The outlook for Latvian technology “High Tech in Latvia 2008” is řnancially

supported by Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia.

www.izm.gov.lv High Tech in Latvia
Editorial Board
Pēteris Reihmanis, LTP
Laila Eliņa, LTP

Publisher

Latvia Technology Park

www.ltp.lv

In Cooperation with
Riga Technical University
Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre
www.rtu.lv

Designed and Printed by

Publishing House AGB
K. Barona iela 31, Riga
LV-1011, Latvia
 Contents

Chemistry & Biotechnology Stratifier of Solar Combisystems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Soft Plastics/Polyurethane (PUR) Products, Digital Radiography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Innovative frolexus Bed Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Monitoring of the Environment Temperature and Relative Humidity. . 33
Siliceous Lignin Soil Amendments for Organic Farming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Cold Jet Dry Ice Blasting Technology – the Rising Star in Industrial
New Functional Food Product Containing Omega-3 and Inulin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Cleaning Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
New Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Scale-Up Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Heat
Engineering Equipment and Boiler Houses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
New Materials & Processes Monolithic Concrete Thermo-Panels for External Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Method and Device for Automatic Quality Control of Joints Achieved
by Spot Resistance Microwelding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Communication & Information Technologies
Plastificator of Humin Substances for Cement Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Mobile SMS for Microsoft Dynamics™ NAV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
High Voltage Plasma “Hydraulic Laser” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 GrinS®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Humin Substances Additives to Clay Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 TeleHelp®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Control of the Micro Welds Quality by Stabilization mTour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
the Interelectrode Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 System for Tracking Kids – ROKO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Single Tree Forest Inventory Using LIDAR Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Software for Adaptive Approximation and Surrogate Modelling. . . . . . . . . 38
Self-Binding Wood Boards and Substitution of Wood Adhesives Re-Reference System for GPS User Device Functionality Control. . . . . . . . . . . . 38
by Steam Explosion Lignin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 GPS User Device Testing Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Highly Workable Fiber Concretes with High Tensile Strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 IVR – Interactive Voice Response System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Sheet Metal Parts for Automotive and Other Industrial Companies. . . . . . 9 IVR – Interactive Voice Response System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Nanosized Ceramic Powders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Methodology for Computer Simulation of Complex Systems
Plastic Bonded BaFe Permanent Magnets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 and its Implementation for Analysis and Operation Improvement
Mobile Lightweight Hierarchic Cable Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 of Real-World Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Nano Dispersed Pure Ceramic and Metallic Powders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Wireless PKI (Mobile Signature) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Pulsing Blood-Vessels Prosthesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Computer Based Exercise Generation
Post-Consumer Material Based Multiphase Composites for Broad and Evaluation System Genexis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Range of Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Rapid Prototyping – New Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Light Emitting Diodes for Violet and Near Ultraviolet Spectral Region. . . 15
The research and development of new materials and technologies Power Engineering & Electronics
for holographic recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Technology to Deposit Electrical Charge on Insulator Hydrogen
GroGlass AR Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Affinity Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Activated Rubber Powder HTR-RP W-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Dynamic Model for Power Network Development Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Ion-Plasma Coatings for Protection and Reconditioning DC to DC Power Electronic Converter for Hydrogen Fuel Cell. . . . . . . . . . . . 45
of Precision Friction Pair Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Alone Placed Conducting Body’s Electric Self-Capacity Measuring
Method calculation of wear based on 3D surface characteristics. . . . . . . . . 18 Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
High-Temperature Ceramic Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Water Fuelled Boiler System for Heat and Electricity Generation. . . . . . . . . . . 45
Electromagnetic Induction Pumps for Liquid Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Life Sciences & Medicine Integrated AC Drive with Matrix Converter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Textile Threads with Anti-Thrombogenic Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Longitudinal Differential Protection (LDP) of High Voltage Lines. . . . . . . . . . . 47
Digital Water Descaler – 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Universal Computer Modeling System for Applied Non-Stationary
Mercury Pollution Determination in Air Using Zeeman Atomic Problems of Aero-Gas-Thermodynamics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Absorption Spectrometer RA 915+. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Shunt Active Power Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Hydrofoul Assisted Trimaran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 SKYBRAKE DD2+. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
“DigCarbMin” – Baldones Schmidt Telescope Astroplates Digitization Soft Start Devices with Three-Phase Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
and Further CCD Surveys of Carbon Stars and Smaller Solar System Single Wire Electric Energy Transmission Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Objects in Selected Sky Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Fatigue Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Portable Wireless Optical Monitor of Cardiovascular Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Model of Bidirectional Power Flow Regulator
Real Time Wireless Transmission Technologies for Traction Substations of an Electrical Transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
of Human Physiological Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Water Waves Motion Energy Conversion Device “R.A.W.E.S.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
High-Potency Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Final Dosage Composite Material and Container for Hydrogen Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Forms Development Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 New Method for Hydrogen Generation Using Advanced Electrolysis
Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Environment Friendly Technologies Novel Double Cross-linked Proton Conducting Membrane
Energy Certification of Buildings by Total Energy Consumption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 and the Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Pyrolytic bio-oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Wood, Metal, Glass Cutting Optimization Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Transport
Digital Signal Processing Technology for Recognition Efficiency Analysis of Transport Information Systems and Their
of Events in Oil Pipelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Application in Transportation Systems Planning and Optimization. . . . . 53
MÁDARA Ecocosmetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Transport Tasks Solution Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Integrated Airborne LIDAR and Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology of Aircraft Structural Health Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
for Environmental Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Electro transport sustainable control system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Glass-Ceramic Composite Materials from Industrial Waste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Information Infrastructure Model for Virtual Logistics Centre
New Lignin-Based Soil Stabiliser for Sustainable Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 to Ensure Management of Multimodal and Intermodal
Computer Based Hydrogeological Modelling of Baltezers, Rembergi Transportation in International Transport Corridors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
and Zakumuiza Water Supply Complex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Electronic AutoCAD-Library of Standard Components
System for Background Low Frequency Electromagnetic for Automated Designing of Railway Signaling, Centralization
Field Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 and Blocking Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Co-firing of Renewable with Fossil Fuel for Clean Leak Control Technology in Pressure Vessels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
and Effective Heat Energy Production. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Folding a Wheelchair with an Electric Actuator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Thin Film Coating Technology and Equipment for Solar Cells Industry. . 31 Folding Electric Scooter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Soft Plastics/Polyurethane (PUR) Products,

Innovative frolexus Bed Systems
Froli is a manufacturer of high quality plastic products . Poly- rehabilitation . With the help of highly soft spring elements
urethane (PUR) products are suitable for such spheres as frolexus bed systems individually fit to body shapes and
medicine, rehabilitation, as well as manufacturing . They are weight, as well as support backbone orthopaedically correct .
characterised by their long useful life, agreeable surface feel All bed systems are equipped with soft spring elements,
and hygienic advantages, making them damp resistance that firmness of which is adjustable . frolexus bed systems are
is of high importance in medicine . Products are manufac- available in various shapes and designs .
tured in a variety of shapes and colours, with wooden, steel
or cardboard inserts . Product range includes: arm rests/sup-
ports, leg and calf supports, head supports for chairs for the
disabled, back supports and seats, medical toilet seats and
other .
Froli is also manufacturing patented and health restoring
innovative frolexus bed systems for home, boats, as well as

Contact person
Ketija Boitmane
Froli Baltic, Ltd . Kustes dambis 6, Ventspils, LV-3601, Latvia
Tel .: +371 63634500
Fax: +371 63634519
E-mail: froli-baltic@froli .lv
http://www .froli .com

Siliceous Lignin Soil Amendments for Organic Farming

Organic farming based on low input of external additives sity (rye, barley, clover), Agronomical Analyzes Laboratory at
foresees the use of renewable resources in order to restore, Latvian Agriculture University (agricultural products quality
to maintain, to enhance ecological harmony and to provide control), clearly showed that siliceous products at low input
environmental quality for future generation . Organic farm- (40–250 kg/ha) provided the level of crops close (or even
ing is one of expanding areas in agriculture today with an more) to those obtained by practice of conventional farm-
estimated 20% per year increase over the last years all over ing and contributed a lot to improvement of self-regulation
the world . plant-soil biological system through encouragement of eco-
Siliceous lignins/lignocelluloses, synthesized on the basis system autochthonous components development .
of wood processing waste as biomimetic of soil organic On the background of siliceous lignins, activity of soil
matter-clay mineral natural complex, are able at low input microflora as well as nutrient and microelements uptake
to reprogram the production phases of agricultural plants, from soil and their transport into the plant are being
to defend plant from stresses of different origin, to enhance increased . Therefore, application of siliceous lignin products
plant productivity and reproductivity, to improve quality of in farming practice gives opportunity to obtain good crops
plant and soil . In unfavorable climatic and other stress con- on poor and exhausted soils .
ditions, bioregulator and bioprotector effects of siliceous
lignins become more prominent both for organic and con- Harvest, NEL*, Protein, Fat, NDF*, ADF*,
Variant
t/ha MJ/kg % % % %
ventional agriculture . Control 1 .8 7 .1 12 .1 4 .8 36 .1 19 .2
Replicated results, obtained over the past 5 years together Si-lignin 10 kg/ha 2 .5 8 .0 13 .1 5 .1 29 .1 9 .1
with Latvian organic farms: Brivzemnieki (oats, barley, clover, Si-lignin 40 kg/ha 3 .1 8 .1 13 .2 5 .4 23 .1 6 .3
cabbage), Kelmini (buckwheat), Oshi (beans) and Skriveri * NEL, NDF, ADF – respectively, net energy for lactation, neutral
Agricultural Research Institute at Latvian Agriculture Univer- detergent fiber, acid detergent fibettr

Contact person
Gaļina Teliševa
Latvian State Institute Dzērbenes street 27, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
of Wood Chemistry Tel .: +371 67555916
Fax: +371 67550635
E-mail: ligno@edi .lv
http://www .lza .lv/scientists/telysheva .htm
http://www .inventions .lza .lv/eng/izgudrotaji/TelisevaG .asp
2
 Chemistry & Biotechnology

New Functional Food Product Containing Omega-3 and Inulin

The new functional food product (FFP) with increased con-
tent of polyunsaturated fats Omega-3 and inulin, produced
by the Company “Iecavnieks”, is offered to the market. Lin-
seed oil is the richest natural source of Omega-3 (alpha-lino-
lenic acid) while Jerusalem artichoke is a well known inulin
source. The new FFP is a blend of linseed cake and Jerusalem
artichoke concentrate (10%). The chemical composition (%,
DW) of the components and blend is shown in Table.
The hemoinformatic method was used to study the
influence of FFP on white male rats. It was shown that
hematogenesis was stimulated in bone marrow; the metab-
olism of lipids was positively influenced by lowering the
cholesterol and LDL levels and increasing the HDL level; the
unspecific and specific immunity of T and B cells was
stimulated.

Carbohydrates Proteins Fats Inulin

Jerusalem
artichoke 66.48 17.12 2.23 47.50–49.50
concentrate
Linseed cake 25.29 36.52 21.94 –
FFP 27.50 31.85 25.52 6.95

Contact person
Māra Grūbe
University of Latvia Kronvalda blvd. 4, Riga, LV-1586, Latvia
Institute of Microbiology & Biotechnology Tel.: + 371 67034886
Fax: + 371 67034885
E-mail: grube@lu.lv

New Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Scale-Up Laboratory

On the 19th of June, 2007 Joint Stock Company Grindeks the highest laboratory standards in the world, thus, the
unveiled the new Active pharmaceutical ingredient scale-up results of chemical analyses performed at the laboratory are
laboratory that is the only laboratory of this kind in the recognized in the whole European Union.
Baltic States and one of the some in Eastern Europe. Laboratory project was developed within five years time.
The laboratory is an intermediate stage between creation It was a Custom Made project, as its concept was developed
of pharmaceutical substances at the research laboratory and by Grindeks, based on market trend analysis and its future
industrial production of these substances. The influence of visions. 3.2 million lats were invested in the realization of the
an increasing synthesis scale on the quality of pharmaceuti- project. Within the frameworks of the project additional
cal product is modeled and analyzed at the laboratory. The funding from EU European Regional Development Fund
laboratory is used to particularize technologies and proce- amounting 1.5 million lats was attracted.
dures thereof. The acquired information is used in the stage
of synthesis of compounds for clinical trials and for indus-
trial synthesis later on. The new laboratory is universal, as
several different substance synthesis processes may be tested
in this laboratory.
The analytical part of laboratory is certified according to
GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards confirming that
the work organization of the new laboratory corresponds to

Contact person
Vitalijs Skrivelis
Grindeks, JSC Krustpils street 53, Riga, LV-1057, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67083 227, + 371 67083 220
Fax: +371 67083 505
E-mail: vitalijs.skrivelis@grindeks.lv
http://www.grindeks.lv

3
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Method and Device for Automatic Quality Control of Joints

Achieved by Spot Resistance Microwelding
The original method and device for automatic control of
joints achieved by spot resistance microwelding is offered.
The method is based onto the measurement of final settling
value. It was established and verified experimentally, that it
could be one of the most acceptable parameter of control
at resistance microwelding because settling value well cor-
relates with joint quality and is safely (and easily in com­
parison with electrical parameters, for example) registered at
the same time.
The proposed device of welding joints automatic quality
control contains the following basic structural elements:
displacement transducer, measuring circuit, levels classifier
and control circuit. During control the signal, proportional
to a settling, enters measuring circuit from displacement
transducer. The final settling value, measured after the weld-
ing, goes to an input of the threshold device. According to
a selected cycle time of measurement and classification, the
control circuit gives scan permit of the classifier, and the
measured value s classification on the established treshold
values is performed. Classification’s outcome is displayed by
flashing of one of the channels’ “Norm” or “Reject” lamp.
The measuring circuit and classifier come back in an initial
status by reset impulses, entered from the control circuit.

