Alleima insights: innovations in energy, compressor technology, and strategic partnerships
In this issue of Alleima Insights, we share key advancements and partnerships that drive our innovation and sustainability efforts forward. First, we discover how the future of energy is shaped with the help of Small Modular Reactors. You can read about the revolution of compressor technology with Freeflex? Versa our latest compressor valve steel, and how Alleima strengthed our strategic partnership with Uppsala University to tackle global challenges.
The future of energy shaped with the help of Small Modular Reactors.
Steam generator tubes for small modular reactors (SMR) The development of small-scale nuclear reactors, or small modular reactors (SMR), has commenced worldwide and is presenting new opportunities. The idea behind SMRs is to provide a more flexible and scalable carbon-free power option that can be deployed in various settings, including remote areas or locations with low energy requirements.
SMRs promise to be more affordable, easier, and faster to build than conventional large reactors. The Korean nuclear power producer, Doosan is one of the major suppliers of nuclear power-related facilities in the world and partners with Alleima to deliver approximately 200 kilometers of steam generator tubes for NuScale Power ’s first NuScale Power Modules? (NPMs), each with a capacity to generate 77 MWe of carbon-free electricity. NuScales’ SMRs are based on proven pressurized water-cooled reactor technology and use Ni-alloy steam generator tubes that Alleima supplies for the first set of 6 modules.
“This technology is based on pressurized water-cooled reactor technology, which is closely linked to existing nuclear technology. Discussions about deliveries of steam generator tubes for SMRs are growing globally. As a front runner in this field, we are in a good position for these future power projects,” says Carl von Schantz , President of Alleima’s Tube Division.
“We are delighted to be embarking on our journey toward successful deployment of the first commercial SMR with Alleima, as we highly value Alleima’s extensive experience and market-proven products and solutions in steam generator tubes,” says JONGDOO KIM , the CEO of Doosan Enerbility’s Nuclear Business Group.
Alleima announcing the latest compressor valve steel Freeflex? Versa
In July Alleima announced Freeflex? Versa, designed for more sustainable and energy-efficient compressors. The material used is seen as a significant advancement in compressor valve steel technology, building upon the success of its predecessor, Freeflex? Core.
As a new compressor valve steel alloy it has been well-received in the industry for its?exceptional fatigue resistance, residual stresses, and wear resistance.?It contributes to designing?smaller, more sustainable, and energy-efficient compressors?for refrigerators and freezers.?
"Even a small piece of steel can have a great impact. Our premium compressor valve steel provides increased design freedom, leading to more energy-efficient appliances and sustainable products," says Anders Hoel, Ph.D. in Material Science and Senior Research Engineer, at Alleima.
It also offers exceptional fatigue and wear resistance, contributing to noise reduction and downsizing in HVACR applications. Alleima presented Freeflex? Versa at the International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue University.
The global demand for cooling systems is rising due to population growth, urbanization, higher living standards, and climate change. The International Energy Agency reports that air conditioners and electric fans account for about 20% of electricity used in buildings worldwide, or 10% of all global electricity consumption.* Therefore, using more energy-efficient cooling systems is crucial. Research by Alleima over a 10-year period to 2022 showed that Alleima Hiflex? improved air conditioner energy efficiency by an estimated 18%.
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You can find more information here about Freeflex? Versa - a pioneering compressor valve steel
Alleima and Uppsala University deepened their strategic partnership
In April 2024, Alleima signed a strategic partnership agreement with Uppsala University.?This partnership aimed to enhance cooperation in research and education, boost scientific excellence, and foster innovation to address societal challenges.
The collaboration between Alleima and Uppsala University has a long history, including joint research projects and industrial doctoral programs.?The new agreement focused on materials science and sustainable development, with both parties conducting cutting-edge research in these areas.
Tom Eriksson , Executive Vice President and head of strategic research at Alleima, and Charlotte Platzer Bj?rkman , Vice-Rector at Uppsala universitet (Uppsala University) , expressed their enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership. They highlighted the potential for increased knowledge exchange and the development of innovative solutions for demanding applications and industries.
"It feels fantastic to deepen our collaboration together with Uppsala University. The focus of the partnership is on materials science, but we also collaborate with, for example, researchers at the Department of Information Technology and Industrial Technology. One example is that, together with the university, we have looked at how we can use the same technology behind facial recognition on mobile phones and computers to see patterns in steel. Just like Alleima, Uppsala University has a strong tradition of solid research with established methods and experience. We are very much looking forward to strengthening our important collaboration where we can continuously exchange knowledge, and experience, and continue our ambitious research," Tom Eriksson continues.
Uppsala University, with its rich history and multidisciplinary approach, continued to build strategic partnerships to contribute to societal benefits and innovation. This agreement with Alleima marked a significant step in their ongoing collaboration.
Full article here Alleima and Uppsala University sign a strategic partnership .
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This month you will have the opportunity to ask your questions us directly at these events
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