SCIENTIFIC, EXTENSION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

ONGOING SCIENTIFIC PROJECTS

(Since 2019, GECT has approved 10 scientific projects with Prof Josι Vargas as PI obtaining a total of USD 1,408,611.14)

1.      2022 – Current: Development of a process for obtaining sustainable green aviation kerosene and bioproducts from microalgae biomass. Project CNPq-405864/2022-1 – Total Value: R$ 1,221,150.00 (US$ 218,824.48). Status: In progress; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2022 currency conversion: 1 USD = 5,5805 BRL)

2.      2022 – Current: Development and construction of a sustainable hydrogen generation system and distributed electrical energy via fuel cell and motor generator set. Project CNPq-408080/2022-1 – Total Value: R$ 2,732,800.00 (US$ 489,705.22). Status: In progress; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2022 currency conversion: 1 USD = 5,5805 BRL)

3.      2021 – Current: Research Productivity Grant 1A. CNPq-313646/2020-1. Project - Thermodynamic Optimization of Physical Systems. Total value: R$ 168,000.00 (US$ 32,328.21). Status: In progress; Nature: Research. Duration: 60 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2020 currency conversion: 1 USD = 5.1967 BRL)

4.      2021 – Current: Contract No. 32/2021 – Process: 23075.031410/2020-86 Participants: JRC INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY EIRELI - JRC; Federal University of Paranα - UFPR; Federal University of Paranα Foundation for the Development of Science, Technology and Culture - FUNPAR. Summary of the Object: development of the Scientific and Technological Development Project entitled "Electricity generation or absorption refrigeration systems, and bioproducts from the incineration of urban solid waste (MSW) with emission treatment by microalgae cultivation". Total Value: R$ 1,000,000.00 (US$ 192,429.81). Status: In progress; Nature: Research. Duration: 48 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2020 currency conversion: 1 USD = 5.1967 BRL)

 

CONCLUDED SCIENTIFIC PROJECTS

1.         2022 – 2024: CO2 Capture and generation of bioproducts from microalgae cultivated in airlift photobioreactors. Project CNPq-402313/2022-4 – Total Value: R$ 150,015.92 (US$ 26,882.16) Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 12 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2022 currency conversion: 1 USD = 5,5805 BRL)

2.         2021 – 2024: Development of an extended autonomy solution for electric vehicles using sustainable hydrogen and fuel cells. Project 27192.22 - FUNDEP - ROTA 2030 – Total Value: R$ 1,077,438.71 (US$ 207,331.32). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2020 currency conversion: 1 USD = 5.1967 BRL)

3.         2021 – 2024: CNPq-408073/2021-7. Project – Sustainable energy, potable water and bioproducts from urban solid waste and microalgae. Total value: R$ 275,000.00 (US$ 52,918.20). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2020 currency conversion: 1 USD = 5.1967 BRL)

4.         2020 – 2024: Pilot plant for treatment of effluents and degraded waters through microalgae cultivation. Project CNPq-446787/2020-5. Total Value: R$ 199,200.00 (US$ 49,420,70). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2019 currency conversion: 1 USD = 4.03 BRL)

5.         2020 – Current: Development and optimization of a mechanical ventilator with an air heating and humidification system for intensive care unit (ICU) patients - PROIND 2020 Call for Proposals - UFPR in the Fight against COVID-19. Total Value: R$ 41,257.82 (US$ 10,235.89). Status: In progress; Nature: Research. Duration: 60 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2019 currency conversion: 1 USD = 4.03 BRL)

6.         2019 – 2023: CNPq Project-443823/2018-9 - Energy recovery from Urban Solid Waste (RSU) and treatment of emissions. Project certified by the company LUFPAR BUSINESS CONSULTANCY EIRELI on 09/02/2019. Total Value – CNPq: R$ 498,048.00 (US$ 128,535.15). Total Value by the company: R$ 83,928.00 (US$ 13,988). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 48 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2018 currency conversion: 1 USD = 3.8748 BRL)

7.         2019 – 2024: Sustainable hydrogen and electricity generation system - Notice 04/2019 - PRPPG/UFPR. Approved value: R$ 12,450.00 (US$ 3,213.07). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 60 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2018 currency conversion: 1 USD = 3.8748 BRL)

8.         2019 – 2024: CAPES-PRINT-UFPR: Renewable Energies and New Energy Sources - project Renewable fuels obtained by chemical transformation processes. Total Value to Josι V. C. Vargas’ research group: R$ 438,868.80 (US$ 113,262.31). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 60 months. Co-Principal Investigator (co-PI). (Dec 31, 2018 currency conversion: 1 USD = 3.8748 BRL)

