Multiphysics Metamaterials for Sustainable Power Grids
- Reference number
- SM25-0039
- Project leader
- Mousavi, Mahmoud
- Start and end dates
- 260101-271231
- Amount granted
- 936 257 SEK
- Administrative organization
- Uppsala University
- Research area
- Materials Science and Technology
Summary
This project will enable a strategic mobility from Uppsala University to Hitachi Energy in Ludvika, complemented by interaction with the Hitachi Energy Research Center in Västerås. The goal is to advance architected metamaterials that integrate mechanical, thermal, electrical, and magnetic physics to enhance the performance, reliability, and efficiency of future sustainable power grid components. The project objectives include -Design and simulate multiphysics metamaterials tailored for transformer and grid-related applications. -Validate prototypes through collaborative experiments in both R&D (Västerås) and industrial manufacturing (Ludvika). -Foster knowledge exchange and training between Uppsala University and Hitachi’s core research and production environments. The work Plan (Part-time, 30%, over 2 years) includes Months 1–6: Establish collaboration, perform simulations and initial design iterations. Months 7–18: Refine designs, produce test samples, and analyze results. Months 19–24: Final testing, industrial feedback loop, and joint development roadmap. The expected results of the project include -Novel multiphysics-aware metamaterial concepts delivering optimized energy efficiency and robustness in transformer components. -Prototype data and documentation demonstrating performance improvement and manufacturing feasibility. -Strengthened strategic partnership between Uppsala University and Hitachi Energy, enhancing future research and educational exchanges.
Popular science description
The project “Multiphysics Metamaterials for Sustainable Power Grids” is about developing new types of advanced materials that can make our future electricity systems more reliable, efficient, and sustainable. As Sweden and the world move towards renewable energy and large-scale electrification, the demand for stronger and more efficient power grids is growing rapidly. Key components, such as transformers, face heavy stresses from heat, electricity, magnetism, and mechanical forces. Today, these challenges are usually handled separately, which limits performance and increases maintenance costs. This project will explore a new approach: designing and testing metamaterials—engineered materials with unique structures—that can handle many physical stresses at once. By combining computer simulations with real-world experiments, we will design and produce prototypes that bring together mechanical, thermal, electrical, and magnetic performance in the same material. The research will be carried out in close collaboration between Uppsala University and Hitachi Energy in Ludvika and Västerås. The mobility will be part-time (30% over two years), which allows the researcher to stay connected to the university while also being fully engaged in industrial development. During the first phase, new designs will be created using simulations. Later, prototypes will be produced and tested at Hitachi Energy’s facilities, and finally, the most promising solutions will be evaluated for industrial use. The expected results include: -New material concepts that improve the energy efficiency and reliability of transformer components. -Prototype data showing performance improvements and practical manufacturability. -A stronger long-term partnership between Uppsala University and Hitachi Energy, linking research, education, and industrial innovation. This project will not only contribute to the development of better power grids in Sweden but also prepare a new generation of students and researchers to work on the challenges of the energy transition. By bridging academic research and industrial application, the project supports Sweden’s role as a global leader in sustainable energy technologies.