“Reject”
Displacement Measurement Remembering Dual
transducer circuit circuit channel
logical
levels
classifier
Control
Tool circuit “Passed”

Synchronizing

Scheme of control device, based on measurement of final settling value

Contact person
Irina Boiko
Riga Technical University Ezermalas street 6 – 426, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Mechanical Engineering Institute, Welding Laboratory Tel.: +371 67089701
Fax: +371 67089739
E-mail: irinaboyko@inbox.lv
http://www.tmf.rtu.lv/mti

4
 New Materials & Processes
Plastificator of Humin Substances for Cement Products
With application of cavitation and high voltage plasma
method in processing of several sorts of peat a plastificator
of humin substances has been developed which improves
quality of clay and cement products . It can be applied sepa-
rately, as well as together with water which is prepared in
metastable state with help of cavitation method . Due to
that effectiveness increases .
For liquid cement mixtures adding plastificator of humin
substances increases flowability by 15–22%, products resis-
tance – by 16–21% .
Contact person
Semjons Cifanskis
Riga Technical University
Research Laboratory
“Nonlinear Phenomena
of Vibrating Systems”
High Voltage Plasma “Hydraulic Laser”
The active element of high voltage plasma “Hydraulic Laser”
(HVPHL) is the liquid in the reactor . Generator of impulse
current serves as the supply of energy creating voltage to
electrodes, placed inside the reactor . During electric dis-
charge a plasma bond is created which is the source for
increase of energy in the liquid; this makes an entire complex
of non-linear effects to arise, including also increasing gas
cavities, high intensity percussion waves, cavitation which
actually surrounds the entire capacity of the liquid, and high
speed cumulative spurts .
Contact person
Semjons Cifanskis
Riga Technical University
Research Laboratory
“Nonlinear Phenomena
of Vibrating Systems”
5
Adding water treated with cavitation and humin sub-
stances plastificator to liquid cement-sand mixture, prod-
ucts resistance increases by 29% . Without water treated with
cavitation adding of plastificator of humin substances
increases resistance only by 10% .
For other cement-sand mixtures by forming products
under pressure 16 MPa, adding of plastificator of humin
substances improves compacting of the mixture by 2,1% (as
compared with addition of plastificators B1 and B4) . In addi-
tion, consumption of plastificator of humin substances is
2,3 times less .
Ezermalas street 6, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089469
Fax: +371 67089469
E-mail: semjons .cifanskis@rtu .lv
http://www .mi .rtu .lv
Construction of HVPHL includes the reactor with elec-
trodes, cumulative jets ensuring outlet of spurts with ultra-
sonic speed (M = 1,3 ÷ 1,4), work cameras and static target .
At the place of the contact where the spurt hits the target
dynamic pressure is active around 550 MPa .
Possible spheres of application: cleaning of long canals,
cleaning of tapped canals, cleaning of inner walls of pipes
and inner cavities of rotors form stratification, punching,
righting and removal of remaining voltage from metal con-
structions, production of low frequency impulse vibrating
exciter, breakage of high resistance materials and purifica-
tion of waste water non-reagents .
Ezermalas street 6, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089469
Fax: +371 67089469
E-mail: semjons .cifanskis@rtu .lv
http://www .mi .rtu .lv
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Humin Substances Additives to Clay Products

By applying cavitation and high voltage plasma method in
processing of several sorts of peat special humin substances
additives have been developed, improving quality of clay
products . They can be applied separately, as will as together
with water which is prepared in metastable condition with
help of cavitation method . Due to this effectiveness
increases .
Clay for Brick Production
Adding of small amount of humin substances improves
plastic characteristics from 8–10% till 30%, which is depen-
dant upon sort of clay . Also the necessitated time for drying
decreases by 5–11% . That improves not only quality of
formed product, but also it allows saving power consump-
tion during the production process . Also moisture content
in the product decreases after baking by 14% .
Clay Liquid in Borings/Ports
By adding humin substances in different concentrations
it is possible to achieve either thinning (by 24%), or thicken-
ing effect, which reduces liquid infiltration in sandy soil by
54% .

Contact person
Semjons Cifanskis
Riga Technical University Ezermalas street 6, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Research Laboratory Tel .: +371 67089469
“Nonlinear Phenomena Fax: +371 67089469
of Vibrating Systems” E-mail: semjons .cifanskis@rtu .lv
http://www .mi .rtu .lv

Control of the Micro Welds Quality

by Stabilization the Interelectrode Voltage
The original method, as well as equipment for automatic determined . When current value reaches standard value,
control of resistance micro welding joints quality is offered . voltage drop between electrodes is stabilized . The above
This control method is based onto the measurement of described method is especially effective for condenser resis-
resistance value between electrodes Ree and evaluation of tance welding machines, which use two current impulses:
its modification at three time periods (instead of only preheating impulse and welding impulse .
dynamic resistance measurement as usually):
• Reei – initial resistance between electrodes before the
welding current is turn on;
• Reep – resistance between electrodes at time period
between preheating current impulse and welding curent
impulse;
• Reee – resistance between electrodes at the end of the
process, when welding current impulse is turn off .
Herewith, considering the measured before welding Reei,
the automatic correction of preheating impulse takes place .
The evaluation of the welding joint quality is based onto
results of measurements of Reep and Reee . So, the current Scheme of control device, based onto the measurement of resistance
value of dynamic resistance between electrodes is value

Contact person
Alexander Filipov
Riga Technical University Ezermalas street 6 – 414, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Mechanical Engineering Institute Tel .: + 371 67089701
Fax: +371 67089739
E-mail: weld5@inbox .lv
http://www .tmf .rtu .lv/mti

6
 New Materials & Processes

Single Tree Forest Inventory Using LIDAR Technology

The conventional approach of forest inventory is giving way of the laser scanner data, individual trees can be detected
to new remote sensing applications, which offer different and modeled, or forest stand parameters .
scales of observation from measurements of individual trees Based on the single tree or forest stand average data and
to assessment of average parameters of stands . FORAN Bal- digital aerial images FORAN Baltic can easily create very
tic’s single tree forest inventory is a cost-effective in single- realistic 3D visualizations of the area . Trees and landscapes
tree-based forest inventory using airborne LIDAR (light appear in the view with the properties they have in the
detection and ranging) technology in combination with GIS-database and “fly-through” functionality in different
hyper spectral imagery . It aims at substituting the field mea- “before/after-scenarios” .
surements of position, species, height, stem and diameter
volume . The production line of the FORAN Baltic is the first
commercial in the world and a big step forward in forestry
data capture .
In the first stage, the aircraft, equipped with a sensor and
most advanced GPS/INS units flies over a specified area .
Airborne laser scanner data collected with high point den-
sity enables the generation of high resolution accurate digi-
tal terrain models (DTM) . The data are further used to
derive single-tree measurement data . Due to high resolution

Contact person
Gundars Skudriņš
FORAN Baltic, Ltd . “Lidlauks”, Priekuļu pagasts, Cesis district, LV-4101, Latvia
Aspazijas blvd . 24, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel .: +371 64127951
Fax: +371 64127955
E-mail: lidlauks@mikc .lv
http://www .foranbaltic .lv

7
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Self-Binding Wood Boards and Substitution

of Wood Adhesives by Steam Explosion Lignin
Adhesive substances are component in composite wood
boards or plywood. Presently phenols derived from petro-
chemicals are the main source of industrially used adhesives,
that is why their costs are driven by oil price. As oil prices
increase dramatically, the costs of wood composites rise
dramatically too – the prices of phenol-based adhesive res-
ins show direct correlation with oil market prices.
Along with economic considerations it is advisable to
reduce production costs for wood adhesives with help of
aromatics from renewables (green chemicals) at fixed prices
as self-adhesive wood composites and sulphur-free
adhesives
The laboratory study results open way to use steam-ex-
ploded pulp (see “High Tech in Latvia 2006” and Fig.  1 in
present issue) as a material for self-binding fibre board and
lignin extracted from biomass after steam explosion auto-
hydrolysis (Fig. 2) of wood as sulphur free adhesive in hot-
pressed composites. In cooperation with JSC “Latvijas Finie­
ris” steam-exploded phenols are tested as substitutes for
synthetic phenol adhesives in plywood.
The efforts have been made to evaluate energy con-
sumption of steam explosion pre-treatment of wood bio-
mass and estimate in terms of self-subsistence and sustain-
ability of biorefinery system.


Contact person
Jānis Grāvītis
Latvian State Institute Dzērbenes street 27, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
of Wood Chemistry Tel.: +371 6012041
Fax: +371 7550635
E-mail: jgravit@edi.lv

8
 New Materials & Processes

Highly Workable Fiber Concretes with High Tensile Strength

Fiber concretes and high performance fiber concretes with
steel fiber amount up to 400 kG/m3 were elaborated . Mate-
rials have high durability, impact resistance, are free of
shrinkage cracks, combine high tensile strength with high
workability . Materials are easy for preparation, transporta-
tion, casting and compaction . Tensile strength up to 25 MPa
was achieved . Fiber concrete parameters were validated by
industrial pumpability tests, as well as full-size structural
tests, where scale factor values were obtained .

Testing of fiberconcrete
Mechanical stresses in
fiberconcrete (numerical
modeling).

Fiberconcrete with 250kg/m3 steel fibers. Fiberconcrete (300kg/m3 steel fibers) casting.

Contact person
Andrejs Krasnikovs
Riga Technical University Āzenes street 16/20, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Tel .: +371 29436518
Fax: +371 67089083
E-mail: akrasn@latnet .lv
http://www .bml .rtu .lv

Sheet Metal Parts for Automotive

and Other Industrial Companies
Malmar is a state-of-the-art company . It offers 3 core activi-
ties towards its customers: sheet metal parts (riveted cross
members and welded assemblies for chassis), powder coat-
ing (zinc-phosphating and primer included) and last but not
least machining of castings (transmission cases and gear cas-
ings, rotor housings) . Its customers are typical original equip-
ment manufacturers such as truck and bus manufacturers,
air compressor equipment and off-road transport (tractors,
bulldozers, etc .) manufacturers . Malmar is well known for its
overall excellent service in terms of high delivery perfor-
mance, excellent quality level and competitive pricing .
Recently Malmar has been awarded with ISO 16949, which
is a GO/NO GO criterion for the automotive business .

