This presentation was held at the 2020 NAFEMS UK Conference "Inspiring Innovation through Engineering Simulation". The conference covered topics ranging from traditional FEA and CFD, to new and emerging areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning and EDA.

Resource Abstract

Windtech technology is based on a novel patented technique of measuring cold exposure (UK Patent Office Application Number: 1914757.8, titled: Measuring cold exposure, dated: 11th October 2019). In this technology, the cold is measured via the response of an electrical heater exposed to environmental elements such as ambient temperature, wind, humidity, and irradiance. In this technology, the heater is set at a fixed wattage (however, may be set on variable wattage considering the application) when exposed to the environmental elements. When in operation, the heater stabilizes at a temperature referred at as a "heated-temperature" in a short period of time. This value is calibrated against the heat loss, which reflects a cumulative effect of all environmental elements and gives a more realistic value, or in other words, the 'the true feeling of cold'. The technology is equipped with a number of sensors measuring ambient temperature, humidity, irradiance, and wind speed. The technology does not have any moving parts, provides a more reliable and stable output of data, and can be integrated with other systems. The technology can be used in a solo device (wearable) or a mesh of multiple devices (weather stations) placed over an area/region. The technology uses digital means of communications such as USB connectivity, Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G/4G networks, etc.

Windtech technology is validated by developing a 3D conjugate heat transfer (coupled computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer) model in a commercial software ANSYS® CFX. The developed model was tested for mesh sensitivity. The conjugate heat transfer model was run for parametric analysis under various environmental conditions. The results were compared quantitatively and validated against the experimental results of the prototype. The results obtained through the simulations played an important role in optimizing the prototype design.

Windtech technology is striving for following UN SDGs: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Windtech technology, primarily focusing on the good health and well-being of the people living and working in cold climates. It helps in accurately predicting the risks due to cold and suggests safety actions and measures actions according to ISO standards e.g., ISO 11079. Goal 4: Quality Education: Windtech technology is born in academia (UiT-The Arctic University of Norway). Norninova AS technology transfer and Norinnova Startup IX has supported it. So far, four Master students have done their specialization and these projects on the topic. There is ongoing research on the development of technology. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: It is vital to know the 'working conditions' in the Arctic and cold regions in general, for decent working conditions and sustainable economic growth. Windtech technology provides a tool to assess the risks accurately due to the cold weather hence offer a clear and concise mechanism to make appropriate decisions, saving the workforce from any harm. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: It is well-known that oil and gas/fisheries/mining and others are growing in Arctic and cold regions. The workforce must be provided with safe working conditions. Windtech technology is an innovative tool to help with that. Windtech AS has applied for a patent (UK Patent Office Application Number: 1914757.8, titled: Measuring cold exposure, dated: 11th October 2019). Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Windtech AS provides a tool to assess the working conditions of personnel exposed to cold weather. The information helps the city authorities, as well as companies management, to take appropriate actions. These actions help with sustainability as well as the well-fare of the community. Goal 15: Life on Land: Windtech device is an essential tool for the 20% part of the landmass, which is too cold, hence provides a risk to the personnel as well as the general workforce. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Windtech technology is a tool and, therefore, may be integrated with other technologies in partnerships for more SDGs.