9.         2018 – 2024. Agreement No. 115/2018, Protocol No. 50,579 - PRONEX - Sustainable Energy and Bioproducts - published in the DIOE on October 19, 2018 by the Araucαria Foundation of Parana. Total Value: R$ 398,000.00 (US$ 120,314.39). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 72 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2017 currency conversion: 1 USD = 3.308 BRL)

10.     2017 – 2020. CNPq Project 430986/2016-5 - Universal - Development of a sustainable process for obtaining hydrocarbons and bioproducts from microalgae biomass. Total value: R$ 99,752.00 (US$ 30,607.22). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2016 currency conversion: 1 USD = 3.2591 BRL)

11.     2017 – 2020: Development of Mini-Grids with Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources. Project PD 2866-0470/2017. Total Value: R$ 7,000,000.00 (US$ 2,147,832.22), from which R$ 100,000.00 (US$ 30,683.31) were directed to Josι V. C. Vargas’ research group. Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Co-Principal Investigator (co-PI). (Dec 31, 2016 currency conversion: 1 USD = 3.2591 BRL)

12.     2016 – 2021: Project CNPq-302938/2015-0-Thermodynamic Optimization of Physical Systems. Total value: R$ 168,000.00 (US$ 43,645.43). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 60 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 29, 2015 currency conversion: 1 USD = 3.8492 BRL)

13.     2015 – 2018: CAPES/CAFP - 062/14 - High-level training in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to promote sustainable energy production and consumption in Brazil and Argentina. Total Value: R$ 219,088.01 (US$ 82,481.74). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2014 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.6562 BRL)

14.     2015 – 2017: Contract 111/14-UFPR-NILKO - Development and improvement of Bioenergy systems, reduction of energy consumption and cabinets for storing electronics. Project certified by NILKO Tecnologia Ltda. on 02 Oct 2015. Total Value: R$ 547,000.00 (US$ 205,933.28). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2014 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.6562 BRL)

15.     2013 – 2018: CNPq Project-407204-2013-0- High-density pilot plant for production of microalgae biomass for biofuels. Total Value: R$ 870,000.00 (US$ 425,740.15). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 60 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2012 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.0435 BRL)

16.     2013 – 2018: CNPq Project-407198/2013-0-Sustainable system for generating hydrogen and electricity through microalgae cultivation in compact photobioreactors. Total Value: R$ 350,000.00 (US$ 171,274.77). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 48 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2012 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.0435 BRL)

17.     2013 – 2018: Contract-41-2013 – Development of biofuels through the use of microalgae. Total value: R$ 268,800.00 (US$ 131,539.03). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Funder: Peugeot Citroen do Brasil Automobiles. Duration: 48 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2012 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.0435 BRL)

18.     2013 – 2017: CNPq Project-403560/2013-6 – Modular pilot unit for sustainable agricultural production from degraded water and solid waste. Total Value: R$ 1,225,000.00 (US$ 599,461.71). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 48 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2012 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.0435 BRL)

19.     2012 – 2014: Contract-140-2012-UFPR-NILKO-Development of bioenergy systems, energy consumption reduction and electronics storage cabinets. Total value: R$ 547,000.00 (US$ 291,608.91). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Funder: NILKO Tecnologia Ltda. Duration: 24 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 30, 2011 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.0435 BRL)

20.     2012 – 2014: CNPq Project 482336/2012-9 - Universal Call for Proposals - Modeling and development of hydrogen generation via microalgae cultivation in compact photobioreactors. Total Value: R$ 117,192.02 (US$ 62,475.75). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 24 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 30, 2011 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.8758 BRL)

21.     2010 – 2015: P116M100008 – Sustainable Energy and Aeronautical Engineering - U.S.-Brazil Higher Education Consortia Program. U.S. Lead: Florida State University U.S. Partner: University of Pittsburgh, Brazil Lead: Universidade Federal de Itajuba; Brazil Partner: Federal University of Parana. Total FIPSE/USA Funding: US$248,543; Total CAPES/MEC/Brazil Funding: US$248,543. Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 48 months. Principal Investigator (PI): Prof. Chiang Shi (FSU) and Co-Principal Investigator (co-PI): Prof. J.V.C. Vargas (UFPR).

22.     2010 – 2014: Project 554151/2010-3-CNPq – Mathematical modeling and simulation of compact tubular photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation. Total Value: R$ 105,312.00 (US$ 60,482.43).  Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2009 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7412 BRL)

23.     2010 – 2013: Project 558835/2010-4 - MCT/CNPq/FNDCT Call for Proposals No. 03/2010 - Life cycle analysis, impact and environmental remediation of biodiesel production and self-sustainable energy from microalgae and other sources. Total Value: R$ 510,779.60 (US$ 293,349.18). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2009 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7412 BRL)

24.     2010 – 2013: Thermal Engineering Journal (ABCM) - Protocol 19372 - Fund Araucaria. Total Value: R$ 10,000.00 (US$ 5,743.17). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2009 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7412 BRL)

