Rolls-Royce extends global research network: Korean centre is first in Asia
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Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services, today continued the global expansion of its research and technology capability by opening its first University Technology Centre (UTC) in Asia – at Pusan National University (PNU) in Busan, Korea.
The new UTC in Thermal Management will initially focus specifically on the development of high-efficiency lightweight heat exchangers, which are seen as offering potentially large environmental benefits as the pressure increases on industry to address climate change.
This area of research is important for Rolls-Royce in maintaining competitiveness across all of its aerospace, marine and energy markets.
The UTC is the result of joint efforts between Busan Metropolitan City, PNU and local companies in Busan, since 2006 to develop highly efficient and ultra-light heat exchangers. It will become a central point for Rolls-Royce research and development into the design of heat exchangers, including test and development of manufacturing technologies.
It will also secure a base to develop professional engineers and researchers and contribute to the development of local economy of Busan and the growth of the components and materials industry.
The opening ceremony was attended by Hur Nam-Sik, Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, Colin Smith, Director of Engineering of Rolls-Royce, Kim Inn-se, M.D., Ph.D., President of PNU and Ric Parker, Director of Research & Technology of Rolls-Royce.
Kim Inn-Se said: “The opening of Rolls-Royce UTC at Pusan National University allows the university to secure its position to take a lead in the high technology world. We will continually produce high-quality R&D researchers and engineers through co-operation with Rolls-Royce”.
Colin Smith said: “Rolls-Royce is already working on a number of projects already with PNU and we see the study of heat exchangers as being fundamental to the way we respond to environmental pressures. We hope to help develop Busan as the hub of the technology R&D centre for the Rolls-Royce next generation heat exchanger”.
In addition to its work with PNU, with which it operates an internship programme, Rolls-Royce signed a MOU with DongHwa Entec Co. Ltd in 2006 to work on the development of heat exchanger manufacturing technologies, from the basic technology assessment and providing stage to production implementation.
Rolls-Royce already has a presence in Busan. A marine equipment facility with around 90 employees supplies Korean and Japanese shipbuilding companies. Rolls-Royce also supplies gas turbines to Korea’s shipbuilding companies for installation in equipment for the worldwide oil and gas and power generating industries.
Rolls-Royce established its first UTC in 1990 and the new centre is the 29th to be established worldwide, each undertaking vital, targeted research in a specific set of engineering disciplines.
The source of news : Rolls-Royce February 20, 2008
