PROJECTS

Framework
In the manufacture industry of composite products by vacuum infusion, the quality of the final product is highly dependent on the management of the infusion processes, the mixing systems and the properties of the raw materials. Failures in this process lead to rework or disposal of production, originating extremely high costs, in addition to relevant environmental impacts resulting from wastage of the utilized components, as well as health risks for the operators associated with repair operations. This project aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of vacuum infusion processes for potential applications in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the wind energy industry, such as manufacturers of wind turbine blades.

Main objective
The main objective of the NEWGENVIP project is to develop a new line of industrial mixers capable of monitoring relevant properties to the vacuum infusion process in real time and providing access to critical information for better decision-making, and, in this way, decrease the frequency of failures and mitigate their consequences.

Project activities and expected results
The NEWGENVIP project has a total duration of 36 months, and the work is expected to be carried out according to the following structure:

Activity 1 – Preliminary studies and definition of requirements
In the scope of this activity, technology forecasting will be carried out, in order to identify relevant trends and good practices. The resulting information will be used to define requirements and specifications of the new equipment, as well as verification and validation tests. Additionally, representative mixtures of different applications of this technology and critical variables for training the artificial intelligence systems will be identified.

Activity 2 – Design and development of functional systems
The aim of this activity is the design and development of subsystems that monitor the properties of raw materials and mixtures and control the infusion channels. Additionally, an IoT interface will be developed for collecting and communicating data in real time, and EcoDesign studies will be carried out to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the systems.

Activity 3 – Integration of the different systems in new mixer
This stage is dedicated to the integration of the different subsystems in the mixer, and encompasses the design of the equipment, the production of the necessary components and the construction of a functioning prototype.

Activity 4 – Optimization of operation and production of samples
This activity aims to validate and optimize the performance of the developed systems in real and controlled scenarios. Additionally, samples will be manufactured from different mixtures, to be inspected and characterized in order to ensure their conformity with the technical requirements. Concurrently, the AI models will be validated and adjusted based on the results obtained.

Activity 5 – Dissemination of results
This activity is dedicated to the communication and dissemination of results through the elaboration of detailed diagrams, technical and promotional materials and participation in national and international events. These efforts aim to guarantee the impact of the project and its acceptance in the market, placing the new equipment as a reference solution in the sector.

Activity 6 – Project management
Carried out alongside every activity, project management will accomplish technical and scientific coordination, the fulfilment of deadlines and the efficient utilization of resources. This continuous monitoring will enable the mitigation of risks and overcoming of challenges and uphold the achievement of the project’s strategic objectives.