GREEN TRANSITION NORTH

The project is divided into 13 sub-projects focusing on the use of advanced technologies such as 6G, sensor fusion, data analytics and circular business models to optimise production processes, reduce electromagnetic interference, optimise electricity storage, promote sustainable business models and support energy efficiency and flexibility in the electricity system, contributing to the green transformation and creating a more sustainable future. Read more about the individual sub-projects below.

1. 6G for optimised production processes
It is expected that 6G will have a sensor function that can identify, authenticate, locate and track a large number of objects. This technology will be important for controlling and optimising production processes through the use of meta-surfaces and digital twins. The activity focuses on exploring the potential of 6G for sensor functions and developing methods for integrating meta-surfaces into the network that can contribute to the green transition.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Michael Nilsson. The research director is Jaap Van De Beek,, Professor of Signal Processing at Luleå University of Technology and PhD Student is Simon Johnsson, Signal Processing at Luleå University of Technology. 

2. Development of active philtres for EMC
Sub-project 2 focuses on the development of active philtres to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMC) in electrical drive systems. Power electronic systems generate disturbances that range from insignificant to severe. Rather than using heavy and bulky passive philtres to reduce interference, this activity focuses on the development and use of active reduction techniques. The aim is to integrate active philtres into overhead contact line systems and to develop small, energy-efficient and integrated active philtres for electrified transport systems.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Björn Backe. The research leader is Jonas Ekman,, Professor, Electronic Systems, Luleå University of Technology and PhD Student is Emelie Berglund, Electronic systems, Luleå University of Technology. Read an interview about the sub-project here.

3. Optimised storage of electricity
Sub-project 3 focuses on optimising the storage of electricity in water reservoirs and regulated rivers to increase the flexibility of the energy system. With the increasing production of intermittent energy from solar and wind, it is necessary to investigate how hydropower can be combined with different forms of storage, such as mechanical, electrical, chemical and thermal storage, taking into account biodiversity and social acceptability. By using digital twins of rivers, a better understanding of the flows and losses of dams can be gained, thus optimising the storage process.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Michael Nilsson. The research leader is Anders Andersson, Associate Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Luleå University of Technology and Maria Pettersson, Professor of Law, Luleå University of Technology and PhD Students are Melina Sattelmeier, Fluid Mechanics, Luleå University of Technology as well as Noomi Westling Öhman, Law, Luleå University of Technology.

4. Production of biohydrogen
The sub-project is about the production of biohydrogen (BioH2). Biohydrogen is produced from biogas, which is produced during the decomposition of biological waste. By converting methane into biohydrogen gas, hydrogen production can be diversified with a low net climate footprint. The aim is to investigate the potential for increased biomethane production in the region by increasing the availability of substrate and co-rotting different types of waste.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Michael Nilsson. The research leader is Jurate Kumpiene, Professor of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering at Luleå University of Technology and PhD Student is Alma Fahlén Hammar, Geosciences and Environmental Engineering at Luleå University of Technology. Read an interview about the sub-project here.

5. Optimised storage of electricity in mobile battery units
Sub-project 5 focuses on optimising the storage of electricity in mobile battery units. The activity aims to increase the knowledge of battery pack cooling and develop models to study the thermal behaviour and heat transfer of battery cells, which in turn will enable optimised cooling and heating of battery systems. An important part of the work is the development of a methodology to reduce detailed 3D models to 1-D models for system simulation and the integration of these models into integrated systems and control loops.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Michael Nilsson. Responsible for research is Anna-Lena Ljung, Assistant Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Luleå University of Technology and PhD student is Amin Moosavi, Fluid Mechanics at Luleå University of Technology. Read an interview about the sub-project here.

6. Increased flexibility in the power supply system
Sub-project 6 focuses on increasing the flexibility of the electric power system by developing smart energy systems. By building models and developing methods to analyse how different flexibility solutions affect the electricity grid, the activity aims to provide decision makers and power system owners with a better basis for informed decisions and to create a more robust and reliable power system. The objectives include the inclusion of flexibility of consumption and generation to determine acceptance limits, the development of methodologies to quantify the benefits of flexibility for the power system, and the comparison and development of flexibility services.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Michael Nilsson. The research manager is Sarah Rönnberg, Professor of Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology and PhD student is Rajith Eranda, Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology.

