Implementation of the ERDF-funded research project "H2-Compression" has been completed at the VIRAC

December 4, 2023

On 30 November, 2023, the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre" (VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) has completed an important applied research project, which involved four organisations for almost three years: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), VZI APP Institute of Physical Energy, "Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Development Fund" and JSC "LATVO". The project was carried out by a team of 14 researchers, engineers and students.

 

Applied Research Project No 1.1.1.1/20/A/185 "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" 1. 1.1.1.1. within the framework of the 4th round of the measure "Practical oriented research".


A growing number of countries and companies are engaged in intense competition for leadership in clean hydrogen technologies. Today, more than 30 countries have developed or are preparing hydrogen strategies, indicating growing interest in developing hydrogen value chains. It's apparent that hydrogen has the potential to make a significant contribution to three of the most important tasks concerning energy use: sustainable economic development of the European Union, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing air pollution. 


In recent years, the use of hydrogen energy in transport and the concept of a hydrogen economy has benefited from a fresh wave of strong political support. At the same time, rapidly evolving technologies have raised the possibility of using hydrogen as a driver for a future carbon-neutral energy system. At the heart of this initiative is the desire for energy security and independence. The European Union has set an ambitious goal to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050, which is in line with the guidelines of the European Commission.


The research project was aimed at acquiring new knowledge and skills for the development of an innovative technological solution to compress gaseous hydrogen. In this system, low-pressure hydrogen gas is compressed by gradually introducing it into vertically arranged compression cylinders. Compression is achieved by utilizing a liquid piston, which is operated by a high-pressure hydraulic pump. The proposed hydraulic compression technology for hydrogen is designed to serve as a booster compressor in a refueling station. This station can either receive hydrogen brought in by a truck in tubes or produce hydrogen locally through the electrolysis of water in limited quantities. The uniqueness of this solution lies in its adaptability to changing parameters of the inlet pressure of hydrogen, and it allows for the stabilization of the hydrogen accumulation process in the high-pressure buffer reservoir.


During the implementation of the project, all the tasks outlined were successfully completed, including:

  • Analysis of existing technologies and study of the problems arising from hydraulic compression of hydrogen;
  • Establishing a credible numerical model of the hydrogen compression process with a liquid piston, an analysis of the thermodynamic parameters in the system under development and temperature variations 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 controlling compression processes in the hydrogen compression system.
  • Technology development of new compression chamber geometry allowing to reduce gas temperature and foaming inside the cylinder when filling it with working fluid under high pressure;
  • Development of numerical models of working fluid flow in the compression chamber;
  • Development of numerical models and calibration methodology for the digital flow counter;
  • Determination of power consumption for compressing a specified volume of gas.
  • Analysis of appropriate materials for compressors and high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, capable of withstanding pressures up to 100 MPa;
  • Preparation of documentation for the 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 users' needs.


The outcome of this project is two new innovative technologies of hydrogen compression, designed for use in refuelling stations for urban transport powered by hydrogen. Within the framework of the project the developed technical solutions might be of particular interest for further commercialisation together with companies dealing with hydrogen compression and development of the hydrogen industry. The proposed concept is especially attractive when combined with the use of green hydrogen produced by electrolysis, fed from wind turbines, solar panels or the electricity grid.


Initially conceptualized as an industrial research endeavor, the project has equipped all participating team members with fresh knowledge and skills in the creation of innovative technological solutions.

 

During the project, obtained results significantly increased the understanding of the field of the hydrogen economy sector and more clearly identified its future prospects. Thanks to this project, the research team joined the Latvijas Hydrogen Alliance. During a year and a half, we regularly informed the association about the ongoing research, shared the project results, searched for potential partners for further co-operation, and always had access to up-to-date information in the field of hydrogen energy. 

 

The novelty and relevance of the project results are confirmed by 2 Latvian patents and a European patent application. Scientific materials have been reported in three articles and two conferences.

 

During the project implementation period, we have also submitted several proposals for other projects related to renewable energy topics, which will allow us to continue research in the field of energy. In addition, an application for a commercialised project is planned to be submitted to the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) in the near future. The patents obtained in the framework of the project attracted the interest of the international corporation Atawey, one of the leaders of the hydrogen sector. In November 2023, an auction was held in which Atawey agreed to buy these patents. This action should initiate a closer co-operation between the project team and the industry.

