CINEMA - Alliance for Imaging and Modelling of Energy Applications

Complex materials play a crucial role for many important energy technologies. The performance of such materials is determined by their internal structure right down to the micro- and nano-scale.

The CINEMA research alliance will develop unique 3D micro-structural characterization methods, which make it possible to investigate components under realistic conditions and in real time. By correlating performance to local changes in the microstructure it will become possible to optimize the materials.

The two major scientific topics are 1) flow, i.e. correlating local flow properties with the 3D microstructure of a porous material, and 2) damage, where the influence of the 3D microstructure on crack nucleation and propagation is investigated. Flow properties are highly important in e.g. catalysts, batteries, fuel cells, and CO2 storage media. Damage induced microstructure changes determine the lifetime of e.g. wind turbines, catalyst pellets and solid oxide fuel cells.

CINEMA joins three strong Danish groups, which have pioneered 3D X-ray imaging and analysis, and internationally renowned research leaders in wind turbine materials, fuel cell development, catalyst design and CO2-solid interactions. Four industry partners will ensure a close focus on the most technologically relevant problems, while international partners will bring access to additional state-of-the-art facilities and modelling competences.