Contact person
Māris Petrovskis
“Malmar Sheet Metal”, Ltd . Inženieru street 101, Ventspils, LV-3601, Latvia
VATP, Business incubator Tel .: +371 63628989, +371 63664913
Fax: +371 63628990
E-mail: maris .petrovskis@malmar .eu
http://www .malmar .eu

9
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Nanosized Ceramic Powders
The small enterprise “Plasma & Ceramic Technologies”, Ltd.
(PCT, Ltd.) is a producer of nanosized powders of refractory
compounds (oxides, nitrides, carbonitrides et al.) and their
multi-component composites by the plasma technique.
This technique is developed at our host Institute of Inor-
ganic Chemistry of Riga Technical University.
These nanopowders were mainly used for manufacturing
of advanced ceramics. Such powders (for example, Si3N4,
TiN, AlN, Al2O3, ZrO2, Si3N4-SiC, Si3N4-Me2O3, Ti(C, N),
AlN-Y2O3, ZrO2-Y2O3, Al2O3-ZrO2, Al2MgO4, etc.) are char-
acteristic with the specific surface area in the range of
10–90  m2/g and with the particle size in the range of
20–150  nm. The advantage of our technology is manufac-
turing of nanosized composite powders with a high degree
of homogeneity.
The possible application fields of nanopowders are:
• advanced ceramics,
• structure-toughened ceramics,
• ceramics of high thermal conductivity,
Contact person
Eriks Palcevskis
Plasma & Ceramic Technologies, Ltd.
10
• ceramic cutting tools,
• components of fuel cells,
• metal matrix composites,
• modification of metal structure and polymers,
• electrochemical coatings with nanoparticles,
• implant materials for medicine.
The enterprise has a great experience of participation
and collaboration within several EU supported research
projects (TRANSNANOPOWDER – 2001–2004, NANOCER-
AM  – 2004–2006, NANORUB – 2005–2008). The applica-
tion possibilities of our products, especially of silicon nitride
containing powders, have been approved for manufacturing
of materials with excellent characteristics (hardness, flexural
strength, wear and temperature resistance, etc.). Now we are
one of powder suppliers for the EU-STREP Project CarCIM
entitled: Integration of Two-Component Ceramic Injection
Molding for Large-Scale Production of Novel Multifunc-
tional Ceramic Components for Automotive and Railway
Applications (www.carcim.de).
Miera street 34, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67800767
Fax: +371 67800767
E-mail: pct@nki.lv
http://www.innovation.lv/pct
 New Materials & Processes
Plastic Bonded BaFe Permanent Magnets
At the Institute of Physical Energetics technology for pro-
duction of elastic permanent magnets has been developed,
up to the level allowing their pilot-scale production . In the
magnets, barium ferrite powder for magneto-dielectrics is
used as filler and rubber (natural or synthetic isoprene
СКИ – 3) as binder .
The technology of making magnets provides for mixing
the mentioned materials with softening ones using rollers
for rubber processing of the Пд 320 160/160 type . After roll-
ing, a 1–5 mm thick and up to 320 mm wide strip is
obtained . Magnets with the desired sizes in the form of discs,
plates or strips are produced by stamping or cutting . If nec-
essary, vulcanization of the products is made .
The use of magnetizing devices allows for two-pole mag-
netization of the magnets or multipole magnetization on
one (working) side .
The developed elastic magnets are now and were in the
past widely used in diversified electro-technical, medical,
household and other appliances . Currently, the magnets on
plastic binders find a wide utility in the production of medi-
cal laboratory equipment, in magnetotherapy for curing
diseased joints and backbone, at strains and dislocations,
inflammation of radicals, etc . Measurements of the electro-
physical characteristics are performed using an IPE magneto-
measuring set, which allows determining the characteristics
of magnetic fields and the parameters of magneto-hard
AlNiCo, BaFe, SrFe, SmCo, NiFeB permanent magnets as well
as of magnets based on plastic binders . Apart from that, it is
possible to measure electro-physical parameters of magne-
to-soft ferromagnetic materials, such as electro-technical
and structural steels, ferrites, etc .
The measured parameters of permanent magnets are as
follows:
1 – demagnetization characteristic;
2 – residual magnetic induction, Br;
3 – coercive force, Hcb, Hcj;
Contact person
Vladislavs Pugačevs
Institute of Physical Energetics
11
4 – maximum energy of the magnet, (BH)max;
5 – coordinates of the point on the demagnetization curve
with maximum energy, Bm, Hm;
6 – temperature of the magnet in the range of 20–200 ľC .
Gaussmeters included into the set allow for measuring
the induction of magnetic fields in the range from 3 × 10–5 T
to 30 T for frequencies from zero to 10 kHz .
The graph displays demagnetization characteristics for
two specimens of elastic permanent magnets . Specimen N1
is made by the IPE technology . The same figure presents a
comparative characteristic for similar magnets on plastic
binders made in China (specimen N2) .
The magneto-measuring set has been used in investiga-
tions into the dependences of basic magnet parameters on
the magnetic filler percentage . The maximum filler percent-
age reaches 92% .
For the use of electro-magnetic devices as magnetic
cores technology has been developed for making elastic fer-
romagnets based on iron powders and carbonyl iron . Mag-
netization characteristics of such materials under permanent
magnetic field are presented . Owing to the low electric con-
ductivity, these materials are classified as elastic magneto-
dielectrics .
Aizkraukles street 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Tel .: (+371) 67 558 684; +371 29 151 274
Fax: (+371) 67 550 839
E-mail: magneton@edi .lv
http://www .innovation .lv/fei
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Mobile Lightweight Hierarchic Cable Structure
The presented Hierarchic Cable Structure by the application
of new materials in combination with structural systems
where tensile stresses are dominant allows significantly
reduce the dead weight and opens possibilities to cover
extremely large spans without intermediate posts and can
be used as easy deployable and expandable mobile provi-
sional coverings .
Mobile lightweight hierarchic cable structure
Contact person
Kārlis Rocēns,
Leonīds Pakrastiņš,
Dmitrijs Serdjuks
Riga Technical University
Institute of Structural Engineering and Reconstruction
12
• T
hese structures are characterized by non-linear geomet-
ric hardening, which results in a less proportional increase
of stress in elements in relation to increased external
loads . This and using of hybrid composite cable with two
failure stages provides an increased nominal safety factor
evaluated at ultimate limit state of structures .
• The material consumption of the presented structure is
nearly two times more effective then that of analogous
structures at the identical span .
Cross-Sections
Working Scheme Axial force vs. strain relationship
Hybrid composite cable with two stage mode of failuret
Āzenes street 16, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Tel .: +371 7089284
Fax: +371 7089121
E-mail: rocensk@latnet .lv
http://www .ltn .lv/~rocensk
 New Materials & Processes
Nano Dispersed Pure Ceramic and Metallic Powders
The joint-stock company NEOMAT (from 1976 to 1992 –
Special Design Technological Bureau of Inorganic Materials
of the Academy of Science of Latvia) has developed high
Technologies and equipments for the producing of nano-
dispersed pure ceramic and metallic powders by plasma
chemical synthesis method and has also produced these
powders. The process is characterized by:
• very high activity and high purity of nano-dispersed pow-
ders with average particle size of 20–80 nm;
•  formation of powder composites with phase composi-
tions, which are not formed using powder metallurgy
methods.
The application of nano-dispersed pure powder enables
the manufacturing of high dense materials with advanced
characteristics with relatively low parameters of powder
metallurgy process (such as HP, HIP, etc.).
Our nano-dispersed pure powders are widely used in
many important branches of industry, such as space tech-
nology, aviation, engine building, electronics, metallurgy,
chemical industry, etc.
Contact person
Leonids Stafeckis
NEOMAT, Ltd.
Pulsing Blood-Vessels Prosthesis
For reconstruction of main artery segments touched by
atherosclerosis it is recommended to use capable blood-
vessels prosthesis. These implants have wall structure suit-
able for human arteries, ever existing biomechanic features,
and they are biologically harmless. Pulsing blood-vessels
prosthesis is capable of blood circulation functioning renew-
al on the whole, extinguishing pulse wave fluctuations and
avoiding backset development after surgery. Prosthesis is
Contact person
Viktorija Kanceviča
Riga Technical University
Centre of Biomaterial Innovation and Development
13
Major uses for our powders include turbine blades, com-
bustion chambers for aerospace and aircraft vehicles, bear-
ings, heat exchanger parts, electronic and electrotechnical
devices, surgical instruments and microspheres for medicine,
seals and trim parts, components of equipments for chemi-
cal industry and metallurgy, for modification of structure of
metals and alloys also.
The available nanopowders include:
• nitrides (Si3N4, AlM, TiN, ZrN, NbN, AlN-TiN, Si3N4-AlN,
Si3N4-ZrN)
• oxides (Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2)
• carbides (SiC)
• carbonitrides (TiCN)
• pure metals (Cu in oil)
• composites (Si3N4-Y2O3, Si3N4-Y2O3-Al2O3, Al2O3-Mo-
TiN)
• nitrides-borides (TiN-TiB2, ZrN-ZrB2)
and many others.
Miera street 34, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67944794
Fax: +371 67944792
E-mail: neomat@navigator.lv
http://www.neomat.lv
produced with weaving technology using a complex hollow
wattling pattern and composite, non-toxic material execut-
ing functions of collagen and elastic fibres when the implant
is adopting and functioning in the organism. Penetrability of
biological prosthesis is ensured by double velour coverage
on the exterior layer of the implant and elastic membranes
in its pores produced from preparations capable of produc-
ing bioactivity.
Pulka street 3, Riga, LV-1007, Latvia
Tel.: +371 26322834
E-mail: ltp@rtu.lv
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Post-Consumer Material Based Multiphase Composites

for Broad Range of Application
Institute of Polymer Materials has long-term experience in It has been demonstrated that certain structure depen-
developing of post-consumer thermoplastics based multi- dent properties of the investigated multiphase systems can
phase materials with predictable set of application and be sufficiently well predicted by means of classical theories
processing qualities in accordance with the specific needs of of Hashin–Strikman, Foigt, Reuss, Nielsen, Maxwell and
the customer. others.
Designed multiphase composites are based on wide In general, the complex of properties of the developed
range post-consumer polymer materials: poly(ethylene compositions permits their use for manufacturing of corro-
terephtalate) (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylchloride sion resistant products in industry (gaskets, joints for pipe-
(PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and many line systems, hermetic sealing materials), casings for con-
others, derived from the waste of traditional packaging sumer goods and electrical equipment components,
(soft-drink bottles, metallized film, etc.), multimedia (CDs high-solvent and thermal barrier packaging materials.
and DVDs), building (pipes, thermal insulation) and auto-
motive products. Consequently several alternative process- FIELDS OF CHARACTERISTIC STRESS-STRAIN VALUES
ing and recycling technologies of these composites are
(POST-CONSUMER COMPOSITIONS)
developed.
In order to comply with the drop of certain exploitation
characteristics, typical for secondary materials, as well as to
impart certain specific features multiphase systems are pur-
posefully modified by means of elastomeric additives (ethyl-
ene-octene copolymer (EOC), ethylene-vinylacetate copoly-
mer (EVAC), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM)
and other), compatibilizers, micro and nano level inorganic
fillers and γ-irradiation. The key of the modification lies in
the balancing of technological characteristics (mainly rheo-
logical ones) and exploitation properties of the composites
(tensile and flexural stress-strain characteristics, impact
toughness, hardness, Vicat softening point, density, adhe-
siveness and many others) through purposeful selection of
the “right” component ratios and most suitable modifiers.
As a result individual compositions possess high toughness, PC – primary polycarbonate; CD – PC derived from CD waste;
long term performance and excellent barrier properties, CD-Al – PC with aluminum derived from CD waste; DVD – PC
derived from DVD waste; PET – polyethylene terephtalate (PET)
while others impart high strength, thermal durability, spe- derived from bottle waste; PET/Al – aluminized PET waste;
cific thermophysical and antistatic features. C&L – bottle closure and label waste; C – compatibilizer

Contact person
Mārtiņš Kalniņš
Riga Technical University, Āzenes street 14/24, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Institute of Polymer Materials Tel./fax: +371 67089252; +371 67089218
E-mail: martinsk@ktf.rtu.lv
http://www.mlkf.rtu.lv/PMI/index.html

