Scientific research projects

Higher School of Nuclear and Heat Power Engineering

  • Comprehensive optimization of CHPP operation with regard of achieving technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation and Industry 4.0 concept

    We investigate ways to optimize the operation of thermal power plants from the point of view of increasing their marginal income. Our approach is to create a mathematical model of the plants and calibrate it based on ACS data. This provides us with a digital testing ground on which we can analyze various decisions on optimization of plant operation modes, order of generating equipment loading, possible scope of reconstruction and changes in the thermal scheme of the CHPP. Thus, even by redistributing the load between the equipment, without additional capital investments, it is possible to obtain a significant increase in the marginal income of the CHPP and improve the efficiency of the entire plant. Often in the course of our work we create software code that allows us to process data from the plant's ACS devices and monitor the current state of the CHPP, as well as perform optimization calculations. A separate block of our research is the use of low-potential heat utilization units, as well as hydrogen-generating and waste-processing technologies in the CHPP circuit. Thus, the CHPP can turn from an object of heat and electric power generation into a multifunctional enterprise capable of generating hydrogen and processing solid municipal waste in addition to its main purpose.

  • Scientific and Educational Center "Thermal Physics in Power Engineering"

    The research team is engaged in the study of heat and mass transfer processes, development and implementation of new methods and means of measurement, improvement of efficiency and environmental friendliness of power plants. Modern measuring instruments and unique developments of SPbPU researchers are used in the research. The laboratory of the Research Center for Thermal Engineering has developed and is improving the method of heat flow measurement based on thermoelectric effects - gradient thermometry. The technique is actively used both in laboratory experiments and in industry: in industrial boilers, in cooling channels of fissile material storage; in monitoring the state of bipolar transistors with isolated gate; in determining the thermophysical parameters of Li-Ion batteries etc. The research results allow to expand the knowledge of heat and mass transfer processes and use the information in optimization of operation, modernization and creation of new efficient power equipment.

  • Modern problems of boiler engineering

    We study issues of designing highly economical, reliable and environmentally safe boiler plants to ensure sustainable development of the energy sector. We investigate research processes of steam production of high parameters for energy consumption at combustion of organic fuel in power steam boilers.

  • Competence Centre for Advanced Nuclear Technologies towards Sustainable Development and Energy Decarbonisation

    The Prospective Nuclear Technologies Competence Centre develops advanced solutions for sustainable development and decarbonisation of the energy sector, including nuclear desalination, hydrogen production, application of artificial intelligence and numerical methods for modelling new generation reactors. The Centre focuses on modelling and optimising hydrogen production systems, developing nuclear hybrid systems, improving the efficiency of nuclear cogeneration plants, designing microreactors, applying artificial intelligence and integrating nuclear power plants with renewable energy sources.

     

 Higher School of Power Engineering

  • Design of compressors, compressor units, plants and stations

    Our main areas are design and development of axial and centrifugal compressors, positive displacement compressors and compressor equipment. Totally more than 50 projects of centrifugal compressors with unit capacity up to 25 MW (32 MW blower model with 90% efficiency was tested) have been realized according to our projects, more than 500 centrifugal compressors with total capacity of 5,5 million kW have been manufactured according to them. More than 25 projects of centrifugal compressors of turboexpander units in the interests of JSC "Turboholod" were executed, on which more than 120 TDA units were manufactured. As part of the federal program for the development of a promising helicopter gas turbine engine, work was performed on the design of high-pressure supersonic axial and centrifugal stages in the interests of JSC "Klimov". A general methodology and computer programs for gas dynamic design of axial and centrifugal compressors were compiled for the customer.

  • Experimental and numerical studies of aerodynamics of flow parts of steam and gas turbines

    Research group carries out experimental and numerical studies of aerodynamic characteristics of flow elements of stationary steam and gas turbines in order to improve them. The main objective of the research is to increase the efficiency of thermal stationary turbines and, in parallel, to improve the design and experimental methods of turbine development. Special feature of the research is the wide application of 3D flows of the working medium with the use of automation of data collection and processing. The availability of high-power blowers allows to perform scientific research in a wide range of aerodynamic similarity criteria.

