This new facility will allow students to conduct green-energy-related experiments without the need for large physical infrastructures.
"Norway needs more engineers in green energy. Our new master's programme in mechanical engineering will help to meet this demand by focusing our expertise in green-energy-related subjects in a virtual laboratory that will complement our physical infrastructure," says Ramis Örlü, associate professor at the Department of Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering.
Associate professor Rafael Borrajo at the same department adds:
"We will educate students on various green energy sources, including wind, hydro, solar, and hydrogen. Over the past three years, we've added many new colleagues specializing in green energy research, and this lab will enhance our capabilities in this field."
A Hub for Green Energy Education
"This virtual lab can become a hub for green energy, integrating our expertise in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and material science," says Örlü.
"We aim to provide students with the infrastructure to conduct research, perform experiments or simulations, and write their bachelor's and master's theses."
Primarily serving mechanical engineering students at the bachelor's and master's levels, the lab will also benefit other programmes related to green energy. The lab is expected to support research activities at PhD and post-doc levels over time.
"We also hope this hub will reach out to school students, industry, and other external players in the field, demonstrating our commitment to green energy and fostering collaborations. That's why we named it 'GrønnMet' (GreenMet)," Örlü explains.
Sustainable and Safe Experiments
The virtual lab's primary goal is to allow students to perform experiments sustainably and safely.
"We plan to include e.g. a welding simulator to help students practice welding procedures safely," Borrajo notes.
"In a virtual environment, students can make mistakes without compromising safety or incurring high costs. Another use case is data visualisation, allowing students to see data in 3D and explore different ideas."
Space-Saving Solution
The lack of space for multiple physical laboratories prompted the investment in a virtual lab.
"We don't have the space for large physical labs in all fields of solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and materials science. Hence, the virtual lab complements our students’ experience of a physical lab without the space constraints," says Örlü.
While the virtual lab won't entirely replace physical labs, it will complement them.
"Most institutions can't conduct all experiments physically and usually only have a few physical labs. We aim to provide opportunities for various experiments both virtually and physically," says Örlü.
The virtual lab reduces the need for extensive physical equipment and facilities.
Strategic Funding and Future Plans
The department has received approximately eight million Norwegian kroner (NOK) in strategic funds from OsloMet to establish GrønnMet, including physical fluid mechanics and material technology labs.
Preparations are already underway:
"We are seeking additional funding for the time after the initial three-year phase," says Örlü.
The lab is expected to be operational by December 2024.
“We also plan to host Green Energy Day in January 2025, which will also serve as a venue for interdisciplinary education and research within Green Energy,” says Borrajo.
Initially, the lab will be used for bachelor's, master's, and PhD projects.
"We won't take on consulting assignments for the industry but are open to collaborating on student projects," Örlü concludes.
The picture at the top of the article shows Rafael Borrajo on the left and Ramis Örlü on the right, photographed on the roof terrace at Pilestredet 35 in Oslo. Photo: Magdalena Hestholm.
