The Galician public-private R&D project Fisterra introduces technologies such as digital twinning or augmented reality to manufacture a converter that will reduce emissions from maritime transport

• Norvento TECHnPower, the Galician Automotive Technology Centre and the University of Vigo have introduced this morning the progress of the first stage of the project, where these tools are implemented.
• Fisterra is endowed with more than two and a half million euros, with 60% provided by the Galician Institute for Economic Promotion of the Xunta de Galicia, in an initiative co-financed by the EU.

Norvento TECHnPower, the Galician Automotive Technology Centre (CTAG) and the Applied Power Electronics Technology research group of the University of Vigo have introduced this morning the results of the first stage of the Fisterra research project (the letters stand for: Fábrica Intelixente e Sustentable grazas a Electrónica de Potencia Avanzada e Realidade Aumentada), launched in 2024 and with a horizon in 2026, which aims to reduce emissions from maritime transport.

PROGRESS ON THE FIRST STAGE OF FISTERRA

In this first stage, technologies such as digital twinning and augmented reality have been implemented to design a multi-megawatt converter that exceeds current market standards, capable of replacing the consumption of fossil fuels with renewables in ships during their operations in ports.

In this first half of the project, CTAG has worked on the construction of a digital twin, which simulates 3D workflows and integrates warehouses, workers and assemblies, making it possible to optimise the production process before its physical implementation.

In addition, it has developed a parametrisable augmented reality system that will make it easier to incorporate less experienced staff into the manufacturing process, improving learning and reducing mistakes, with the aim of helping the worker in the development of the assembly of the converter’s elements.

For its part, the team from the University of Vigo (UVigo) has tested the converter’s control strategy through simulations based on initial base specifications, previous experience in similar systems and a review of the competition, thus reinforcing stability.

Norvento TECHnPower has made progress in the detailed design of the converter, as well as with the start of the manufacture of the first prototype unit, implementing the advances developed in terms of power density, hybrid cooling (liquid cooling and HVAC) and the advanced control unit, together with the synergies of optimisation of production processes, creating a model that improves the pre-existing characteristics in the market.

MORE ABOUT FISTERRA

Fisterra has the objective, with a 2026 horizon, of creating a power electronics converter that will drastically reduce the consumption of fossil fuels in ships during their arrival, docking and departure from ports. With this commitment to innovation, Galician work teams will provide a solution to the challenge of decarbonising maritime transport. This is a matter of great importance, as 80% of freight transport takes place by sea and accounts for 15% of annual nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and 13% of sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions.

This Galician public-private R&D collaboration project is endowed with 2,659,287.76 euros. The Galician Institute for Economic Promotion (IGAPE) of the Xunta de Galicia subsidises 60% in an initiative co-financed by the European Union.