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Engineering Research Institute Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (ERI VIRAC) has implemented a research project "H2-Compression" funded by the European Regional Development Fund

December 6, 2023

The Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) concluded a significant applied research project on November 30. The project was implemented over nearly three years, with four organizations – the main partner was Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, and as co-partners were "LATVO," the State Scientific Institute - derived public person “Institute of Physical Energetics”, the foundation “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Development Fund”. On the project were fourteen members of the team, consisting of scientific technical workers, researchers, and students. 


The Applied Research Project "Development of Hydrogen Hydraulic Compression Technology for Hydrogen Fueling Stations (H2-Compression)" was implemented under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Operational Programme "Growth and Employment"


More and more countries and companies are competing intensively for leadership in clean hydrogen technologies. More than 30 countries have now developed or are preparing hydrogen strategies, reflecting the growing interest in developing the hydrogen industry. It is clear that hydrogen has the potential to make a significant contribution to addressing three key challenges for energy use: sustainable economic development of the European Union, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting air pollution. 


 In recent years, the use of hydrogen energy in transport and the concept of a hydrogen economy has gained new and strong political support. At the same time, rapidly advancing technologies have created the opportunity to use hydrogen as a driving force for a future carbon-neutral energy system. This initiative is driven by the desire for energy security and independence. The European Union has set an ambitious target of becoming the first climate neutral continent by 2050, in line with the European Commission's guidelines.


The aim of the research project was to acquire new knowledge and skills to develop an innovative technological solution to compress hydrogen gas. In this system, low-pressure hydrogen gas is compressed by gradually injecting it into vertically positioned compression cylinders and compressing it with a liquid using a high-pressure hydraulic pump. The proposed hydrogen hydraulic compression technology is intended as a compressor booster at a petrol filling station. This station can either receive the hydrogen delivered by truck tanks or produce a limited amount of hydrogen on site by water electrolysis. The uniqueness of this solution is that it is adaptable to varying hydrogen injection pressure parameters and allows the hydrogen storage process in the high-pressure tank to be stabilized.


The project successfully achieved all its objectives, which included:


  • Analysis of existing technologies and investigation of hydrogen hydraulic compression problems;
  • Development of a reliable numerical model of the hydrogen compression process with a liquid piston, analysis of the thermodynamic parameters of the system to be developed and the temperature variation during gas compression in the proposed solution;
  • Selection of a working fluid compatible with hydrogen gas, suitable for use in compression;
  • Development of a set of algorithms for the control of compression processes in a hydrogen compression system.
  • Development of a new compression chamber geometry technology to reduce gas temperature and foaming inside the vessel by filling it with a fluid under high pressure;
  • The development of numerical models of the working fluid flow in the compression chamber;
  • Development of numerical models and calibration methodology for the digital flow meter;
  • Estimation of the energy consumption for compressing a given volume of gas.
  • Analysis of suitable materials for compressors and high pressure hydrogen storage tanks capable of withstanding pressures up to 100 MPa;
  • Preparation of documentation for patenting of technical solutions;
  • Preparation of project results for publication in scientific journals and for presentation at conferences.
  • Selection of industrial partners and adaptation of the technical parameters of the developed system to the needs of the users.


The project results in two new innovative hydrogen compression technologies for use in fuel filling stations for hydrogen-fuelled urban transport. The technical solutions developed within the project could be of particular interest for further commercialisation with companies involved in hydrogen compression and the development of the hydrogen industry. The proposed concept is particularly appealing when combined with the use of Green hydrogen produced by electrolysis, wind turbines, solar cells or the electrical power network.This project, originally conceived as an industrial research activity, has provided all team members involved with new knowledge and skills to create innovative technological solutions.


The results of the project have significantly broadened the understanding of the hydrogen economy and more clearly identified its future prospects. Thanks to this project, the research team joined the Latvian Hydrogen Association. During the last year and a half, we regularly informed the association about the ongoing research, shared the project results, sought potential partners for further cooperation, and kept up-to-date with the latest information in the field of hydrogen energy.


The project was launched to address industry needs and specific challenges in the field of hydrogen compression. The project started with the development of hydraulic compression technology and the objective of reaching Technology readiness level 5 (TRL). This was fully achieved during the duration of the project. The system and components of the technology (hydraulic compression process, control system, required working fluids, compression chamber geometry) were tested under laboratory conditions and in the appropriate environment (hydrogen atmosphere).


In addition, the research allowed us to develop a new compression chamber geometry and have it validated in the laboratory. The second technological solution has reached TRL 4.


The project took a big step forward in making the technology more practical and useful. It also opened up the possibility to work with industry on many new opportunities. The project focused on solving practical problems and looked at the whole process, thus becoming a key factor in taking hydrogen forward as an environmentally friendly energy source.


The originality and significance of the project results are confirmed by 2 Latvian patents and a European patent Office. The scientific material has been presented in three articles and two conferences.