  The "H2-Compression" project was initiated with a keen eye on industry needs, addressing specific challenges in Hydrogen compression. At the beginning of the project, it was intended to develop the technology of hydraulic compression and bring it to TRL 5. This was realised in complete scope during the project implementation. The system and components of the declared technology (hydraulic compression process, control system, required working fluids, compression chamber geometry) were tested under laboratory conditions and in the relevant environment (hydrogen atmosphere).

 

In addition, the research enabled us to develop a new compression chamber geometry and validate it in the laboratory. The development level of the second technological solution has reached TRL 4.

 

The results of the current project have solved technological problems that simplify the production of a hydraulic compressor for the compression of hydrogen. The solutions we have proposed are new and innovative, as well as cheaper to produce than other options currently available worldwide. The technical characteristics of the proposed design adjusted with the requirements for hydrogen fuelling stations and international standards in this field.

 

The project achieved a big step forward by making the technology more practical and useful. It also opened the door for working together with the industry on many new opportunities. The project focused on solving real-world problems and looked at the whole process, making it a key factor in moving Hydrogen forward as a widely used and eco-friendly product.


 

Project PI - VIRAC Senior Researcher Valerijs Bezrukovs, Project Administrative Manager Ieva Rozenberga, Project Executive Principal Investigator Vladislavs Bezrukovs. 


  The total approved project cost is EUR 539 577,35 and is financed from the following financial sources:

  • European Regional Development Fund - EUR 444 018.20;
  • State budget funding of EUR 55090.84;
  • Funding from the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Development Fund, the Institute of Physical Energetics and JSC "LATVO" in the amount of EUR 40 468.31.


The duration of the H2-Compression project was 31 months (01.05.2021 - 30.11.2023).

Share on other platforms

Other news

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – a Place Where Science Reaches to Space

By Rota Rulle • June 27, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is a regional university of applied sciences where scientific activities are carried out in three strategic specialization areas: In natural sciences – implementing research in the fields of mathematical modelling, optical signal technology, astronomy and astrophysics, space technology and engineering electronics, ICT and electronics In social sciences – conducting research in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional economics In the humanities – conducting research in applied linguistics, comparative linguistics, and translation studies In June 2025, the science communication brand researchLatvia paid special attention to the contribution of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences to research activities, emphasising the contribution of Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante, researcher and lecturer at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, to science, technology and astronomy. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – a university with the largest radio telescope antenna in Northern Europe Although Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will only be 28 years old this year, for most of its existence, it has been home to a world-class research centre – the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VSRC). Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has been home to the largest radio telescope antenna in Northern Europe for 21 years. " If the world stands on three pillars, then VeA has four – three faculties and the VSRC. Science is inseparable from education, and higher education must be grounded in scientific principles. It is this close connection between education and science that has ensured the rapid development of VSRC and the Irbene radio telescope complex over the past 20 years. More than 150 students have developed their bachelor's or master's theses at VSRC - either in science or technology development. The majority of VSRC employees are graduates of our university. VSRC has grown into one of the leading scientific institutions in Northern Europe, specialising in astrophysics and space technologies. VSRC conducts international-level scientific research and contributes to technological innovations, bringing Latvia's name to the world. Shortly, radio telescopes will also be used in a completely new direction - in satellite communications, communicating with space satellites near the Moon," says Andris Vaivads , rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. International partners highly value VeA's infrastructure – the radio telescope complex in Irbene is part of the European radio telescope networks (JIVE, ILT) with significant importance in scientific observations. VeA's scientific activities are focused on internationally significant research in collaboration with international partners, including the Swedish Space Corporation and the European Space Agency. In 2024, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences produced 41 publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, of which 17 were published in the highest-ranked journals in Q1, and four in Q2. This is an excellent indicator indicating competitive and high-quality research. New researchers are being trained Many employees of the VSRC and the Faculty of Information Technologies work in both structural units, ensuring effective knowledge transfer between researchers and students. Representatives of this field are actively involved in public education throughout Latvia, conducting practical classes in schools and VeA laboratories, as well as giving lectures at the School of Astronomy. The development of a stratospheric probe by third-year students has also become a tradition, attracting public attention and inspiring future researchers. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences students – the most capable young specialists This July, Mārtiņš Leimants , a student in the "Electronics Engineering" study program, will travel to the Dutch city of Noordwijk to start working at the European Space Research and Technology Centre. Mārtiņš is the second Ventspils University of Applied Sciences student to intern at the European Space Agency (ESA) – a place where only the most capable young specialists from around the world have the opportunity to gain experience. In 2022, Rodrigo Laurinovičs went to ESA and spent two years there. If one student at ESA is a significant achievement and recognition, then two already mark a notable trend, confirming the excellence of our study program. Doctoral studies There are currently 22 doctoral students studying and conducting research at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – 14 students are obtaining a doctorate in social sciences, and eight students in humanities and arts. The Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre is a significant research centre that attracts doctoral students and candidates from other universities conducting research in the field of natural sciences. In the 2023/2024 academic year, the first three graduates of the study program "Economics and Entrepreneurship" received their Doctor of Science degrees at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Research funding doubled in 2024 Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the VSRC are actively involved in various international programs and projects. Since 2024, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has been part of the European university alliance COLOURS, which unites European regional universities from nine countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Sweden. In 2024, the total funding received for research projects reached just under € 2.7 million. This is a significant increase of just under 1.5 million euros compared to 2023. The most significant increase in funding in 2024 is observed in the areas of contract work and intellectual property transfer, demonstrating the university's ability to create practically applicable solutions for industry needs. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences focuses on the creation and transfer of high-value-added knowledge, creating a platform where education, science, and innovation meet. With a clear strategic direction, international vision and modern infrastructure, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre are an essential part not only in the region and Latvia, but also on a global scale! Video with this month's researchLatvia calendar scientist Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante

