11-04 :: April/May 2011

nanotimes EU-Projects

garments. It will also examine a new concept that allows PCMs to be incorporated in wet-spun cellulo- se fibres.

The scientists underlined that ‚a large and intense‘ part of the project will be devoted to product-related research, led by the small to medium-sized enter- prises involved in Noterefiga. They are particularly interested in creating value added products for the underwear, sports, leisure and home textiles mar- kets. The researchers believe the project ‚will aid the transformation of the European textile and clothing industry from a commodities market into specific, value-added high-tech products sector‘.

Contact: Bengt Hagström, SWEREA IVF AB, Swerea IVF, Moelndal, Sweden, Phone: +46-706-6362:

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enabling the detection of pollution and inspection of PV cells.

Contact: Marco (Mr.) Reichel, MANU SYSTEMS AG, Regensburg, Germany, Phone: +49-941-9459280 http://www.pv-servitor.eu

SMEs Check Composites Used for Transport

The EU-funded Compair project has supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that pro- vide monitoring services of composite materials for manufacturers of high speed surface transport. This is a field that enjoys enormous potential for growth and includes research organisations that can supply research and development services to SMEs on a sub-contract basis.

Cleaning Robot Lights up PV Power Plants

The PV-SERVITOR project has focused on building a robot that can automatically clean glass surfaces of up to 2,500 square metres (2,990 square yard). The device will be used for ground-mounted pho- tovoltaic (PV) power plants made up of a number of 100-kW units. Effective cleaning of the glass surfaces will increase efficiency of photovoltaic cells and help reduce maintenance costs.

Researchers have developed a lightweight, ful- ly automated cleaning robot capable of working outside for extended periods of time by replacing the rechargeable batteries with a long-life energy supply system. The device is also capable of unrestricted navigation and possesses cognitive vision systems,

Compair has developed new approaches for the continuous monitoring and NDT of composites used in surface transport. The project has divided the composites into three categories: road, rail and marine. The initiative has identified the composite structures to be examined and drawn up inspection requirements. Samples have been produced with built-in defects to represent potential defects.Resear- chers have also applied computer models to investi- gate the use of a range of cutting-edge technologies for studying composite structures. A system is being developed for sending and receiving electrical signals to and from transducers connected to components. This transfer of data will be controlled by an operator employing user friendly software.

Contact: Craig (Mr.) Coghill, TWI Limited, U.K. Phone:+44-1223899000