  • Perspective work processes and designs of internal combustion engines

    The internal combustion engine is the main power unit in transportation. In modern society, transportation accounts for about 20% of the world's energy consumption, with 90-95% of the energy used by transportation provided by hydrocarbon-based fuels. Therefore, high operational, economic and environmental requirements are imposed on internal combustion engines. Technical and economic indicators of internal combustion engines are conditioned by the perfection of the realized working process. The aim of the scientific group is to improve the working processes on the basis of research of physicochemical, gas-dynamic, heat- and mass-exchange processes in internal combustion engines. Much attention is paid to the issues of converting engines to natural gas and other alternative fuels to solve the problem of reducing harmful emissions, including greenhouse gases.

  • Modern chemotology of hydrocarbon fuels and lubricating oils for internal combustion engines

    We conduct scientific and expert research in creating modern hydrocarbon fuels (motor gasoline, diesel fuels) of improved quality. We develop methods of fuel branding and fuel quality management by means of optimization of composition and application of highly effective multifunctional additives taking into account the principle of import substitution. We optimize the composition of lubricating motor oils, conduct their long-term resource engine and bench tests in the interests of domestic manufacturers of lubricants, as well as develop original methods of testing the quality of lubricating oils. We optimize the composition and technologies for the use of various tribo-compounds to solve the problems of improving the operational quality and service life of piston internal combustion engines.

  • Strength, reliability and diagnostics of turbine engines and installations

    We investigate the robustness, reliability and diagnostics of turbine engines and plants. Our goal is to make turbine power plants even more reliable - at the level of the best examples of world manufacturers. The solution of diagnostics issues will not only increase the reliability of turbine power plants, but also improve their economic, operational and environmental performance. We address such issues as durability, reliability and diagnostics of steam turbine, gas turbine plants, as well as aviation gas turbine engines. Close cooperation with local partners plays a key role in developing solutions that are fit for purpose. Our research is based both on numerical calculations in state-of-the-art software products and on the use of elements of modern measuring and diagnostic equipment.

  • Low-flow turbines for power generation, aviation and transportation

    We are actively involved in the design and development of autonomous turbine units (ATU), ranging from a few kilowatts to several megawatts. These units are based on both traditional low-flow turbine stages and LPI designs. The main peculiarity of such turbines is their ability to generate large heat enthalpy drops at supersonic velocities of the working body flow. Such turbines have unique mass-size indicators, as a rule, such turbines are of "blisk" design and reach rotational speeds up to 200000 rpm. And they can be made using additive technologies. Modern program complexes are used in the creation of turbine units. Field and model tests are carried out using the powerful experimental base of the Institute of Energy.

Higher School of Electric Power Systems

  • Development of NPP electrical systems code

    We develop theory basis and software tools for simulation modeling of processes in electric power systems of arbitrary configuration. We study system properties and research the operability and quality of functioning of electric power systems in various modes and under various external influences: electric motion systems, regulated drive, converters for various purposes, electromagnetic and electromechanical processes in electric power systems.

  • Operating modes analysis of industrial enterprises' power grids and development of measures to reduce power consumption and improve the quality of electric power

    Analysis of operation modes of distribution electric networks of industrial enterprises; Development of measures to improve the quality and reliability of power supply in networks containing sharply variable, nonlinear and asymmetrical loads (arc and ore-thermal furnaces, rolling mills, powerful drives of lifting machines, powerful converter load, etc.); Development of measures to reduce electricity consumption; Analysis of the causes of process failures and damage to the main process equipment.

  • High-frequency plasma technologies

    We develop and implement technologies of high-frequency (HF) plasma of atmospheric and increased pressure Due to the electrodeless, ring-shaped induction currents, the HF plasmatron is one of the few sources that can generate pure plasma that is not contaminated by electrode materials. Research group continues and develops the ideas of the founder of the scientific school of high-frequency plasma technologies - Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Professor Sergey Vyacheslavovich Dresvin (1933-2021) of SPbPU.