14
 New Materials & Processes
Light Emitting Diodes for Violet and Near Ultraviolet
Spectral Region
The growth technology of Light Emitting diode (LED) struc-
tures on sapphire wafers by Metal Organic Chemical Vapor
Deposition (MOCVD) technique has been designed . The
technology is based on AIXTRON RF200 N MOCVD reactor
system .
Technology involves cleaning of wafer surface with
hydrogen flow, formation of single crystalline GaN or AlN
buffer layer, growth of active light emitting multilayer struc-
ture surrounded by p- and n- doped GaAlN layers LED
structure . Technology for opening p- and n- places in single
LED structures for electrical contacts have been designed .
LED characteristics:
• Waffer dimension: 2 inch.
Contact person
Ivars Tāle
University of Latvia
Institute of Solid State Physics
The Research and Development of New Materials
and Technologies for Holographic Tecording
In Laboratory of Optical Recording at Institute of Solid State
Physics (University of Latvia) synthesis and research of amor-
phous chalcogenide (Ach) semiconductor (As-S, As-Se and
As-S-Se) thin films for optical recording and holography
have been performed . The technologies of 2D/3D and two
step 3D rainbow hologram recording are developed . The
methods for fabrication of subwavelength-gratings and sur-
face-relief features with nanometer scale have been devel-
oped . Recently the methods of direct holographic gratings’
recording are being studied .
Contact person
Jānis Teteris
University of Latvia
Institute of Solid State Physics
15
• Capacity: number per wafer of single LED chip structures
available for device production: up to 1100 .
• Light emission spectrum: single bands peaked in wave-
length range 364–445 nm .
• Emission type: Continuous or single/periodic pulse of
duration > 3 ns .
• Technology transfer to MOCVD systems for mass pro-
duction of LED structures is available .
Area of applications:
• Development of energy saving and environmental friend-
ly white light illuminators
• Development of systems for express spectral analysis in
medicine, health and environmental monitoring .
Ķengaraga street 8, Riga, LV-1063, Latvia
Tel .: +371 29119943
Fax: +371 67312778
E-mail: iatale@latent .lv
Using the new developed method of immersion is pos-
sible to use these materials for obtaining the sub-wave phase
and reflection gratings . That shows an importance of these
materials for obtaining of regular nano-structures and high-
density information storage (Tbt/cm2) .
Thin films of AchS photoresists could be obtained by
thermal evaporation in vacuum on glass substrates with
sizes 4 × 4, 5 × 5 and 6 × 6 inches . Spectral sensitivity of Ach
photoresists are λ ≤ 650 nm and light sensitivity: 10–1–
10–2 J/cm2 .
Ķengaraga street 8, Riga, LV-1063, Latvia
Tel .: + 371 29414553
Fax: + 371 7132778
E-mail: teteris@latnet .lv
High Tech in Latvia 2008
GroGlass AR Glass
GroGlass – advanced coatings on glass for customizing its
optical properties.
As the prices of fossil energy soar, our gazes turn to free
and practically endless resource of energy, the Sun. However,
managing the sun’s rays as they pass through glass is a diffi-
cult task. Our company focuses on three major consumers
of Light – plants who convert the Sun’s energy into sugars,
Solar Panels that convert it into electricity and us, humans,
who convert light into emotions as we gaze upon works of
art behind glass in museums, look through storefronts in live
and work behind glass in architectural buildings.
In high-tech horticulture (greenhouses), plants’ growth
increases in proportion to light conditions inside the green-
house. In response to this market need, GroGlass has devel-
oped the product – GroGlass AR, which, due to anti­
reflective (AR) coating, increase the integral transmission of
PAR (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) light by 8%. At the
Contact person
Juris Oļeiņiks
GroGlass, Ltd.
16
same time, our coating manages the Sun’s spectrum, reflect­
ing the unwanted heat from the Greenhouse, decreas­ing
overall heat gain by 5%. This further increases greenhouse
yields, as growers are able to keep the tempe­ratures under
control and minimize CO2 emissions into the atmosphere,
but instead feed it to the plants who convert it into life
energy.
Solar PV modules are also in need of more light and less
heat. By allowing more useful light to pass through the glass
cover, the solARglass product increases the efficiency of the
module by almost 3% and increases its voltage by about 1%
due to lower temperature of the solar panel.
Our coatings also make the glass that covers artworks
practically invisible to the human eye due to the loss of
reflection. We also add a unique feature to block a signifi-
cant portion of the harmful UV radiation that causes dam-
age to graphic art and watercolors. The same “invisible”
effect is useful for storefronts that advertise various products
as well as any other architectural application where glass is
used for sound and climate barrier, but is rendered optically
invisible, such as VIP boxes at stadiums and arenas.
The increased light transmittance effect is achieved due
to the reducing reflection on the both sides of the glass
pane, by coating the thin film on both surfaces, using high-
tech vacuum sputtering technology.
Approximately 15% of Near Infra-Red Radiation is reflected by GroGlass AR
resulting in >5% overall heat reduction in a greenhouse
PAR Heat
Katlakalna street 4b, Riga, LV-1073, Latvia
Tel.: +371 7502910
Fax: +371 7502911
E-mail: info@groglass.lv
http://www.groglass.lv
 New Materials & Processes
Activated Rubber Powder HTR-RP W-40
HTR-RP W-40 is designed for excellent process ability for
compositions of Thermoplastic Elastomers application and
Vulcanization Compounds, for extrusion and injection
molding or processing by other techniques .
Typical Applications: Tire treed compound, TPV com-
Contact person
Raitis Kubuliņš
HIGH TECH RUBBER, Ltd .
Ion-Plasma Coatings for Protection and Reconditioning
of Precision Friction Pair Parts
Technology of reconditioning of precision pair parts, which
are manufactured from metallic materials – valves, plungers
and injectors of vehicle fuel pumps and hydraulic motors,
water power devices, etc ., is elaborated The technology
stipulates creation of a special coating, which is deposited
applying the method of ion-plasma sputtering and possesses
some improved performance characteristics (increased
wear-resistance, oxidation and hold resistance, corrosion
resistance and decrease of friction coefficient) .
Contact person
Aleksandrs Urbahs
Riga Technical University
Institute of Transport Vehicles Technologies
17
pounds, PU and Acrylic coating components, Epoxy resin
filer, Anti Corrosion Pipe Coating; Pipe and Profile; Automo-
tive parts; Household and Electric goods, Sport playground,
Asphalt modifier and Asphalt cement component and so
on .
Torņa street 4/1b – 202, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel .: +371 29427774
E-mail: Kubulins2@inbox .lv
Development application area: diesel engines of railway
and auto transport, diesel and gas turbine engines of river
and marine vessels, gas turbine engines of aircrafts, engines
of electric power plants, gas-transfer stations, agricultural
machinery, road construction machinery as well as water
power devices of lifting and transportation equipment .
Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089948
Fax: +371 67089968
E-mail: Aleksandrs .Urbahs@rtu .lv
http://www .tti .rtu .lv
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Method calculation of wear based on 3D surface characteristics
Worked-out statistical model of destruction of friction sur-
faces and experimentally-theoretical calculation method of
wear-out . The method is based on experimental data of
wear-out in finishing period of friction coupla, and wear-out
calculation in normal exploitation time of friction coupla,
and conformity to natural laws of fatigue theory .
Made the method of wear-out prognostication and engi-
neer methods of calculation for little-charged plane slide
friction couplas in working regimes that are close to oiling
border case: friction coefficient ƒ ≤ 0,1, relative motion
speed of surface υ ≤ 0,2 m/s, load on surfaces p ≤ 1 MPa .
Contact person
Janis Rudzitis
Riga Technical University
Mechanical Engineering Institute
High-Temperature Ceramic Materials
The high-temperature ceramics (Fig .) – the leaders in the
field of high-temperature materials in a variety of ceramic
composites such as aluminium oxides, zirconia oxides, mul-
lite, cordierite, forsterite, enstatite, etc .
This product includes ceramic pyrometry tubes, swich-
fuse gear insulators,electrical heater&thermostat parts,
ceramic wear-resistant lining tiles, refractory coatings, ceram-
ic milling media .
The product is produced by conventional ceramic pro-
cessing including preparation of starting composition by
ball-milled process in planetary ball mill, as well as by using
of hydrothermal procedure to obtain the starting powders
Contact person
Gaida Sedmale
Riga Technical University
Institute of Silicate Materials
18
The methodology allows to prognosticate the little-
charged lifetime of slide friction couplas (guide of devices,
guide of bench, slide mechanisms, etc .) not doing time-
consuming and expensive wear-out experiments .
Ezermalas street 6, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089701, +371 29425510
Fax: +371 67089739
E-mail: arai@latnet .lv
http://www .tmf .rtu .lv/mti
with the wide scale (50 to 1000 nm) particles, shaping of
intended product form from powders by pressing/extrusion
and high-temperature sintering in temperature ranged from
1200 to 1400 �C .
A different feature of proposed ceramic product is the
using of small amount of illite clay and/or dolomite to start-
ing composition to lower the sintering temperature .
The main characteristics of high-temperature mullite-
corundum-zirconia (tetragonal) ceramics includes the high
degree of densification (up to 99%), bulk density 2 .90–
3 .25 g/cm3, bending strength 95–100 MPa and pressure
strenth up to 300 MPa .
Āzenes street 14/24, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089257, +371 26403286
Fax: +371 67615765
E-mail: gsedmale@ktf .rtu .lv
http://www .rtu .lv
 Life Sciences & Medicine
Textile Threads with Anti-Thrombogenic Features
As the result of the research methodology and technology
was developed for thread coating with amber. On the basis
of the developed technological procedure threads with
amber coating had been introduced with permanent anti-
thrombogenic and antibacterial features. In the world there
is no analogue for such amber threads and methodologies
for technological procedure in order to manufacture such
threads.
The obtained amber threads are produced for manufac-
turing of artificial blood-vessels implants or threads. Amber
acid, an amber composite, is a powerful donor of electrons,
which supplies energy to cell membranes. Research proved
that cell membranes are protected from internal and exter-
nal negative impact, including infections (viruses and bacte-
Contact person
Inga Ļašenko
Riga Technical University
Riga Biomaterials Innovation and Development Centre
19
ria); however, only in such cases when strictly defined elec-
tric potential is maintained in them. In case of lower electric
potential the structure of biochemical composites of mem-
branes, ferments and cells is disarranged which leads to cell
disintegration. Living potential impulse is maintained by
negatively loaded amber acid electrons. Thus here goes an
explanation for healing power of amber acid.
Research carried out by In vitro proved that electro­
negative charge of amber acid oxygen atoms influence
aggregation and adhesion of thrombocytes. As the result
blood clots development process on amber plates is
1.3 times slower in comparison with existing artificial blood-
vessels implant materials.
Pulka street 3/3, Riga, LV-1007, Latvia
Tel.: +371 2 9436384
Fax: +371 6 7089631
E-mail: Inga.lasenko@inbox.lv
http://www.lza.lv/scientists/lyashenko.htm

Digital Water Descaler - 500
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Digital Water Descaler – 500
Digital Water Descaler – 500 is a multifunctional newest
generation electronic scale crusher with an integrated, pro­
grammable microcontroller. By generating electromagnetic
impulses of various frequencies, the device eliminates scale
(CaCO3 + Fe2O3 + other insoluble substances) in water sup-
ply system, and prevents it from forming again. Water
treated in this way has antibacterial properties.
The device created by us – WLux – is an environment-
friendly product for home use, as it prevents scale from
forming on home appliances, pipes and boilers. WLux pre-
serves calcium in water and eliminates bacteria. WLux is an
indispensable device for anyone whose home water supply
system is burdened with scale deposit problems.
Digital Water Descaler – 500 is a universal model for
installation in apartments, private houses and companies
with water consumption levels from 0.3 to 4.4 m3/h and
pipeline diameter up 32 mm (1 ″).
The functioning of Wlux Digital Water Descaler – 500
is maintained by a control program. The program helps you
choose from three various types of electromagnetic impuls-
es and two power modes.
Effects
The effects of the WLux device appear after a certain
period, which depends on several factors: chemical composi-
tion of water, amount of water consumption, condition and
physical processes of the treated system. For pipes with
small diameters, the first results appear during the first two
weeks; for larger pipes – after a month; complete cleansing
of the system is performed in a longer period (three to four
months).
It is known that the devices changes only the physical
properties of water (the state of CaCO3 is changed), so when
testing the device efficiency, the common chemical meth-
ods of determining water hardness may not be accurate.
The following factors indicate the efficiency of the WLux
device:
1. If water hardness in various places of the system is con-
stant, then calcium deposits are not forming.
Contact person
Egils Griķis
VIDTECH, Ltd.
Vladislavs Pugačevs
Institute of Physical Energetics
20
2. For systems ‘’overgrown’’ with scale, water hardness at
the outputs of the protected devices (boilers, heat
exchange systems, etc.) may be higher than before the
installation of the device, because the previously formed
deposits on the protected devices will gradually
disappear.
Advantages of Wlux Devices
Calcium and salt deposits completely disappear from
water supply pipes, faucets, baths, showers, heating system
pipes and radiators. The device efficiency is increasing by
saving energy (4 mm of deposits reduce heat supply effi-
ciency by 25%);
Washing powder will work more effectively (you will be
able to use 10–25% less washing powder and fabric soften-
er); the clothes will be cleaner and softer.
Results/Benefits
Lower costs in comparison with many other types of
water treatment (no additional investments required during
operation).
Technological lifetime of the device is at least 8 years.
Lower electricity consumption.
Technological Description of the Device
The device WLux has been produced based on more
than 50 years of experience in of the leading companies of
the world and company VIDTECH in this field. WLux is a
digital scale-crushing device that is designed for elimination
of scale in water supply systems of both apartments and
private houses, with a controllable program. The device
complies with laws and regulations on electrical safety and
electromagnetic compatibility in European Union and the
Republic of Latvia. The device has been manufactured using
lead-free technology RoHs and in accordance with directives
73/23EEC and 89/336 EEC. WLux has received a SVA comp­
liance certificate No. 51.
Wlux devices have three-year warranty.
The device has been designed and tested in collaboration
with the experts from Latvian Institute of Physical Energetics
(IPE).
Baltezera street 1/1 – 11, Riga, LV-1024, Latvia
Tel.: +371 29 212990
Fax: +371 67 200133
E-mail: sanita@openlatvia.lv
Aizkraukles street 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67 558 684; +371 29 151 274
Fax: +371 67 550 839
E-mail: magneton@edi.lv
http://www.innovation.lv/fei
 Life Sciences & Medicine

Mercury Pollution Determination in Air Using Zeeman Atomic

Absorption Spectrometer RA 915+
The portable LUMEX RA 915+ analyzer is intended for quan- It is the most rapid and effective method of detection
titative mercury determination in different samples . Opera- and identification of active sources of mercury emission into
tional principle is based on differential Zeeman atomic atmosphere . It can be applied for rapid analysis of mercury
absorption spectrometry using high frequency modulation in liquid and solid samples like soils, rocks, and waters too .
of light polarization (ZAAS-HFM) . The use of the ZAAS-
HFM and a multi-path cell allows direct measuring of mer-
cury in the air at the background level, i . e ., around 2 ng/m3
with response time of 1 sec .
When LUMEX RA 915+ is used together with GPS, mea-
surement results can be assigned to particular measurement
places . Such solution is portable and can be used when walk-
ing or from a driving car . The solution gives a possibility to
establish a digitalized pollution database for different geo-
graphic coordinates in different times .