Professor Valery Nakariakov open lecture and scientific seminar: "A Plasma Orchestra, or Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona"

By Rota Rulle • June 25, 2025
You are kindly invited to attend a scientific seminar that will take place on June 27, 2025 , at Room D407, VeA IZI VSRC . Seminar Programme 10:00 – 11:00 Prof. Valery M. Nakariakov , University of Warwick, UK "A Plasma Orchestra, or Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona" 11:00 – 12:00 Lunch break 12:00 – 15:00 Scientific seminar “Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona” as part of the JIV-ERIC National Node Scientific Seminar Series Please confirm your participation by marking your name in the Excel sheet: Participation Sheet You can join in person or online via Google Meet . Google Meet link --- A Plasma Orchestra, or Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona Valery M Nakariakov (University of Warwick, United Kingdom) The corona of the Sun is the outermost part of the solar atmosphere. The corona is a very hot, fully ionised plasma dominated by the magnetic field. The corona is the birthplace of extreme events of space weather, and a natural laboratory for plasma physics. One of the most fascinated discoveries made with recent high-precision spaceborne imaging telescopes operating in the extreme UV band is the ubiquitous dynamics of the corona in a form of various large-scale wave motions. An example of such an instrument is the Extreme UV imager on the recently launched Solar Orbiter spacecraft. Typical oscillation periods are several minutes, typical wavelengths are tens to hundred thousand kilometres, and typical speeds are from several tens to several thousand kilometres per second, which make the solar coronal waves the largest electromagnetic wave motions resolved simultaneously in time and space, detected in the Universe. The observed waves are confidently interpreted in terms of the magnetohydrodynamic theory. Various plasma structures of the corona support different types of wave modes, allowing for the use of the waves for the plasma diagnostics via the method of magnetohydrodynamic seismology.

Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) held for the first time at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences

By Rota Rulle • June 25, 2025
The Erasmus+ program offers the opportunity to participate in an innovative and dynamic learning format – the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). This format allows both students and staff to explore a specific topic in depth within an international setting, combining virtual learning with a short but intensive five-day on-site component. Students of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences actively take part in these programs – over the past two academic years, 18 students have participated in BIP courses held in Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, and France. From 26 to 30 May, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted its first Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme titled “Technology Startup Course”. The course was implemented as part of the “Developing by Experimenting II” module within the “Start-up Management” study program, in cooperation with two COLOURS partner universities – Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa (Poland) and University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia). During the program, students from Ventspils University collaborated in international teams with peers from Poland, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria to develop innovative, technology-based business ideas. In total, 38 students participated, including 18 international students (six of whom represented COLOURS partner universities), forming 13 project teams. The primary goal of the program was to enhance students' skills in creating innovative, tech-driven business ventures capable of competing in the real-world market. On 30 May, five of the top teams were selected to present their ideas to investors at the TestDevLab headquarters in Riga. The winning team, “SOUNDPACK”, was represented by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences student Ronalds Palacis. The team’s idea focused on using AI to generate fully cohesive, royalty-free sample packs based on natural language prompts, simplifying the workflow for music producers. The Erasmus+ BIP program provided a valuable experience for both students and staff and helped strengthen cooperation with international partner universities. In the next academic year, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences aims to implement two more BIP programs – one for students and one for staff. We encourage all faculties to submit their BIP program ideas by emailing: erasmus@venta.lv

OECD and European Commission Experts Visited VUAS

By Rota Rulle • June 18, 2025
On June 5, representatives from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) to discuss issues related to the development of academic careers in higher education in Latvia. The purpose of the visit was to gain an understanding of the role, challenges, and opportunities of regional universities, including VUAS, in the implementation of new academic career models. During the meeting, experts met with the university’s management and academic staff to discuss topics such as attracting and retaining academic personnel, career development opportunities, support for professional advancement, and potential collaboration with other institutions in Latvia. The international expert group included Gillian Golden, Project Leader in the OECD Higher Education Policy Team; Thomas Weko, an international higher education expert and researcher at the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (USA); and Kristiāna Egle, a policy analyst in the OECD Higher Education Policy Team. The experts greatly appreciated the opportunity to hear a report from the Executive Director of the Ventspils City Council on the university's role within the city’s ecosystem, the university’s experience and staff perspectives, as well as the opportunity to learn about the university’s development strategies in a regional context. The discussions covered both the challenges and potential solutions that could help improve the development of academic careers in Latvia.

June Research Spotlight Karina Šķirmante: When Information Technology Meets the Universe

By Rota Rulle • June 18, 2025
When Information Technology Meets the Universe Space exploration is becoming increasingly important, expanding humanity’s knowledge of the universe, promoting innovation and technological development, and attracting new talent to science. Her work highlights the importance of combining expertise from various fields to address complex scientific questions. At such a point of cooperation between technology and astronomy is the doctoral candidate Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante, a leading researcher and lecturer at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VeA). Karina’s research activities cover high-performance computing and data processing, focusing on space technology projects. She is actively involved in the European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor project, which aims to launch a probe in 2029 to study a comet that has never come close to the Sun directly in space for the first time. In preparation for this mission, Karina, together with colleagues from the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VSRC) of the Institute of Engineering Sciences of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, is modelling comet activity in the radio frequency band, in collaboration with researchers from the Tartu Observatory (Estonia) and Aalto University (Finland). This international collaboration is helping to develop and calibrate the instruments that will be used during the mission.

Ventspils Hosts COLOURS Partners and Explores AI Innovations

By Rota Rulle • June 12, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences recently hosted the forum “Artificial Intelligence – The Fourth Industrial Revolution”, which took place at the concert hall “Latvija”. The forum brought together industry experts, policymakers, university representatives, and others, gathering around 250 participants in total. The next day, a workshop titled “How to Collaborate Across Generations in the Era of AI” was held at the “Saieta nams” in the Pasiekste Windmill, open to all interested participants. During the same week, Ventspils welcomed partners from all COLOURS project countries. Over the course of several days, they worked together to advance the goals of Work Package 3 (WP3). The partners were also introduced to Ventspils University, Latvian culture and traditions, visited the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre in Irbene, and participated in the CoLab. Kristiāna Balode, WP3 coordinator from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, shared: “It was a true pleasure to welcome the COLOURS partners to Ventspils and to share both our professional experience and Latvia’s rich culture and hospitality. I am especially proud that we had the opportunity to present our university and highlight Ventspils’ potential in the field of innovation. This meeting not only strengthened collaboration within WP3, but also sparked new ideas for the future development of science and higher education.”
Other news