Low Voltage Accelerated Curing Systems for Concrete (LOVACS)
The two-year project, entitled Low Voltage Accelerated Curing Systems for Concrete (LOVACS) is funded by an award, which came from the European Union’s Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).
It is envisaged that it will develop new intellectual property (IPR) within the field of concrete production, develop the Inditherm technology-based systems as the leading technology for the production of in-situ and pre-cast concrete, both in cold ambient conditions and in pre-cast concrete plants.
It will also
- influence the development of codes of practices and international standards
- offer the project partners a market lead by improving production techniques
- reduce manufacturing costs
- improve working conditions and health and safety
The heat source for the project will be based on Inditherm’s conductive polymer, which can run on voltages as low as 6V, and at 48V can produce temperatures of up to 120 degrees celsius. The polymer is sandwiched into an insulated heating blanket that can be only 6mm thick.
The technology is used in areas such as sports physiotherapy, undersoil heating for soccer pitches, the 'curing' of concrete and provision of warm clothing.
The LOVACS project will be coordinated by Sheffield Hallam University and is expected to create new intellectual property rights.
The consortium includes academics, precast concrete mould manufacturers and end users – such as specialist concrete contractors and precast concrete manufacturers – from Britain, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Poland.
If successful, it could have massive impact on everyday life, speeding up the completion of road works and meaning less delays for the construction industry. Rotherham-based Inditherm makes flexible polymers which transfer heat evenly, so there are no hot and cold spots.