Contact person
Egils Bogans
University of Latvia Šķūņu street 4, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy Tel .: +371 67225907
Fax: +371 67228249
E-mail: egils .bogans@gmail .com
http://www .atomic-physics .lv

21
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Hydrofoul Assisted Trimaran
The Man and the Sea. For lots of people this ancient link
means sailing. Combating with the wind and waves is a
breathtaking and attractive sport. Modern materials and
technologies allow building faster yachts and achieving new
speed records. The fastest yachts have one drawback. They
are huge and expensive. For most of the sailors they can be
enjoyed just on TV screens.
An alternative has been made to make speed sailing pos-
sible for everybody. After hydrofoil stability research with
proa type yacht in 1982 the world speed record in 500 m
Contact person
Aldis Eglajs
CATRI, Ltd.
22
distance was broken. Further research and experiments
made it possible to use the new ideas for serial built trimaran
type yachts. New yacht movement type was developed –
hydrofoil surfing. With the new CATRI hydrofoil system,
yachts do not fly over the waves but glide upon it with mini-
mal contact. As a result yacht speed, as well as safety and
stability increase.
Unlike other hydrofoil systems, conducted by water sur-
face sensors, main stabilizing hydrofoils of CATRI trimarans
are disposed abaft close to water surface. This provides auto-
matic stabilization without sensors, reduce construction
costs, and increase stability effectiveness and yacht safety.
Other hydrofoil systems cause many exploitation inconve-
niences and are effective only in a narrow range of wind and
wave conditions, but CATRI trimarans are pre­eminent in
every quality under all circumstances. Largest CATRI modifi-
cations have another invention of sailing in order to increase
safety – automatic release of sails during sudden gust and
dangerous heel.
CATRI hydrofoil assisted trimarans are patented in four
European countries, the USA and Canada. After the first
demonstration of Catri 26 in Amsterdam, in 1997, techno­
logies of construction have been significantly improved. The
newest modification of Catri 24 has been certified to CE
labeling.
The invention relates to a hydrofoil system of a sailing
trimaran having a central hull and two outriggers. Inclined,
retractable foils are placed in a front part of each outrigger,
forward of the center of area of the sail and from the center
of gravity of the trimaran. Two additional hydrofoils are
arranged each on the stern of an outrigger. A third addi-
tional hydrofoil is arranged on a rudder in the stern of the
central hull. Patents: LV 11603B, EP 0855984B1, US 006024041,
CA 2235340.
Maskavas street 291/5 – 26, Riga, LV-1063, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67258427, +371 28309377
Fax: +371 67258427
E-mail: aldis@catri.lv
http://www.catrigroup.com
http://www.catri.lv
 Life Sciences & Medicine

“DigCarbMin” – Baldones Schmidt Telescope Astroplates

Digitization and Further CCD Surveys of Carbon Stars and
Smaller Solar System Objects in Selected Sky Regions
For more than 30 years observations of selected sky regions 2007 to March 2008 five new asteroids have been discov-
have been conducted at the Astrophysical Observatory of ered . Current asteroid observations are part of European
the Institute of Astronomy, the University of Latvia . Current Spaceguard and world-wide NEO (Near Earth Object) pro-
archive consists of approximately 22’000 photographic grams . Ongoing observations are very important for human
astroplates containing significant amount of information civilization, especially now that possibilities to deflect real
including yet uncharted comets, asteroids, variables and threats are within realm of practicality .
further objects . Digitization of the current archive would The choice can be formulated as dedicating reasonable
allow revealing this hidden information for world-wide funding for further research versus endangering human
access enabling further research and review . civilization .
After renovation of the main mirror and installation of
new observation device in 2006, the Scmidt telescope of the
observatory allows determining rough chemical composi-
tion of faint (up to magnitude 14) late type stars . This
enables not only to classify stars currently recorded on the
plates, but also to find additional peculiar objects including
carbon stars .
It was confirmed during observations in 2007 that 39
new carbon stars were found and in period from August

Contact person
Ilgmars Eglitis
University of Latvia Raiņa blvd . 19, Riga, LV-1596, Latvia
Institute of Astroniomy Tel .: +371 67932863
Fax: +371 67034582
E-mail: ilgmars@latnet .lv
http://www .astr .lu .lv

Portable Wireless Optical Monitor of Cardiovascular Signals

Wireless prototype device for detection, monitoring and
processing of the tissue-remitted optical signals has been
developed . The device can be embedded also in clothing,
e . g ., hat or glove . The advantages of the device are small
weight, low power consumption, high adaptability to a wide
range of applications .
Features:
The detector consists of optical probe, electronic ampli-
fying/processing and Bluetooth units .
Specifications:
Battery powered; operation time 8h without recharging .
Range – 10 m
Weight – 100 g
Software – Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Mobile, Symbian

Contact person
Renars Erts
University of Latvia Šķūņu street 4, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Institute of Atomic Physics Tel .: +371 67228249
and Spectroscopy Fax: +371 67228249
E-mail: Renars .erts@lu .lv

23
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Real Time Wireless Transmission Technologies of Human
Physiological Information
Modern medical data acquisition systems (DAS) in general
consist of two parts – a digital signal registration device and
a personal computer or Pocket PC linked with the data
transmission cable . There are many cases when the cable link
causes problems due to limited distance or even makes
impossible application of DAS in case of moving objects, like
in distance monitoring, sports medicine, etc . Our offer is a
technological solution (know-how) for real-time human
physiological transmission using wireless link based on Blue-
tooth or WLAN technologies . The technology is field tested
Contact person
Zigurds Markovičs,
Juris Lauznis
Riga Technical University
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
High-Potency Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
and Final Dosage Forms Development Service
1 . We develop technologies for freeze-dried sterile inject-
ables and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) .
2 . We are able to produce in small batches a wide range of
injectables, including high-potency products, such like
anticancer, etc .
3 . We develop both for internal use and for external custo-
mers on contract basis the following products/techno-
logies:
a) dossiers for final dosage forms in CTD format for
tablets, capsules, injectables:
• full development, including technology, validation,
stability, etc .;
• upgrade of non-CTD dossiers to CTD format, includ-
ing additional analytical support .
Contact person
Juris Skrīvelis
Pharmidea, Ltd .
24
for full 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) transmission using
special data format to minimize possible information loss in
process . It may be successfully used also for other applica-
tions like transfer of neurophysiologic data, blood pressure
and respiration monitoring and others .
Solution using WLAN allows to utilize existing LAN infra-
structure in establishments, and gives real mobility to
objects in research in WLAN covered area .
The technology is applicable in other areas where dis-
tance data acquisition or monitoring is required .
Meža street 1/4, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089562; +371 67089092
E-mail: Zigurds .Markovics@rtu .lv; juris .lauznis@rtu .lv
http://www .ditf .rtu .lv
http://www .rtu .lv
b) active substance master files (ASMF) for human, vet-
erinary APIs:
• full development, including technology, validation,
stability, etc .;
• upgrade of non-CTD DMFs to ASMF-CTD format,
including additional analytical support;
• development of registration dossiers for homeopathy
APIs .
4 . We have access to huge scientific potential from our
universities and institutes:
• University of Latvia
• Riga Technical University
• Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis
• Biomedical Center
Vietalvas street 1, Riga, LV-1009, Latvia
Tel .: +371 29166301
Fax: +371 67040714
E-mail: juris@pharmidea .lv
http://www .pharmidea .lv
 Environment Friendly Technologies
Energy Certification of Buildings by Total Energy Consumption
Institute of Heat, Gas and Water Technology of Riga Techni-
cal University developed the scheme of energy certification
of buildings by total energy consumption using the unique
criterion standardized specific energy consumption:
, kWh/m2 year
where: qst – standardized total energy consumption, kWh/
m2 per year; qheat – measured actual annual specific heat
consumption for space heating, kWh/m2 per year; qhw  –
measured actual annual specific heat consumption for hot
water needs, kWh/m2 per year; Gst – number of degree-days
in a standard year; G – number of degree-days in a rating
year; A – total heated space, m2; 30 – standardized occu-
pancy level, m2/person; n – actual number of occupants,
person; qel. – electricity consumption for household needs,
kWh/m2 per year; qel. c – electricity consumption for com-
mon utilities, kWh/m2 per year; qg – gas consumption, kWh/
m2 per year.
The developed buildings’ energy performance evaluation
scale (Figure 1), which is harmonized with GBC2000 struc-
ture, is based on measured annual total energy consumption
adjusted to the influence of weather conditions and differ-
ence in occupancy level. The numerical values of the scale
Contact person
Anatolijs Borodiņecs
Riga Technical University
Institute of Heat, Gas and Water Technology
25
are based on two main consumptions: common energy
consumption and best present consumption for which level
of LBN 002-01 (Latvian Building Code “Thermal Performance
of Building Envelope” 2001) was taken.
The scheme provides the possibility not only to evaluate
energy performance of buildings, but also stimulates inhabit-
ants to more rational energy use by means of specially
designed mechanism of buildings’ energy labels.
Current scheme was successfully implemented in Ogre
town during EU LIFE ENCERB Project in 2004–2006, proving
that:
– the scheme may be easily implemented for the buildings
receiving heat from district heating systems;
– combined with information campaign it will lead to
5–10% reduction of energy consumption in comparison
to the situation prior to the energy certification.
P.O.Box 526, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia
Tel.: +371 26079655
Fax: +371 7615191
E-mail: anatolijs.borodinecs@rtu.lv;
kreslins@bf.rtu.lv
http://www.bf.rtu.lv/~encerb
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Pyrolytic bio-oil
Fast pyrolysis is one of the prospective trends of obtaining reactor, ensuring the drying and pyrolysis of the raw material
liquid fuel – pyrolytic bio-oil from solid biomass. Wood in 2 successively connected chambers. Conditions of drying
processing waste, peat and different agricultural residues, and pyrolysis regimes for obtaining bio-oil were established.
for example, rape and grain-crop straw, etc. can be used The chemical compositions of softwood and hardwood bio-
as a raw material for producing bio-oil. Fast pyrolysis of bio- oils and their thermal-physical properties were studied by
mass is a thermal process, in which wood is rapidly the GC/MS method. Besides the energy purposes, the use of
(~ 500 °C/sec) heated at the temperature 400–600 °C. Vola- bio-oil for obtaining chemical products, for example, pyro­
tile products are cooled and condensed fast, and a dark lytic lignin, levulinic acid, anhydrosaccharides, etc. is con­
brown mobile liquid, which is called bio-oil, is formed. It is sidered.
possible to obtain a high bio-oil yield up to 60–70% (from
wood), heat capacity 17–20 MJ/kg. In fast pyrolysis, carbon-
isate (solid product) and non-condensable gases are formed
as by-products. Carbonisates can be used as a solid fuel
(combustion heat 30 MJ/kg) or, by activating, to produce
active carbon for purification of liquids and gases, etc. Non-
condensable gases (15–20 MJ/nm3) can be used directly in
the technological process to maintain the drying and pyroly-
sis of the raw material. Change in the yield of bio-oil upon pyrolysis of wood versus the
Experiments were carried out in an ablation type vertical temperature of drying and pyrolysis (drying time 90 min)

Contact person
Gaļina Dobele
Latvian State Institute Dzērbenes street 27, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
of Wood Chemistry Tel.: +371 67545142
Fax: +371 67550635
E-mail: gdobele@edi.lv

Wood, Metal, Glass Cutting Optimization Technology

One of the most important tasks related with material pro- tion and its characteristic features are determined by the
cessing is residual waste materials minimization. There are possibility to take into account many realistic restrictions of
standard approaches for this task solution based on packing real industrial process. Product consists of GUI software,
theory, but wide variety of cutting conditions as usual do where input and output data can be presented as Excel or
not allow to use standard methods without modification. XML files.
We suggest technology which gives the possibility to
minimize residual waste materials in wood, metal, glass and
other materials cutting procedures. Technology was created
initially by a request from a wood processing company, but
can be applied for other materials also. Technology consists
of set of related algorithms, which gives the possibility to
solve a wide class of one-dimensional and two-dimensional
tasks. The technology is based on real industrial task solu-

Contact person
Gaļina Hiļķeviča
Ventspils University College Inženieru street 101a, Ventspils, LV-3600, Latvia
Engineering Research Centre Tel.: +371 63629654
Fax: +371 63629660
E-mail: mmn@venta.lv
http://www.venta.lv

26
 Environment Friendly Technologies

Digital Signal Processing Technology for Recognition

of Events in Oil Pipelines
Standard task for many systems of automated control is
event recognition and in many cases it is impossible to solve
this task by simple threshold method. When technical sys-
tem works under conditions of significant technological
noise it is necessary to use more sophisticated methods for
events recognition.
We suggest digital signal processing technology for rec-
ognition of events in oil pipelines, which uses sophisticated
data processing algorithms for events recognition. This tech-
nology recognizes not only leaks in the pipeline under inten-
sive noise, but also allows identifying the place of leaks with
high accuracy.
Algorithms are realized in Matlab, but can be modified
for other environments.