25.     2009 – 2012: CNPq Project 483467/2009-0 - Development and optimization of intelligent refrigeration systems. Total Value: R$ 101,500.00 (US$ 43,431.75). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2008 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7412 BRL)

26.     2009 – 2012: Agreement 048/2009-UFPR-NILKO - Development of compact photobioreactors for cultivation of microalgae for biodiesel production. Total Value: R$ 217,840.00 (US$ 93,213.52). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 28 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2008 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7412 BRL)

27.     2008 – 2015: Project 567997/2008-1-CNPq - Methodology for Standardizing the Analysis of the Temperature Field in Human Infrared Imaging. Total Value: R$ 85,824.00 (US$ 48,452.549). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 48 months; 1 doctoral scholarship and laboratory support fee. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2007 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7713 BRL)

28.     2008 – 2012: Project 578066/2008-4 - Ed 51/2008-CTENERG-CNPq - Modeling, simulation and optimization of alkaline membrane fuel cells (AMFC). Total Value: R$ 85,824.00 (US$ 48,452.549). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 48 months; 1 doctoral scholarship and laboratory support fee. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2007 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7713 BRL)

29.     2008 – 2011: CNPq Project 574759/2008-5 - Development and optimization of compact photobioreactors for microalgae aquaculture for the self-sustainable energy research and development center (NPDEAS) from biodiesel. Total value: R$ 413,816.38 (US$ 233,622.9775). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2007 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7713 BRL)

30.     2008 – 2009: Thermal Engineering Journal (ABCM) - Agreement No. 007/2008 Scientific Publications Support Program Call for Projects 07/2007 - Fund. Araucaria of Parana - Protocol No. 7 - 1 - 12.614. Total value: R$ 16,000.00 (US$ 9,032.9137). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 12 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2007 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.7713 BRL)

31.     2007 – 2012: Project 200/2007 - Development of Membranes and Electrodes for Application in Fuel Cells. Funding: Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), Ministry of Education, Brazil. Total Value: R$ 45,802.56 (US$ 21,423.087). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 60 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 29, 2006 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.138 BRL)

32.     2007 – 2011: Development of enclosures for packing electronic equipment - Project 2049/FUNPAR-NILKO-DEMEC-Underground Enclosures. Funding by: NILKO Tecnologia Ltda. Total Value: R$ 436,800.00 (US$ 204,303.087). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 60 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 29, 2006 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.138 BRL)

33.     2007 – 2010: CNPq Project 552867/2007-1 - Ed 39/2007 Ethanol/Biodiesel - Center for research and development of self-sustainable energy from biodiesel and other sources. Funding: CNPq: R$ 761,386.76 plus NILKO Tecnologia Ltda.: R$ 100,000.00. Total Value: R$ 861,386.76 (US$ 402,893.7138). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 29, 2006 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.138 BRL)

34.     2007 – 2010: CNPq Project 485651/2007-6 - Modeling and development of solid electrolyte alkaline fuel cells with platinum-free electrodes. Total Value: R$ 146,800.00 (US$ 68,662.3012). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 24 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 29, 2006 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.138 BRL)

35.     2007 – 2008: CNPq-PDJ Project (junior postdoctoral) 152547/2007-0 - Optimization of the Electrodeposition Process of Ni-Co Alloys on Steel Electrodes for Alkaline Fuel Cells. Total Value: R$ 31,422.72 (US$ 14,697.2498). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 12 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 29, 2006 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.138 BRL)

36.     2005 – 2009: Development and optimization of absorption chillers and heat exchangers for exhaust gases – DORAGEX. Project 2254/04 – FINEP (Projects and Studies Funder), Brazil. FINEP: R$ 460,000.00 plus NILKO Tecnologia Ltda.: R$ 210,000.00. Total Value: R$ 670,000.00 (US$ 252,411.091). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 42 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2004 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.6544 BRL)

37.     2005 – 2009: Thermodynamic optimization of the internal and external structure of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Project 6501 – Araucaria Foundation of Parana. Total Value: R$ 36,800.00 (US$ 13,863.7734). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2004 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.6544 BRL)

38.     2005 – 2008: Project 507404/2004-1 - CNPq - Thermodynamic Optimization of the Internal and External Structure of Polymeric Electrolyte Fuel Cells. Total Value: R$ 105,972.84 (US$ 39,923.4629). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2004 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.6544 BRL)

39.     2005 – 2007: Project 481073/2004-3 – Universal/CNPq – Development and thermodynamic optimization of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Total Value: R$ 31,800.00 (US$ 11,980.1085). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 24 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2004 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.6544 BRL)

40.     2005 – 2007: Project 401117/2004-9 – CNPq/CTENERG – Development and Construction of a Self-Sustainable Electric Power Generation System (GEBIO). Total Value: CNPq: R$ 230,000.00 + NILKO Tecnologia Ltda: R$ 135,000.00 = R$ 365,000.00 (US$ 137,507.5347). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 24 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2004 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.6544 BRL)

