Innovative mechanical seal for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technologies
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Huhnseal Aktiebolag |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 950 000 |
| Project duration | May 2012 - July 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The goal of the project was to develop an innovative sealing solution for the global solar thermal energy market. Through extensive R&D activities, the project group has managed to solve the core technological challenges of the project and develop an innovative mechanical seal that meets the needs and demands of potential customers. The new seal is ready for commercialization and the first commercial orders are expected already in 2014 or at the beginning of 2015.
Results and expected effects
The project has equipped the project group with new knowledge and R&D experiences, especially in the areas of high temperature sealing applications and sealing applications in highly corrosive environments. The new knowledge will become a long-term asset at Huhnseal and will be applied in the future R&D projects. The commercialization of the newly developed seal will strengthen the company´s long-term competitiveness on the global market.
Approach and implementation
To achieve the desired R&D results, the activities in the project were divided into three work packages: WP1 prototype optimization, WP2 prototype verification at chosen reference plants, WP3 final constructional improvements and optimizations. The project has been implemented by a group of engineers at Huhnseal in cooperation with external R&D partners, suppliers and reference customers. The R&D works were realized according to plan with minor delays due to prolonged tests at chosen reference plants.