Contact person
Gaļina Hiļķeviča
Ventspils University College Inženieru street 101a, Ventspils, LV-3600, Latvia
Engineering Research Centre Tel.: +371 63629654
Fax: +371 63629660
E-mail: mmn@venta.lv
http://www.venta.lv

MÁDARA Ecocosmetics
MÁDARA is ecocosmetics, produced in Latvia from plants
and herbs collected in the Baltic meadows and forests.
Plants are organic, biodynamic or wild harvested. Locally
developed formulations of active ingredients ensure superb
product effect. No harmful ingredients, such as petroleum
products, parabens, synthetic preservatives or fragrances are
used. Products contain only ingredients from plant sources,
such as extracts, oils, waxes, aromas, plant pigments, natural
preservatives. The product range includes facial care line,
consisting of cleansing soaps, toners, creams, and body care
line, as well as decorative care products. All packaging and
print materials are environmentally friendly.

Contact person
Zane Rugina
Skin Laboratory, Ltd. Pulka street 3/3, Riga, LV-1007, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67470243
Fax: +371 67470244
E-mail: zane@madara-cosmetics.lv
http://www.madara-cosmetics.lv

27
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Integrated Airborne LIDAR and Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
for Environmental Applications
SIA Forest Owners Consulting Center uses integrated air-
borne LIDAR (light detection and ranging) and hyperspec-
tral remote sensing systems for various environmental
applications .
Airborne laser scanning or LiDAR (light detection and
ranging) is an active remote sensing technology that utilizes
high-frequency, pulsed laser light to measure the location
and 3-D geometry of objects on the ground . Hyperspectral
RS is an emerging and complementary technology that cap-
tures a nearly continuous reflected shortwave energy spec-
trum ranging from the visible to shortwave infrared (400–
2500 nm) using an airborne imaging spectrometer .
Integration of LiDAR and hyperspectral data therefore pro-
Contact person
Gundars Skudriņš
Forest Owners Consulting Center, Ltd .
Glass-Ceramic Composite Materials from Industrial Waste
The dense glass-ceramic composite materials (bulk density
from 2 .3 to 2 .9 g/cm3; water uptake from 0 .15 to 0 .6%) were
produced from Latvian inorganic waste, glass from glass fibre
production and clay from Liepa deposit . These materials
meet the BI group requirements stated in the LVS EN 176
standard .
Contact person
Ineta Rozenštrauha
Riga Technical University
Institute of Applied Chemistry
28
vides both a spatially and spectrally rich data set, with LiDAR
contributing a third spatial dimension (height) to the hori-
zontally and spectrally continuous imagery generated by
hyperspectral imaging sensors .
There are many applications which can take advantage
of LIDAR and hyperspectral remote sensing:
• ecosystem, habitat, species distribution;
• crop growth and yield estimation;
• plant stress (nitrogen; water);
• forest inventories;
• carbon sequestration;
• ecosystem resilience and services, etc .
“Lidlauks”, Priekuļu pagasts, Cesis district, LV-4101, Latvia
Aspazijas blvd . 24, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel .: +371 64127951, +371 67228835
Fax: +371 64127955, +371 67228835
E-mail: mikc@mikc .lv
http://www .mikc .lv
In general the technical features of the composite mate-
rials tested met the requirements for building ceramics and
they are suitable for production of durable building materi-
als as well as for encapsulation of hazardous industrial waste
as the new materials are inert enough to be environmental-
ly friendly .
Āzenes street 14/24, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089277
E-mail: ineta@ktf .rtu .lv
 Environment Friendly Technologies
New Lignin-Based Soil Stabiliser for Sustainable Forestry
The application of peat containers for planting or regenera-
tion of pine forest is currently increasing rapidly. However, it
has its own drawbacks. The first, it is possible drying out of
the peat container surface in the hot summer time and, the
second, containerized seedlings are ensured with the neces-
sary nutrients only during one year after planting. The use of
the soil stabiliser with adhesive properties jointly with the
organic mulch may be considered as one of the most effi-
cient methods for improving the temperature-moisture and
nutrition conditions for the development and growth of the
pine containerized seedlings on forest eroded soils. A new
soil stabiliser composition on the basis of technical lignin
and a method for its obtaining have been developed, apply-
ing a low-energy spontaneous chemical process. The techni-
cal lignin, a by-product of chemical wood processing, is an
environmentally friendly, water-soluble, easy-to-handle and
very cost-effective polymeric substance. The obtaining of
the soil stabilizer on its basis proceeds in a water solution at
room temperature. It does not produce any waste and does
not release harmful substances in environment. From the
chemical viewpoint, the soil stabilizer represents one of the
lignin-based interpolymer complexes. The content of the
introduced nitrogen with prolonged action and microele-
ments (Fe3+, Cu2+, Zn2+, etc.) in the stabiliser composition
may be varied, depending on the properties of the soil and
mulch. The waste of mechanical or chemical processing of
Contact person
Gaļina Šulga
Latvian State Institute
of Wood Chemistry
29
wood, for example, chips, bark or hydrolysis lignin may be
recommended as the organic mulch for the joint use with
the lignin stabiliser.
Dissolved water solutions of the lignin soil stabiliser are
applied to the surface of the wood mulch applying a spray-
ing device. After drying, a porous and water-resistant com-
posite coating, which easy passes through water and air in
both directions, is formed on the mulch surface. This coat-
ing prevents the drying and blow-off of the mulch upper
layers, and accelerates its biodegradation.
A plant flow and technological regulations for producing
the lignin soil conditioner have been developed.
The application of the lignin soil stabiliser solutions on
the mulch upper layers ensures:
• creation of favourable temperature and moisture condi-
tions for containerized pine seedlings growth and deve­
lopment;
• resistance of the mulch upper layer to blow-off and
dehumidification;
• favourable effect on the micro- and macroaggregate
composition of the upper layers of eroded soil;
• control of the soil filtration ability;
• improvement of the nutrition conditions for container-
ized pine seedlings as a result of the accelerated bio-
chemical degradation of wood mulch.
Dzērbenes street 27, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67 545139
Fax: +371 67 550635
E-mail: shulga@junik.lv
http://www.kki.lv
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Computer Based Hydrogeological Modelling of Baltezers,

Rembergi and Zakumuiza Water Supply Complex
The computer based hydrogeological model of Baltezers,
Rembergi and Zakumuiza water supply complex (it provides
the Riga City with drinking water) has been notably
improved . The model enables to investigate complicated
transient groundwater flows . The new knowledge will help
to achieve a reasonable compromise between such contra-
dictory criteria, as low water price, high quality of water,
protection of the complex against contamination, the ability
to provide (even for a short time) an extra amount of water
to cover possible short-term loss of other water sources (for
example, water taken from the Daugava river) .

Contact person
Aivars Spalviņš
Riga Technical University Meža street 1/4, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Environment Modelling Centre Tel .: +371 67089511
Fax: +371 67089531
E-mail: emc@cs .rtu .lv

System for Background Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field

Measurements
Low frequency range includes MHz, KHz as well as 50–60 Hz
electromagnetic (EM) field radiation . The main part of back-
ground there is generated by electrical power transmission
lines and various technical EM devices . Background in
50–60 Hz range is of specific interest because rhythmical
processes in living organism (α, b, D rhythm) are very close
to those frequencies and biological effects are not com-
pletely clear .
The products are systems for detecting background EM
field in low frequencies range using resonance sensor .
As detector the known measuring systems can be used
(voltmeter, oscillograph and others) .
• Resonant sensors for various low frequency EM field
detections
• Measuring method for definite frequencies range
• Research activities to produce new metamaterials exam-
ples using resonant sensors as elements of periodic
structure .
Development Stage
Experimental models for product were done . Testing mea-
surements for low frequency EM field were realized .
Cooperation Tasks
• Search for partners to develop market product and per-
form manufacturing activities
• Search for collaboration to perform future research
activities to made metamaterials examples .

Contact person
Jānis Valdmanis
University of Latvia Miera street 32, Salaspils-1, LV-2169, Latvia
Institute of Physics Tel .: +371 67944653
Fax: +371 67901214
E-mail: jvaldman@sal .lv
http://www .iph .sal .lv

30
 Environment Friendly Technologies

Co-firing of Renewable with Fossil Fuel for Clean

and Effective Heat Energy Production
The results of experimental research of the wood biomass Technical data of the heat and hot water boiler
(pellets, logs, chips, etc.) co-fire with a small amount of pro- AK-005S:
pane (up to 20–25% from the total heat production) are Characteristics Parameters
used and analyzed to develop a small-scale boiler with appli- 1. Capacity 40 kW
cation to private house heating systems for the clean and 2. Fuels Wood/propane
effective heat energy production, promoting stabilization of
3. Heating surface 2,3 m3
combustion and emission characteristics during the burn-
4. Water capacity 147 l
out of wood fuel at different moisture content and struc-
5. Maximal water temperature 95 ľC
ture. The experimental research is carried out in the Institute
6. Water pressure 1 bar
of Physics, University of Latvia with financial support of
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2.5.1. The 7. Cross-section surface of chimney 525 cm2
main parts of a boiler AK-005S with simultaneous use of 8. Weigh of boiler 300 kg
renewable wood and fossil gaseous (propane) fuels for the 9. Boiler efficiency 80%
heat energy production are: a furnace with heat surface, a 10. Gas burner “BENTON” BG100 7–41 kW
gas burner “BENTON”, an air supply fan CAL-120-2T and a
wood fuel storage tank KAPB-100. The boiler is supplied
with control panel for automatic wood fuel, propane and air
feeding into a furnace.

Contact person
Maija Zaķe
University of Latvia Miera street 32, Salaspils-1, LV-2169, Latvia
Institute of Physics Tel.: +371 7945838
Fax: +371 7901214
E-mail: mzfi@sal.lv
http://www.ipul.lv/main/index_lat.html?nav=combustion

Thin Film Coating Technology and Equipment for Solar Cells

Industry
Joint Stock Company “Sidrabe” deals with development of
vacuum coating technology and development of first-of-a-
kind customized vacuum coating equipment and thin film
materials. Sidrabe’s latest developments are related to
advanced solar cell technologies and equipment including
vacuum coating equipment for CIGS, a-Si and TCO and
antireflective coatings onto different substrate materials.
Thermal evaporation and magnetron sputtering of Cu/In
layers were realized on commercial coaters and in R&D
department.
Sidrabe was involved in European projects, participating
as a manufacturer of materials for front and back contacts
for solar cells.
Industrial coaters for metal coatings for back electrodes
and TCO coatings (ITO, ZAO) for front electrodes of solar
cells have been developed.
Se deposition technology has been developed in R&D
department. Different types of coaters realize PECVD pro-
cesses on metallic foils and AR coating on glass substrates
for solar material industry.

Contact person
Andrejs Balabkins
Sidrabe, JSC Krustpils street 17, Riga, LV-1073, Latvia
Tel.: + 371 67 249 806
Fax: + 371 67 139 506
E-mail: balabkins@sidrabe.eu
http://www.Sidrabe.com

31
 High Tech in Latvia 2008

Stratifier of Solar Combisystems

Solar combisystems are generally defined as solar heating
installations providing space heating as well as domestic hot
water for the inhabitants of the building. The primary energy
sources are solar energy and an auxiliary source such as bio-
mass, gas, oil and electricity. The solar fraction, i. e., the part
of the heating demand supplied by solar energy varies
depending in particular on the size of the solar collector
surface, the storage tank, the heat load and the climate.
One of the parameter affecting the efficiency of solar
collectors, and consequentially the solar fraction that a par-
ticular solar combisystem can reach, is the supply tempera- Prototype of solar combisystem at the laboratory of RTU-IESE
during installation
ture to the collector, in the collector loop. This supply
temperature should be as low as possible. In order to keep
this temperature low it is important to have good thermal
stratification in the storage tank of the solar system.
When using water storage tank, stratification can be
enhanced in different ways. The most advanced way is using
Tank 1 and tank 3 at RTU-
IESE devices called “stratifiers”. These devices are designed to
address water incoming at a certain temperature at the right
temperature level in the storage tank.
Research is undergoing in the Institute of Energy System
and Environment on designing, modeling and testing a new

Tranpsarent tank for testing Detail of tank 2 with vacuum
generation of “dynamic stratifiers”. the perfroamnce of stratifiers  insulation

Solar Store Unit Technical Unit

Test results Space Heating

HW (V 5)
4
S

Domestic (P6)
(P5)
Hot Water (P4)
CW (V 4) Radiators
(V 3)
1

Floor
Heating
(V 2)

Simulation (P3)
Boiler

3 5

(P1)

(P2) Collector


S

Loop
(V 1)

Comparison of the results from test on tank 1 and simulation with Prototype of solar combisystem
TRNSYS. Test time period 56 hours, set temperature 60 ľC dead
band ±5 ľC 
Contact person
Marika Rošā
Riga Technical University Kronvalda blvd. 1, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia
Institute of Energy Systems and Environment Tel.: +371 29712389
Fax: +371 67089908
E-mail: Marika.Rosa@rtu.lv
http://www.videszinatne.lv

32
 Environment Friendly Technologies

Digital Radiography
To test welds or other surfaces for quality assessment Radi-
ography is common method of Non Destructive Testing
(NDT) and widely used for decades . Usual testing process
involves testing area exposure to high power targeted X-ray
source and image is captured on ordinary photo film . After
that in laboratory the film is developed and image
examined .
AS Inspecta Latvia is the first company in Latvia that for
NDT purposes uses Digital Radiography . The basic difference
in this method is that instead of photo film there, is used
imaging plate . This plate is processed with PC without devel-
oping process and disposable chemicals . As the main advan-
tages there are:
1 . Less X-ray power – means more safe for people and
environment;
2 . No films and developing chemicals – less environment
pollution and more safety for people;
3 . More speed – test report will be ready immediately in
digital format;
4 . More useful result – image in digital format has better
possibility for evaluation and client can transfer this
information for other stakeholders .

Contact person
Pēteris Druķis
Inspecta Latvia, JSC Slokas street 13, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67607900
Fax: +371 67607901
E-mail: info@inspecta .lv
http://www .inspecta .lv

Monitoring of the Environment Temperature

and Relative Humidity
The climate monitoring system has been developed for grain Scope of applying of such system is, first of all, monitor-
warehousing and drying . It performs temperature registra- ing sensitive to temperature and/or the humidity foods,
tion in range from –20 °C up to +85 °C with fluctuations of pharmaceutical and medical reagents and preparations, etc .
0 .5 °C and registration of relative humidity in range 0% up to at their transportation, storage and processing .
100% with fluctutations of 0 .64% . This system was designed
on the base of five DS1923 Hydrochron Temperature/
Humidity Logger iButtons . Such logger has no any own
means of indication and control . Therefore all functions on
its service and information exchange with it are carried out
at contact between its case and supporting device using
1-Wire protocol . This system allows us tracing current situa-
tion on a computer in real time, as collecting the saved data
a posteriori . It provides controlling of logger’s parameters,
storing and graphic representation of the data fixed by the
loggers .

Contact person
Alberts Kristiņš
University of Latvia Ķengaraga street 8, Riga, LV-1063, Latvia
Institute of Solid State Physics Tel .: +371 67260 856
Fax: +371 67132 778
E-mail: kristin@latnet .lv
http://www .cfi .lv

33
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Cold Jet Dry Ice Blasting Technology – the Rising Star

in Industrial Cleaning Applications
Cold Jet dry ice blasting technology is an efficient and cost- ate frozen carbon dioxide (CO2) “dry ice” pellets to a high
effective way for industries to maximize production capabil- velocity . A compressed air supply of 80 PSI/50 scfm can be
ity and quality . Dry ice blasting is similar to sand blasting, used in this process . Dry ice pellets can be made on-site or
plastic bead blasting, or soda blasting where a medium is supplied . Pellets are made from food grade carbon dioxide
accelerated in a pressurized air stream to impact a surface to that has been specifically approved by the FDA, the EPA and
be cleaned or prepared . But that’s where the similarity ends . the USDA .
Instead of using hard abrasive media to grind on a surface Carbon dioxide is a non-poisonous, liquefied gas, which
(and damage it), dry ice blasting uses soft dry ice, accelerated is both inexpensive and easily stored at work sites .
at supersonic speeds, and creates mini-explosions on the Cold Jet is the number 1 worldwide in dry ice blasting
surface to lift the undesirable item off the underlying technology and provides cleaning solutions for hundreds of
substrate . companies worldwide . With Cold Jet equipment is possible
Dry ice blasting has many unique and superior benefits to reduce cleaning time by as much as 70% and more . New
over traditional blasting media . applications are being discovered daily in various industries
Dry ice blasting: around the world .
• is a non-abrasive, nonflammable and nonconductive
cleaning method
• is environmentally-friendly and contains no secondary
contaminants such as solvents or grit media
• is clean and approved for use in the food industry
• allows most items to be cleaned in place without time-
consuming disassembly
• can be used without damaging active electrical or
mechanical parts or creating fire hazards
• can be used to remove production residues, release
agents, contaminants, paints, oils and biofilms
• can be as gentle as dusting smoke damage from books or
as aggressive as removing weld slag from tooling
• can be used for many general cleaning applications
Cold Jet dry ice blasting uses compressed air to acceler-

Contact person
Andris Vērdiņš
Vērdiņa Sausais Ledus, Ltd . Rūpnīcu street 4 (Nordic Industrial Park), Olaine, LV-2114, Latvia
Tel .: +371 29124888
Fax: +371 67069817
E-mail: birojs@sausaisledus .lv
http://www .coldjet .com

34
 Environment Friendly Technologies

Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance

of Heat Engineering Equipment and Boiler Houses
JSC Komforts designs and manufactures water heating boil-
ers (capacity from 20 kW to 10 MW) for biofuel (firewood,
chippings, woodchips, pellets, peat bricks, crumbed bark),
angular running grate extended furnaces (controllable with
processor) – capacity from 100 kW to 10 MW), chimneys of
different diameters and heights (with traces, without traces),
multicyclones, water boilers, accumulation containers, fuel
storages, module type storehouses, free-flowing fuel feeders,
fuel feeding conveyers . JSC Komforts provides full range of
services – from development of design to putting of boiler-
houses into operation .

Contact person
Rudīte Redko
Komforts, JSC Lielā street 59, Tukums, LV-3101, Latvia
Tel .: +371 63125057
Fax: +371 63181203
E-mail: komforts@comfort .lv
http://www .komforts .lv

Monolithic Concrete Thermo-Panels for External Walls

The goal of the research work was to create a new system of
external walls structure and a new construction technology
for the ecological dwelling housing with the energy con-
sumption very lower like in the Building Codes of the Nordic
Countries is required .
The result of this scientific work was a system of new wall
structures containing a reinforced concrete lattice cast in a
permanent formwork made of the plastic foam heat insulat-
ing material protected by hard facing slabs on both surfaces .
The shape and the geometry of the wall’s internal structure
was optimized for the minimal cost of the load bearing
capacity of the said lattice and minimization the wall’s total
heat losses . The system provides a very simple process for
assembling the complete set of factory-made formwork
panels on the foundation or on the cast before wall’s sur-
face . After this the internal channels in the formwork panel
is filled with reinforced concrete and hardened in condition
protected against any environmental influence .
An experimental pilot-project house for testing the new
system and technology was built . The benefit of the new
created wall structures and technology are ~ 205 times low-
ered construction cost for the building and ~ 2,6 times
lowered the cost of the wall’s heat resistance . The firs one is
the gain for the developer or for construction company, the
second one is the money saved for costumes from the low-
ered heating expenses . An ecological benefit will be come
out of the environment protection against CO2 and smoke
pollution .
References: Latvian patents No . 11203, No . 11350 and
No . 13573 .

Contact person
Vidvuds Ārijs Lapsa
Riga Technical University Āzenes street 16/20, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Division of Building Machines and Building Machanisation, Tel .: +371 7089296, +371 29151884
Institute of Building Production Fax: +371 7089083
E-mail: valapsa@latnet .lv

35
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Mobile SMS for Microsoft Dynamics™ NAV

Mobile SMS is software add-on for Microsoft Dynamics™ automatic as well as manual generation of messages and
NAV system. You can use it for sending SMS from Microsoft selection of recipients.
Dynamics NAV to mobile phones. This add-on is integrated
with CRM module and allows using segments functionality
for sending SMS to your contact persons, customers, ven-
dors and employees. SMS is a new channel for communica-
tions, which can be used for such information as reminders,
invitations, advertisements, etc. Mobile SMS add-on allows

Contact person
Dairis Kuciks
Informatics, Ltd. Inženieru street 101, Ventspils, LV-3600, Latvia
VHTP Business Incubator Tel.: +371 63629661
Fax: +371 63629662
E-mail: dairis@informatics.lv
http://www.informatics.lv

GrinS®
Integrated business accounting software suite GrinS® con-
tains Finances, Inventory, Payroll, Fixed Assets, Human
Resources modules and several add-ons. Each GrinS module
can be used both as a standalone program, and as a part of
a suite.
GrinS is targeted at small and medium-sized companies.
By Year 2008 GrinS software suite has been implemented at
more than 1000 companies of various branches around
Latvia.
All GrinS modules share common features:
• multiple languages support (Latvian and Russian as stan-
dard) in input screens, messages, menus, help windows,
and manuals, English, Lithuanian and Estonian in user
interface and reports
• SQL-queries with a possibility to export the results
• built-in custom report generator
• multicurrency support.
LatInSoft provides GrinS customers a set of advanced
support services: HelpDesk and remote services, on-site con-
sultant support, service level agreements.

Contact person
Sergejs Simonovs
LATINSOFT, Ltd. Mihoelsa street 56, Daugavpils, LV-5403, Latvia
Tel.: +371 65407209
Fax: +371 65423288
E-mail: simonov@latinsoft.lv
http://www.latinsoft.lv

TeleHelp®
TeleHelpTM – the first nationwide remote PC technical
support service in Latvia. TeleHelp is targeted at small office
and home users that need a quick, skilled and affordable
service.
There is no need to schedule an in-home visit or to take
a computer to a local repair shop. LatInSoft TeleHelp certi-
fied technicians interact with the customer’s computer
directly through the Internet and can complete the work in
much less time and at a lower price. More about TeleHelp:
www.telehelp.lv.

