. Activities range from the detailed characterization of thermophysical properties of complex fluids to the development of simulation and control software, including mathematical modeling, the assembly of experimental benches, and process optimization. In addition to research activities, the Polo offers a range of specialized technological services for industry and research institutions. These services include experimental testing, the development of computational tools, advanced simulations, technical consulting, and support for the development of new products and processes.
Experimental characterization of thermophysical properties: Conducting laboratory tests to measure the properties of pure fluids and mixtures. The laboratory can measure specific heat, thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, and phase equilibrium, with applications in industrial and academic projects.
Thermo-hydraulic characterization of heat transfer processes: Thermo-hydraulic characterization of heat transfer processes:
On-demand software development for thermal simulation and control: Creation of customized computational tools for modeling, simulating, or controlling thermal systems, with intuitive interfaces and integration with experimental databases.
Simulation and numerical analysis of thermal systems: Execution of computer simulations to predict the thermal and fluid-dynamic performance of components and systems using commercial software or tools developed on demand.
Development of AI-based thermal solutions: Implementation of predictive models with artificial intelligence for thermal systems, covering real-time optimization, failure prediction, sensitivity analysis and intelligent control of energy processes;
Design, assembly and instrumentation of experimental benches: Complete development of test benches, from conceptual design to instrumentation and automation. Meeting specific industry demands or applied research projects.
Computational optimization of processes and systems: Application of optimization techniques to improve the efficiency of thermal systems. This may include parameter calibration, reducing operating costs, or evaluating trade-offs between performance, cost, and sustainability.
Characterization of thermophysical properties of complex fluid mixtures: Experimental investigation and modeling of properties such as density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, specific heat and phase equilibrium in multicomponent mixtures, with a focus on applications in advanced thermal systems and industrial processes.
Development of advanced thermal management systems: Design and evaluation of compact and efficient thermal systems using approaches such as microchannels, sprays, passive heat sinks, aimed at electronic, automotive and energy applications.
Thermal management of electrolyzers and fuel cells: Development of temperature control techniques in hydrogen chain devices, aiming to maximize electrochemical efficiency, extend component life and enable safe operation in different environmental conditions.
Mitigation of thermostructural phenomena in oil and gas wells: Investigação de tensões térmicas e mecânicas induzidas por gradientes de temperatura em operações offshore e onshore, com foco na integridade estrutural de poços profundos e na prevenção de falhas operacionais.
Assessment of technologies for carbon capture, characterization and transport: Study of systems for separation and transport of CO₂, focusing on the analysis of mixtures rich in carbon dioxide, characterization of relevant thermophysical properties and development of integrated capture and storage solutions.
Development of innovative refrigeration technologies: Evaluation and development of greenhouse gas-free refrigeration systems based on cycles such as magnetocaloric cycles. Experimental evaluation and simulation of the thermodynamic performance of prototypes on a laboratory and industrial scale.