7. Digital product passports
Sub-project 07 focuses on the development of technologies for the decentralised realisation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), the introduction of which is planned by the EU. The DPP will enable the traceability of the ingredients of each product and facilitate informed and sustainable purchasing decisions as well as counteract "greenwashing". By supporting collaboration between different actors in the supply and value chain and enabling the secure exchange of business-critical information, the sub-project aims to implement the DPP through decentralised blockchain applications.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Björn Backe. Research leader is Ulf Bodin, Professor, Cyberphysical Systems, Luleå University of Technology and PhD student is Aditya Sissodiya, Cyberphysical Systems, Luleå University of Technology.  

8. Circular business models for the green transition
Sub-project 08 focuses on circular business models for the green transition and emphasises the importance of an ecosystem perspective for businesses. By developing knowledge on how circular business models can drive the green transition and by developing methodologies for creating circular business models with an ecosystem perspective and involving stakeholders from different sectors, the sub-project aims to promote the green transition. Furthermore, criteria for assessing the impact of circular business models will be developed and the role of digital technologies in the implementation of such business models will be explored.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Michael Nilsson. Research Manager is Wiebke Reim, Assistant Lecturer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Luleå University of Technology and Vinit Parida, Professor, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Luleå University of Technology and PhD Student is Taylan Kilinc, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Luleå University of Technology. 

9. Multifunctional optimisation for electrically insulating composites
Subproject 9 focuses on the optimisation of electrically insulating composite materials to meet the requirements for efficient and stable power transmission in the electrified society. The project aims to develop an experimental methodology to evaluate new combinations of composites on a laboratory scale, both in terms of mechanical and electrical properties, prior to full-scale testing. By investigating the influence of the material on electrical insulation and resistance to electrical flashover, new material combinations can be evaluated and compared with existing commercial materials.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Björn Backe. Research Manager is Patrik Fernberg, Professor, Materials Science, Luleå University of Technology and PhD student is Karl Arvidsson, Materials Science, Luleå University of Technology. 

10. Modularisation for the circular economy
Sub-project 10 focuses on the use of modularisation to improve circular economy in value chains and across product life cycles. The use of modular solutions can create opportunities for recycling, reuse, upcycling and reconfiguration that reduce the environmental footprint and increase the value of products and services. The project aims to develop a generic methodology to integrate modularisation into the design phase to improve both the circularity of material flows and the value generated.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Björn Backe. Research Director is Magnus Karlberg, Professor, Machine Design, Luleå University of Technology as well as Mats Näsström, Associate Professor, Machine Design, Luleå University of Technology and PhD student is Linda Sandgren, Machine Design, Luleå University of Technology.

11. Sensor fusion and data analysis
Sub-project 11 focuses on optimising the hydrometallurgical process to recover black matter from lithium batteries. By using a new sensor and analysis concept to monitor the process, important parameters for an optimal hydrometallurgical process are determined. The sensor concept also contributes to a better controllability of the process and offers the possibility to improve the process quality.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Björn Backe. Research Director is Olov Schelen, Professor, Cyberphysical Systems, Luleå University of Technology and Karl Andersson, Professor, Pervasive and Mobile Computing, Luleå University of Technology and PhD Student is Mohammad Newaj Jamil, Pervasive and Mobile Computing, Luleå University of Technology. Read an interview about the sub-project here.

12. Hydrometallurgy
The activity aims to improve the hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of black mass from lithium batteries. Hydrometallurgical processes are more efficient than pyrometallurgical processes from a recycling point of view. However, they have a negative effect in terms of the use of chemicals in the process. In this activity, we aim to build knowledge on how electrochemistry and electromembranes can be used to reduce the need for chemicals in the hydrometallurgical process by purifying the chemical solution to allow a higher degree of recovery of critical minerals.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Michael Nilsson. Research leader is Lena Sundqvist-Öqvist, Assistant Professor, Process Metallurgy, Luleå University of Technology and PhD Student is Adam Isaksson, Process Metallurgy, Luleå University of Technology. Read an interview about the sub-project here.

13. Energy-efficient cultivation
Sub-project 13 focuses on energy-efficient cultivation and builds on Energy Symbiosis, a total solution for energy systems, circular economy and digitalisation. The project involves reusing waste heat from server halls to supply greenhouses that also serve as training facilities and resources for local vegetable production. The aim is to optimise energy consumption, explore synergies between different sectors, integrate renewable energy sources and create economic business models for sustainable food supply using waste heat and residual flows from H2 Green Steel and other sources.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the sub-project, please contact Michael Nilsson. Research leader is Mikael Risberg, Assistant Professor of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology and PhD Student is Christoffer Alenius, Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology.