Materials for power industry

The first group of research interests includes R&D activities related to the European fusion program and the construction of the ITER experimental thermonuclear reactor - the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. The main focus of research on thermonuclear fusion has now shifted from basic plasma physics research to mastering the technologies necessary to build and run a power plant, and thus also to develop materials resistant to extreme conditions prevailing inside the reactor. The research carried out in the group allows to obtain new knowledge concerning: (i) viability of materials intended for use in the fusion reactor and their degradation mechanisms, (ii) radiation damage under plasma - wall interactions, (iii) dust formation and deposits in the reactor; and (iv) design of reactor components as well as components of other fusion installations.

Another area of research is related to thermoelectric materials that use the Seebeck effect for direct conversion of heat into electrical energy. The use of thermoelectric materials to harness waste heat from technological processes allows to improve their efficiency. The group is working on the development of new thermoelectric materials, technologies for their production as well as design and construction of thermoelectric generators based on new materials solutions. The subject of interest are also composite materials with high thermal conductivity and reduced thermal expansion, which can efficiently remove heat from high power electronic systems, including work as thermal wells or heat sinks at the cold end of thermoelectric modules.

The third group of issues includes material technologies for renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic installations and geothermal power plants. For geothermal systems, layered materials are produced, including an explosive method and applications in aggressive environments, such as, for example, geothermal deep wells. Research work covers corrosion tests, including the impact of hydrogen on the degradation of clad materials and the selection of appropriate material for plating, characterization of the internal structure and mechanical properties, as well as their degradation under operating conditions.
 

Contact

Dr Łukasz Ciupiński
lukasz.ciupinski@pw.edu.pl
+48 22 2341 53
Division of Materials Design