Higher School of High Voltage Engineering

  • Scientific and Engineering Center for Advanced Electrical Insulation Systems (SECAEIS)

    • High-voltage pulse technologies

      We preserve continuity of interests in the field of high-power electrophysics and high voltage engineering. We conduct studies of the behavior of materials and elements of power engineering, including electric power engineering, under conditions of high-intensity pulse impacts, aimed at identifying the limiting parameters and the possibility of controlling their characteristics

    • Impregnated paper insulation

      Научная группа занимается углубленным теоретическим и экспериментальным изучением структурных особенностей и свойств компонентов высоковольтной бумажно-пропитанной изоляции, расширяющим представления о факторах, обеспечивающих прочность, долговечность, энергоэффективность и надежность перспективных видов изоляции на основе целлюлозы и, как следствие, энергетических объектов с данным видом изоляции. Ведутся работы, направленные на создание перспективных материалов путем модификации традиционных диэлектриков природными нано-био-полимерами и неорганическими нанонаполнителями с целью повышения их эксплуатационных характеристик в условиях длительного воздействия повышенной температуры. Проводится разработка достоверных критериев и методов диагностирования предельного состояния электроизоляционной бумаги, а также способов повышения эффективности мониторинга диэлектрических жидкостей для их своевременной замены в системе изоляции, что направлено на увеличение срока эксплуатации силовых трансформаторов и предотвращение техногенных катастроф. Изучается эффективность внедрения оптических методов оценки состояния изоляции в диагностику работоспособности электротехнического оборудования без его отключения.

    • Power cables

      We work to improve the reliability and efficiency of cable networks. Our research focuses on developing new cable designs for powering electric centrifugal pump installations, creating new-generation cable couplings, modernizing medium- and high-voltage class end and couplings, and studying cable insulation degradation processes. In order to increase the capacity of cable lines, we are developing designs with forced internal cooling, as well as methods of determining the location of damage to cables laid in pipes. We provide a methodology for determining the long-term allowable and emergency-allowable current load, as well as testing the insulation of cable lines to ensure their safe and durable operation.

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    • Physics of dielectrics

      We study the electrophysical, mechanical and electret properties of a wide range of polyimide materials that differ in their supramolecular structure. We use such methods as thermoactivation and dielectric spectroscopy, DMA, creation of electret state in electric fields and gas discharges. Special attention is paid to the study of unsteady electrotransfer processes and their analysis on the basis of modern physical models with the use of computer simulation. The aim of the research is to expand the field of application of polyimide material and its introduction into the electrical industry, preparation of recommendations for manufacturers of the material. We focus on obtaining nonwoven fabrics that will be applied in filter elements, printed circuit boards, devices and appliances that require the use of insulating materials with reduced relative dielectric constant.

    • Chemistry of dielectrics

      We are engaged in fundamental and applied research in both theoretical and experimental chemistry, driven by modern needs. We develop completely new mathematical methods and apply them to solve real-world problems in molecular physics, new materials design, and electrical engineering that go beyond chemistry. We perform modeling and chemical synthesis of functional materials, physicochemical experiments in nanochemistry and nanomaterials, and research in electrochemistry and energy storage devices.

       

    • Insulation systems for electrical machines

      We specialize in the study of thermophysical, physical-mechanical and electrophysical properties of materials and insulation systems of electrical machines.

      The laboratory conducts comprehensive tests of electrical insulation components and systems simulating technological and operational loads. These include the impact of electrical discharges, high temperatures, heating-cooling cycles, increased mechanical loads, vibrations, etc. The laboratory also conducts complex tests of electrical insulation components and systems simulating technological and operational loads.

      In addition, the group is working on the development of components and systems of electrical insulation with improved electrical and thermophysical characteristics. we rely not only on certified and developed over a long period of time methods, but also on the use of modern software for modeling of multifactor impacts and processes.