Date added: 2021-11-29
Where is the conjuction between heat exchange and history of technology?
Michał Klugmann's PhD thesis was written about the heat exchange in minichannels - thin pipes of various shapes conducting a boiling medium. His DSc elaborated on this subject and concerned another configuration of flow - through minislots.
As opposed to a minichannel, such a slot has relatively large dimensions in a single plane, so it is easy to observe. Phenomena taking place there can be recorded with a thermal camera, but it is also possible to do so with a regular camera. I have been dealing with photography and video recording since I was a child, so I gladly combined my hobby with my scientific interests. During visual examinations, I managed to observe a two-phase ebullated flow. These are characteristic structures created by two phases - fluid and steam that flow simultaneously. They change depending on the parameters of the process (velocity of the flow, amount of introduced heat), because their proportions change, too. In channels we deal with quite linear structures, while in slots lateral flow is also possible. There are phenomena related with non-uniformity of the flow - says GUT Professor, Michał Klugmann.
New interests of the researchers
It all heads toward the construction of small but very efficient heat exchangers and cooling system which can be applied in industry or electronics, for example. However, if such a heat exchanger is to reach its top performance, the medium should uniformely flow through it. The subject is quite new for the researchers, just like minislots since they havent been researched as extensively as minichannels. Then again, some phenomena are particularly well-visible in slots. With the aid of the video camera we were able to see the flow of fluid and steam, where whirlpools or dead spaces originate - says Michał Klugmann.
Gdańsk Waterworks Trail
Michał Klugmann PhD, DSc, ME knows the architecture of the GUT campus perfectly well, including all the nooks and cranies of historical buildings, but that is not all. He was one of the persons who can take credit for Gdańsk Waterworks Trail which can now be visited by tourists. The trail includes two historical underground water tanks (Stary Sobieski, Stara Orunia)and one modern water tower with a viewing terrace (Kazimierz). The trail is the effect of cooperation between the municipal waterworks company GIWK with enthusiasts of the history of technology. The aim of the enterprise consisted in preserving the historical objects associated with Gdańsk waterworks.
Professor Klugmann emphasizes that he has always been fascinated with the waterworks infrastructure. Underground water tanks are unique structures that cannot be compared with anything else. They have a specific micro-climate, amazing acoustics - the echo can rebound for several seconds. When he explored Stary Sobieski for the first time, the object was deteriorating and was being robbed, however, many old elements of historical installations still remained. Without knowing the history of this structure, but bearing in mind the sad end of other similar objects, Michał Klugmann contacted the emergency services of SNG, obtained the basic information and started to create Gdańsk Waterworks Trail.
At first there was 2,5 year of guerrilla protection of the object - we had mock alarm system, plaques with "video surveillance" notes, attempts to clean and organize the area and further accumulation of knowledge.
Afterwards I became the head of the museum project. I was given a chance because I had a vision, but I also reached the right person in the GIWK, someone who was not afraid of bold challenges - says Michał Klugmann.
The interior of the water tanks can be visited by tourists in the summer.
Science and history
Precise history of technology is a niche and there are not many people who deal with it, the majority of historians is interested in world history. As far as conservation staff is concerned, they include mostly archeologists, architects and historians. This is why expert activity in the area of the history and monuments of technology is a needed and graceful activity. I am happy to work in historical surroundings full or refined architecture. The whole building of the Machine Laboratory is a history full of mysteries. There are many pieces of equipment from the beginning of the 20th century, for example a desk in my office with the same reliefs as the wing door in the building vestibule. In many places you can find old books or glass slides for lectures attended by studtents from the beginning of the previous century - says Michał Klugmann.
Michał Klugmann cooperates with conservation services. At first he cooperated with Sopot branch only, now he also cooperates with the regional branch.
In Sopot, an interesting place with a mystery is the viewing point by Opera Leśna (Forest Opera). By chance we discovered a historical and completely forgotten water tank and managed to preserve its undamaged parts.
As far as further scientific plans are concerned, Michał Klugmann PhD, DSc, ME is going to continue the research of minislots connected with the uniformity of the flow. His field of interests include also renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and wind power. He wants to continue the development of activities popularizing science and Gdańsk University of Technology in which the history of technology has a prominent space.