41.     2000 – 2018: Interdisciplinary Program in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering - PRH24/ANP/MCT. Funded by the Oil National Agency (ANP), Brazil, and the Studies and Projects Financier (FINEP), Brazil. Prof. Josι V. C. Vargas created and coordinated PRH24 from its implementation in February 2000 until May 2004, when he became Vice-Coordinator until 2008. From 2008 onwards, he became a member of the research team only. Total Value: R$ 400,000.00/year (US$ 223,588.597/year). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 51 months as the Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 1999 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.789 BRL)

42.     2000 – 2004: Optimization and control of catalytic cracking units (OCUCC). Funded by the Studies and Projects Financier (FINEP). The project aimed at increasing the performance of catalytic cracking units for national crude oils by improving the operating conditions of the process. Total Value: R$ 1,100,000.00 (US$ 614,868.6417). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 1999 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.789 BRL)

43.     2000 – 2002: Project 466750/2000-5 – CTPETRO/CNPq – Thermodynamic optimization of risers of multipurpose FCC units for maximum fuel production. Total Value: R$ 48,667.00 (US$ 27,203.4656). Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 24 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 1999 currency conversion: 1 USD = 1.789 BRL)

 

CONCLUDED US FUNDED SCIENTIFIC PROJECTS

Scientific projects funded by the ONR and AFOSR, USA

1.      2008 – 2009: All Electric Ship System-Level Thermal Simulation and Management. Description: Prime Award Project No. FSU# 225000-520-023376/ONR# N00014-08-1-0080 - subcontract R01066 - U.S. Office of Naval Research - Total funding: US$110,465.00. Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 24 months. Principal Investigator (PI).

2.      2006 – 2010: Air Force Office of Scientific Research, AFOSR, USA – FA9550-06-1-0527 - "Modeling and Optimization of Renewable and Hybrid Fuel Cell Systems for Space Power and Propulsion" dated 1 Jun 06 and the "Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFMC) Foreign Grant Terms and Conditions," dated May 2003, are hereby incorporated by reference - Duration: 36 months - PI Resources: AFOSR/USA: US$ 60,000.00. Status: Completed; Nature: Research. Duration: 36 months. Principal Investigator (PI).

 

 

CONCLUDED EXTENSION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Extension projects

1.      2002 – 2006: Center of Excellence in High School with Curricular Enrichment and Petroleum Technician Course. Project B-13284/1 - implementation of the "High School - Petroleum Technician Course Center of Excellence" in the city of Almirante Tamandarι, PR, Vitae Foundation Support for Culture, Education and Social Promotion, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The project in question presented an innovative proposal in high school focused on scientific and technological literacy. The research in development consists of implementing a pilot high school for students with greater intellectual potential, also training them as Petroleum Technicians. At the same time, the assembly of a plastic recycling unit at the school aimed to professionalize students, generate income for the school, develop research related to recycling and raise awareness of its importance for reducing plastic waste. The purpose was to meet both the new demands in the job market and in education, as well as the historical Brazilian needs in quality public education for those outstanding students who come from low-income families. Total Value: R$ 255,345.00 (US$ 110,043.527). Status: Completed; Nature: Extension. Duration: 48 months. Principal Investigator (PI). (Dec 31, 2001 currency conversion: 1 USD = 2.3204 BRL)

2.      2001 – Current: Petroleum Technician Course integrated with High School. The course started with Project B-13284/1 - implementation of the "High School - Petroleum Technician Course Center of Excellence" in the city of Almirante Tamandarι, PR. Since 2005, the course has been offered as part of the High School at the Technical School of UFPR. As of 2011, the course became part of the unified entrance exam at UFPR, complying with the legal quota system. Professor Josι Viriato Coelho Vargas was the founder of the course and was coordinator from 2001 to 2011, vice-coordinator from 2011 to 2013. He is currently a member of the teaching staff. Funding: since 2005, UFPR has been covering all required costs for a class of 30 students per year.

 

Development project

1.      1991 – 1992: Project M.01.36 - Modernization of the All-terrain rescue truck (VTE Soc 5 tons, M62 and M543), Brazilian Army. The work consisted of the design, development, and nationalization project, as well as the construction of a 5-ton emergency vehicle prototype, by refurbishing an American made 1953 truck. The entire original engine assembly was replaced by a Scania DS-11 engine, with a nationalized gearbox. In addition, a new hydraulic system was implemented to operate the traction and towing equipment, i.e., crane, winch, and accessories. The first prototype was delivered on March 15, 1992. The prototype served as the basis for the nationalization of other 5-ton VTE Soc, M62 and M543 of the Brazilian Army. Status: Completed; Nature: Development. Funder: Ministry of Defense.