During the project, we have also submitted a number of project applications for other projects related to renewable energy topics, which will help us to continue our energy related research. In addition, we plan to submit an application for a commercialised project to the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in the near future. The patents obtained within the project attracted the interest of the international corporation Atawey, one of the leaders in the hydrogen industry. In November 2023, an auction took place in which Atawey agreed to acquire the patents. This action should foster closer cooperation between the project team and industry.


The total approved project costs amounted to EUR 539 577.35 and were financed from the following financial sources: the European Regional Development Fund - EUR 444 018.20, the government budget - EUR 55090.84, the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, "LATVO," the State Scientific Institute - derived public person “Institute of Physical Energetics”, the foundation “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Development Fund” in the amount of EUR 40 468.31.


The project duration was 31 months (01.05.2021 - 30.11.2023).


Information compiled by:


Scientific Supervisor of the Project: Dr.sc.ing. Valerijs Bezrukovs, Senior Researcher at VIRAC;

Project Administrative Manager Ieva Rozenberga;

Lead participant of the project Vladislavs Bezrukovs. 


A diagram for the supply, storage and preparation of high-pressure hydrogen for use in gas stations.

Hydraulic hydrogen compression system for gas filling stations using flow meters and additional pressure boosting tanks.

Compression chambers and fluid flow patterns.

Visualisation of the network structure used in the turbine flow sensor simulation model.

Model of a liquid type compressor.

Control system with power relays

Laboratory prototype of a hydrogen compression chamber with orthogonal working fluid injection, increased heat dissipation and reduced foaming.

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Project DIMD has ended

By Rota Rulle • January 28, 2025
With the last day of 2024, the scientific research project “Desorption of icy molecules in the interstellar medium (DIMD)” ended. It was implemented at the Ventspils University College of Engineering “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” and was funded by the Latvian Science Council in its Fundamental and Applied Research Projects programme (project No. lzp-2021/1-0076). In the mid-term project report (2023), we already described the participation of the project participants at several conferences in Latvia and abroad, participation in the international cooperation project LILAC, a popular science article, and, most importantly, the scientific research conducted, which was submitted to the high-level astronomy journal Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A). “This turn of events left the participants in a poor situation. Before the last year of the project, none of the four planned major studies had been completed or at least submitted to an A&A-level journal.” Several assumptions had to be used in the submitted study, in particular, about the collision speed at which ice chunks break off in collisions between interstellar dust grains. The results of such collisions had been studied in recent calculations by a group of scientists at the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. From their published works, we concluded that our assumptions were wrong because at the moment of collision the ice mantle behaves like a liquid that deforms, rather than breaking into fragments like a crystal. Consequently, our submitted publication did not contain scientifically valid results and was eventually withdrawn. This turn of events left the participants in a poor situation. Before the last year of the project, none of the four planned major studies had been completed or at least submitted to an A&A-level journal. On the other hand, the work carried out was not without result – we had a highly developed astrochemical model at our disposal. Practically any investigation (except for those based on incorrect assumptions) could provide new, publishable scientific results with this program. At the end of 2023, the model was further improved and the race against time until the end of the project could begin! In the first [1] of the four major research studies conduced during 2024, we examined the general results of the model – the calculated amount of various solid (ice) and gas molecules in an interstellar nebula. This included organic matter, which was a special focus in the project. In the second publication [2], we explained the evaporation of organic matter from frosted dust near a newborn star. Perhaps the most interesting was the third paper, which examined the path of dust from a cold stellar envelope to the planet-forming disk around the young star. Research showed that two types of dust end up in the disk – cold and icy, and slightly warmer, but completely bare grains. The coagulation of such dust into sand, grain, pebble, and increasingly larger-sized clumps started of the formation of planets, including those in our own Solar System. The fourth article was completed with the final bell of the project and studied the origins of interstellar cosmic clouds. All articles were submitted to A&A. The first two have already been published, the third is in press, while the fourth still has the long road of scientific review ahead of it. Other planned works have also been successfully completed. Two smaller articles have been submitted for publication. The first considers the temperature of dust in circumstellar space, while the second addresses the conditions in a cosmic nebula that gravitationally collapses, until forming a newborn star at its centre. The work was explained to Latvian astronomers, interested people, and the public in the scientific conference of the University of Latvia, an article for the popular science magazine Zvaigžņotā debess (Starry Sky), as well as in an interview published in the magazine “Ir” [3]. The work on the project is not over yet – the submitted articles must be brought to publication, and reports are planned for the next (83rd) University of Latvia scientific conference, as well as the Latvian Astronomical Society. This research has been funded by the Latvian Council of Science, project “Desorption of icy molecules in the interstellar medium (DIMD)" No. lzp-2021/1-0076. [1] https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/07/aa50015-24/aa50015-24.html [2] https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/12/aa51858-24/aa51858-24.html [3] https://ir.lv/2024/10/16/zvaigznu-putekli/ Photo: Icy interstellar dust with the James Webb Space Telescope Chamaeleon I in the dark cosmic nebula. NASA, ESA, CSA, and M. Zamani (ESA). Science: M. K. McClure (Leiden Observatory), F. Sun (Steward Observatory), Z. Smith (Open University), and the Ice Age ERS Team

