Funding to study hydrogen combustion

Business Finland has granted 1.7 million euros in funding to the HENNES research project, which studies the physics and chemistry of hydrogen combustion. The research is part of Wärtsilä’s ecosystem project, which aims to contribute to the development of zero-emission marine technology, and Aalto is one of the universities involved.

The combustion of hydrogen and its derivative fuels, such as ammonia, produces no carbon dioxide emissions. The EU has set a goal to have clean, low-carbon hydrogen and derivative fuels account for almost a fifth of end-use energy by 2050.

Hydrogen differs from traditional fuels in terms of its thermodynamic and chemical properties and behaves differently in combustion processes. The ignition sensitivity of hydrogen and the small size of the molecule also pose challenges for both combustion control and hydrogen storage.

Accurate modeling of hydrogen combustion is a challenging problem in computational physics and chemistry, the understanding of which is important when designing efficient combustion processes. Research is also needed on storing liquid hydrogen and developing heat exchangers and vaporizers used in energy transfers.

Combining 3D simulation methods with experiments is at the core of the research. Aalto University Professor Ville Vuorinen’s research team will focus on burner flames and combustion phenomena inside combustion engines, while Professor Simo Hostikka’s team will study the fire safety of hydrogen.

Armin Wehrfritz, Assistant Professor at the University of Turku, and his research group investigate the thermodynamic properties of hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels.

With further data, it could become possible to design even more efficient and durable internal combustion engines that run on hydrogen.

In addition to Wärtsilä, the industry partners in the project are AGCO Power, Oilon, Finno Exergy, Vahterus, Auramarine, KK-Palokonsultti Oy and P2X Solutions.

Finland creating common EU model for teaching cybersecurity skills

Aalto University and the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications are implementing a large-scale Cyber Citizen project to create a common model for teaching cyber citizenship skills across EU member states. As part of the project, Aalto has published a comprehensive report on the current state of teaching cyber citizenship skills throughout the EU.

The project will create a learning model and a learning portal that includes content tailored to different target groups, such as a game to teach cyber citizen skills. The aim is to improve citizens’ ability to act safely in the digital world.

The project has received five million euros in funding from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility for three years.

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THE DOCUMENTARY FILM ‘Building Ylistaro Church’ (Näin rakennettiin Ylistaron kirkko) depicts the construction phases of this Finnish church between 1847 and 1852. Since there are no photographs from that time, the documentary utilised three-dimensional modeling (3D) created by Aalto University’s Research Institute of Measuring and Modeling for the Built Environment (MeMo).

Laser scanning was used in the modeling process to measure distances and locations. The resulting point cloud depicts the object, and colour values from the object's photographs can be added to create a precise model that is finalised by 3D artists.

The film was directed by Anssi Luoma, filmed and recorded by Mika Koivusalo, and the 3D animations were created by Hannu Hyyppä, Marika Ahlavuo, Sebastian Aho, Hannu Handolin, Matti Kurkela, Toni Rantanen, Matias Ingman, and Risto Känsälä.

THE EXHIBITION ENERGY FUTURES: Critical minerals, climate neutrality and transition pathways explains how the world is moving from fossil fuels to cleaner energy solutions. For example, what will the role of hydrogen and wind power be in the future?

In addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, the entire energy system requires a radical change in both energy storage methods and the environmental and economic effects caused by mineral shortages.

The exhibition presents research related to the energy transition carried out at Aalto University. The energy transition means the shift of global energy production and consumption from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

The exhibition is on display at the Dipoli gallery (Otakaari 24, Espoo) until September 15, 2023. It can also be viewed online: virtualexhibitions.aalto.fi

THE ROBOBALLET DANCE PERFORMANCE combines technology and classical art.

In February 2023, dance artist Mira Ollila danced with a robot in the historic Tenalji von Fersen Hall at Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. This performance was part of the Infinity Vessel project by glass artists Sini Majuri and Marja Hepo-aho. It combines dance, interactive hologram installation, and a sculpture exhibition.

The robotics were implemented in collaboration with the Aalto University Robotics research group.