ROCK! – Sustainable and energy efficient eDrive trains research capabilities

The aim of the project is to improve and expand the capabilities of the NUVE-LAB environment, particularly in the experimental product development of electric power transmission systems. The primary development targets include enabling the generation of comprehensive efficiency maps, as well as creating, validating, and calibrating digital models through measurements. The project aims to diversify and strengthen the regional economy by enabling companies within the impact area to participate in the technological transition and gain access to the supply chains of OEM companies in the process and marine industries, as well as the work machine sector.

The project is divided into three work packages: WP1, WP2, and WP3. WP1 will be implemented by OAMK (the project’s main executor), while the other two (WP2 and WP3) will be carried out in collaboration with the project partners.

In WP1, the investments outlined in the project plan will be carried out, and the acquired equipment will be deployed in the NUVE-LAB environment.

In WP2, a modular digital twin will be modeled for a selected electric power transmission chain. The developed twin will be validated and calibrated using measurements conducted at NUVE-LAB (primarily through the actions in WP3). Finally, a demonstration showcasing the twin’s functionality and NUVE-LAB’s capabilities will be prepared for researchers, product developers, and students. A special focus will be placed on the thermodynamic behavior of various components of the power transmission chain, with simulations being conducted to verify the behavior of the digital twin. The goal is to be able to utilize the developed digital models by parameterizing their physical values, thereby using simulations in the early stages of product design to reduce the number of prototypes needed for verifying design results.

In WP3, the selected electric power transmission chain will be demonstrated in the NUVE-LAB environment. These demonstrations will validate and calibrate the modeled modular twin of the electric power transmission chain (WP2). This work package will also involve planning and implementing the necessary testing and measurement setups in NUVE-LAB to verify the thermodynamic simulation model.

The project will enhance the region’s capability to support research, development, and testing of electric power transmissions within the NUVE-LAB environment. The project will significantly improve the conditions for local SMEs to participate in new product development projects with OEM companies (Original Equipment Manufacturer, e.g., SANDVIK, Ponsse, Normet, Valtra, Cargotec Kalmar, Volvo GE, Metso, Valmet, Wärtsilä Diesel, etc.) in the work machine, process, and marine industries. At the same time, SMEs will have the opportunity to become part of the supply chains of new products with their own product/service solutions. This will support employment and vitality in the region in the long term. The impacts can be measured by the utilization rate of the NUVE-LAB environment, the development of turnover and export activities of companies operating in the region, and regional employment trends. As a result of the project, the educational expertise of Oulu University of Applied Sciences and the University of Oulu will improve, and the attractiveness of their education will grow. This will strengthen the training of new technical experts, providing students with both up-to-date and practical knowledge that is not available elsewhere in Finland.

This project, co-financed by the European Union, is funded by the Council of Oulu Region. Additional funding is provided by the City of Oulu, companies, and the implementing organizations (Oulu University of Applied Sciences and the University of Oulu).