Students Develop Solutions for Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Environment at VUAS

By Rota Rulle • December 16, 2024
As part of the COLOURS project, an IMAGINE/IDEATE workshop was organized at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, where students applied design thinking principles to address equality, diversity, and inclusion issues within the university environment. This two-day workshop provided an opportunity for participants to analyze existing challenges and develop practical solutions they could implement themselves. During the workshop, students worked in groups, first identifying the challenges they face in their daily lives. They then focused on creating solutions using creative methods. Importantly, the proposed solutions had to be realistically implementable by the students themselves, fostering their responsibility for shaping the environment and driving positive changes. At the end of the workshop, students presented their ideas, and the best proposals were recognized. The winning group, composed of first-year students from the professional bachelor’s program in Intercultural Communication, proposed organizing events to help students integrate into their new environment and find like-minded peers. These events aim to provide practical support to young people facing challenges in adapting to a new social and academic setting. The authors emphasized that such events would foster a positive and inclusive experience, promoting mutual support among students. The workshop’s outcomes demonstrate that by encouraging active student participation and creative approaches, sustainable changes can be achieved in their daily lives. This workshop is part of the COLOURS project, which aims to promote the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in educational institutions.

Rafael Martin Calvo presented the translation of Latvian literature into Spanish

By Rota Rulle • December 12, 2024
On 10 December, the VUAS Library invited students to a meeting with Rafael Martín Calvo, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Translation Studies. He talked about how a writer's work is presented to publishers in another country before it is translated, what to do when only a few Latvians know a certain Latvian word, how many hours it takes to translate a novel and when is the best time to learn a foreign language. He also talked about participation in publishers' events, book fairs and book presentations in different countries. The students also had the opportunity to see translations of Nora Ikstena, Albert Bell, Guntis Berelis and other writers already published and to learn more about each of them. R. Martin Calvo also talked about his dream projects and revealed some of the works he is currently involved in. Thank you to the VUAS Library for hosting the event!

A Forum on Higher Education and Workforce in the Region was Held

By Rota Rulle • December 6, 2024
CoLab ""Higher Education and Workforce in the Region" held at the VIZIUM Science Center brought together academic staff, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other members of the community. The discussions focused on analyzing current challenges and exploring innovative solutions to ensure that new specialists are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s labor market. Opening the event, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) Rector Andris Vaivads highlighted the increasing demand for highly qualified specialists in the coming years, referencing forecasts from the Ministry of Economics. He called for closer collaboration between universities, businesses, municipalities, and society to adapt educational programs to the real needs of the labor market. Dr. Annette Klinkert, Executive Director of the COLOURS project, and Dace Štefenberga, VeA’s COLOURS Content Manager, shared insights on the European University Alliance and its benefits for the region. Austris Galindoms, Head of the Economics and Procurement Department at Ventspils City Council, emphasized the municipality’s role in fostering cooperation between education and the labor market. Meanwhile, Sandrine Labory from the University of Ferrara presented Italy’s experience in the Emilia-Romagna region. Other participants included Baiba Kūma, Head of the Kurzeme Planning Region’s Business Center, and Gvido Grinbergs from the Business Support and Digital Innovation Center at Ventspils High Technology Park, who stressed the importance of developing digital skills in the workforce. Raita Rollande, Head of TDL School, a subsidiary of TestDevLab, shared her experience collaborating with higher education institutions to prepare new specialists. Additionally, Maksims Kovalenko, Production Director at Immer Digital, highlighted workforce challenges in the industry. The forum concluded with a panel discussion on the impact of higher education on local economic development and regional growth. The panel featured business representative Raita Rollande, Ventspils City Council Deputy Executive Director Egons Spalāns, VeA Rector Andris Vaivads, and student Kārlis Andrejs Krūmiņš.

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By Rota Rulle • December 6, 2024
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Participation of representatives of the Faculty of Translation Studies of VUAS in the conference The Word: Aspects of Research

By Rota Rulle • December 2, 2024
On November 28–29, in Liepāja, associate professor and researcher Silga Sviķe, associate professor and senior researcher Jānis Veckrācis and lecturer, PhD candidate Aiga Bādere participated in the international conference The Word: Aspects of Research organised by RTU Liepāja. The event, which brought together researchers and language experts from the Baltic States and was diverse in its presentations, included two days of scientific discussions. The first day's evening dinner has become a tradition of the conference which, alongside the conference sessions, provides an excellent opportunity for professionals in the humanities to socialize and discuss current issues in the field. During the opening session of the Conference Silga Sviķe presented an emotionally inspiring memorial paper Juris Baldunčiks (1950-2022): Parallel Lines and Crossing Points of His Life, Research and Legacy ; later on Aiga Bādere presented her research paper Searching for Post-Editing Terms in Latvian , and Jānis Veckrācis – his research paper Terminological Discourse of History and the History of Some Basic History Terms in Latvian.
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