Contact person
Sergejs Simonovs
LATINSOFT, Ltd. Mihoelsa street 56, Daugavpils, LV-5403, Latvia
Tel.: +371 65407209
Fax: +371 65423288
E-mail: simonov@latinsoft.lv
http://www.latinsoft.lv

36
 Communication & Information Technologies
mTour
mTour is a computerized audio guide system . The product
has several types:
1 . mTour-IVR: or “Audio Guide in Your Phone” is a product
offering stories of the audio guide for any user of a cel-
lular phone – call number X, choose language Y, enter
object code Z and listen! For the time being this has been
introduced as a charged service in Ventspils .
2 . mTour-GPS: is a product which gives an opportunity for
operators of excursion boats to offer their visitors fully
computerized, qualitative audio guide . An equipped
boat has 2 services:
• public audio guide – a public audio guide can be
Contact person
Andis Dembovskis
Mobilās Sistēmas, Ltd .
System for Tracking Kids – ROKO
ROKO is intended to provide parents with an opportunity
to know where their kids are by means of GPS receiver and
GPRS transmitter . The data acquired by the GPS processor
is sent over the mobile network to a server where the data
is stored to present it later graphically to the clients using
real life maps .
The GPS/GPRS modules used by the system give the
Contact person
Armands Balodis
Dynamic Research, Ltd .
37
switched on in X language on loudspeakers of the
boat aboard (useful for excursion groups)
• private audio guide – tourists have an opportunity to
listen on special wireless headphones stories of audio
guide
For the time being this has been introduced as a charged
service in Ventspils on tourist boat “Hercogs Jēkabs” .
3 . mTour-Player: audio guide solution for exhibitions,
museums, walks – enter object code (if they are func-
tioning on distance sensor stations) and receive a com-
plete multimedia (audio+video) guide . The product is
under implementation .
Inženieru street 101c – 304, Ventspils, LV-3600, Latvia
Tel .: +371 28785798
Fax: +371 636 64934
E-mail: andis .dembovskis@xmcontrols .com
http://www .xmcontrols .com
location of the user every 5 minutes with the precision of
10 meters . The client is able not only to observe the current
location but also to access graphic reports which cover a
time period as old as a month .
After testing and stabilizing ROKO in Latvia, Dynamic
Research, Ltd . is planning to expand it to all Baltic States and
develop further products based on this one .
Inženieru street 101, Ventspils, LV-3601, Latvia
Tel .: +371 28458018
E-mail: armands .balodis@gmail .com
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Software for Adaptive Approximation and Surrogate Modelling

Software has been developed for adaptive approximation of
multidimensional empirical data from tasks of surrogate
modelling of complex and expensive simulation models as
well as from results of experimental researches. The software
implements state-of-the-art heuristic regression model
building methods.
Traditionally, for the approximation of multidimensional
empirical data, fixed models are used or the search for an
adequate model is done via stepwise subset selection meth-
ods. These two approaches are also implemented in most
statistical software packages requiring user to predefine a
number of parameters (e. g., the maximal order of the
model, the significance threshold for term inclusion/dele-
tion, etc.) and often lacking the desired elasticity and effi-
ciency. Additionally, in many cases the necessary values of
the parameters are unknown and need to be guessed, result-
ing in a non-trivial (and long) trial and error process.
Our software implements a different approach – letting
the model building algorithm construct regression models
adaptively using a heuristic search in an infinite model space
without restricting oneself to a small finite subjectively cho-
sen set of candidates and without requiring the user to set
any hyperparameters. It is also possible to build model com-
binations for even higher predictive performance.
Empirical experiments have shown that, efficiently trad-
ing-off model simplicity and predictive performance, the
developed software is a competitive tool for approximation
and surrogate modelling tasks.

Contact person
Gints Jēkabsons
Riga Technical University Meža street 1/3, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Institute of Applied Computer Systems Tel.: +371 29858438
E-mail: gintsj@cs.rtu.lv

Re-Reference System for GPS User Device Functionality Control

Re-reference system consists of an outdoor antenna, an
amplifier and an indoor antenna. Coordinates of outdoor
antenna are measured with high precision (2–6 cm). This
allows use device for GPS user device functionality control
and also for place determination precision control.
Users’ Devices provide data in the NMEA-0183 protocol
format. For data recording in the text file form the software
Visual GPS is used. The software provides the visualization of
the results of the experiment and recording of text files with Re-reference system
testing results. The initial processing of obtained frames is
made by special software written in C++ language. The main
purpose of given software is to simplify reading and format-
ting of text files, so that it can be processed with use of
electronic tables and other tools.
Re-reference system for GPS user device functionality

Receiving antenna of Re-re­fe­ Indoor antenna of Re-reference
control provides testing of all kinds of user devices. rence system  system

Contact person
Ansis Kluga
Riga Technical University Lomonosova street 1/5 – 213, Riga, LV-1019, Latvia
Department of Transport Electronics and Telematics Tel.: +371 67089949
Fax: +371 7089992
http://www.tet.rtu.lv

38
 Communication & Information Technologies

GPS User Device Testing Equipment

GPS user device testing equipment can be used for control • Satellite signal level step 1.0 dB per channel nominal level
parameters of all kinds of user devices in static and dynamic ±15 dB
mode. GPS user devices testing systems scheme is shown in • Carrier Frequency +8 Hz to +158 Hz at L1 after 1 year
Fig. 1. Satellite signals are formed with stimulator STR4500. (absolute)
• Master Clock Stability +1 × 10–8 over temp range.
Users’ Devices provide data in the NMEA-0183 protocol
format. For data recording in the text file form the software
Visual GPS is used. The software provides the visualization
results of the experiment and recording of text files with
testing results. The initial processing of obtained frames is
made by special software written in C++ language. The main
GPS receiver control system
purpose of given software is to simplify reading and format-
Testing device imitates 12 satellite signals on frequency ting of text files, so that it can be processed with electronic
L1 (1575.42 MHz) and provides following error imitation: tables and other tools.
• Multipath (multiple types)
• Terrain Obscuration
• Reception Antenna Gain patterns
• Antenna site lever arm and associated effects
• Ionospheric delay
• Tropospheric delay
• Satellite failures and data errors
• Ephemeris errors
• Wave effects for ships
Imitated signals precision is following:
• Pseudorange ±0.1 m (MSE) including interchannel bias
• Pseudorange rate ±0.01 m/s (MSE)
• Pseudorange acceleration ±0.005 m/s2 (MSE over >1 s)
• Pseudorange jerk ±0.02 m/s3 (MSE over >1 s) Satellite signal stimulator STR4500

Contact person
Ansis Kluga
Riga Technical University Lomonosova street 1/5 – 213, Riga, LV-1019, Latvia
Department of Transport Electronics and Telematics Tel.: +371 67089949
Fax: +371 7089992
http://www.tet.rtu.lv

39
High Tech in Latvia 2008
IVR – Interactive Voice Response System
New telecom solutions promote tourism business.
IVR (Interactive Voice Response) is a phone technology
that allows a computer to detect voice and touch tones
using a normal phone call. The IVR system can respond with
Contact person
Romass Pauliks
Ventspils University College
Engineering Research Centre
IVR – Interactive Voice Response System
Research of various network traffic types provides that it is
non-stationary and so-called self-similar. Non-stationarity
and self-similarity influence on communication devices leads
to decrease of their functioning quality.
The main goal of this project is to formulate recom­
mendations for network optimization based on results of a
traffic analysis by measurements and new mathematical
Contact person
Ernests Pētersons
Riga Technical University
Department ot Transport Electronics and Telematics
40
pre-recorded or dynamically generated audio to further
direct callers on how to proceed. IVR systems can be used
to control almost any function where the interface can be
broken down into a series of simple menu choices. Once
constructed IVR systems generally scale well to handle large
call volumes.
New technology – audio guide solution has several com-
petitive advantages and could be easily implemented for
various industrial applications and commercial use, like
phone call controlled automation system diagnosis and
remote control by interfacing external hardware controllers.
The current system provides tourism information for visitors
and travelers and is integrated with GPS service.
The system itself is easy to manage, adapt, and it has defi-
nite advantages compared to similar available commercial
products as the software platform supports variety of differ-
ent hardware architectures thus giving the new product
flexibility to be applied in specialized environments accord-
ing customer requirements and needs where such approach
is needed (e. g., rugged environments).
Inženieru street 101a, Ventspils, LV-3600, Latvia
Tel.: +371 26555505
Fax: +371 36 29660
E-mail: romass@venta.lv
http://www.venta.lv
models of non-stationary and self-similar traffic, especially
for wireless and mobile networks.
Presented system for traffic measurement and network
performance evaluation was developed in Laboratory for
performance evaluation of Electronics and Telecom­mu­ni­
cation Faculty.
Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1658, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67089954
E-mail: ernests.petersons@rtu.lv
http://www.rtu.lv
 Communication & Information Technologies

Methodology for Computer Simulation of Complex Systems

and its Implementation for Analysis and Operation
Improvement of Real-World Systems
Simulation is a process of designing a model of a real system • S upply chain dynamics analysis and optimisation through
and conducting experiments with this model for the pur- simulation. Simulation-based evaluation of supply chain
pose of understanding the behaviour of the system and/or operation effectiveness under different supply chain
evaluating various strategies for the operation of the system. structures and information sharing strategies.
Examples of investigated systems include logistics, transport, • Methodology development of determination of the best
manufacturing, service, banking and information systems. inventory control policy through simulation. Evaluation
Simulation has become a very important tool for designing of different inventory control policies profitability
and analysing complex systems and policies before imple- through simulation.
mentation. In some cases, simulation is aimed to optimise a
system by improving a value of the chosen optimisation
criterion.
Success of a simulation study is highly dependent on
correct use of a corresponding methodology. High-tech
product development possibilities are offered in the follow-
ing field:
• Discrete-event simulation models
• Methodology of discrete-event simulation on MS Excel
spreadsheets
• Methodology of simulation-based metamodelling
• Intelligent simulation tools
• Visualisation of the simulation process
• Simulation in engineering
• Simulation in education and training
Examples of recent and current activities include:
• Development of simulation tools for analysing and
plann­ing of logistics systems. For instance, resource opti-
mal location (e. g., drug distribution analysis in a hospi-
tal), increasing carrying capacity of logistics network
nodes (e. g., a container terminal at the Riga Commercial
Harbour).
• Risk management analysis through simulation. Applica­
tion of simulation methods for analysis of agricultural
risks. Simnulation Model of the Baltic Container Terminal

Contact person
Jurijs Merkurjevs
Riga Technical University Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1658, Latvia
Department of Modelling and Simulation Tel.: +371 67089514
Fax: +371 67089513
E-mail: jurijs.merkurjevs@itl.rtu.lv
http://www.itl.rtu.lv/mik/

41
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Wireless PKI (Mobile Signature)
Lattelecom Technology, the market leader in IT solutions,
offers a convenient but highly secure access method for
online service providers – the mobile signature.
A mobile signature is equivalent to a conventional,
legally binding signature on a paper contract. In this respect,
the mobile phone can be considered to be a signing tool –
the electronic equivalent of a pen. A mobile signature is
creat­ed by typing a secret code, your signing PIN, into your
mobile phone. This secret code, in combination with your
key storage token (SIM card) and a chosen text, triggers a
cryp­tographic algorithm to generate a (digital) signature.
Each of your mobile/digital signatures can be linked to a
digital certificate (an electronic record) that vouches for
your identity.
What makes the mobile signature solution more secure
is that it relies on something you own (the private key of
your digital signature that is securely carried on your SIM
card) and something only you know (the secret code). Upon
the mobile phone operator’s activation request, the SIM
card itself creates the secret keys. This on-board key genera-
tion (OBKG) process is performed after the SIM card is
personalised and issued to the consumer. It allows mobile
signature customers to generate secret keys based on their
Contact person
Aigars Laizāns
Lattelecom Technology, Ltd.
42
own secret code, with the highest degree of privacy.
Mobile signatures enable users to extend and control
their identity using their existing mobile phone anytime and
anywhere.
Thus, the mobile signature is a unique tool for:
• proving your identity to third parties without face-to-
face communication, when accessing banking and pay­
ment services, internal corporate applications or govern­
ment services;
• making a legally binding commitment by sending a con­
firmed message to another party;
• solving security problems with identity confirmation in
the online world.
For instance, subscribers can access a banking site from
their mobile phone, home PC or an Internet café, and enter
their customer ID to login or conduct a transaction. The
bank then sends an authentication request that prompts
the user to enter the secret code they chose when they
activated the mobile signature service, using their GSM
phone. The SIM card then checks the secret code, creates
the digital signature and sends it back to the bank to autho-
rise the corresponding account transaction.
Skanstes street 13, Riga, LV-1013, Latvia
Tel.: +371 29112327
Fax: +371 67020009
E-mail: Aigars.laizans@lattelecom.lv
http://www.lattelecom.technology.lv
 Communication & Information Technologies

The Computer Based Exercise Generation and Evaluation

System Genexis
GenExis is a program that generates exercises from database • s ystem is provided with training mode, individual con-
objects . The system supports electronic input, combination trolling mode, group controlling mode with one com-
and use of any knowledge-based educational material . The puter, as well as controlling mode in the network;
system can be used both in class and individually outside • r esults of training and controlling could be saved and
the school for learning the subject and evaluation of the demonstrated if necessary;
results and generation of examination tests . • f lexible structure of system provides possibility to
The main characteristics of GENEXIS are: enhance and add menus quickly and easily .
• generation of exercises corresponding to topics, they
aren’t prepared previously;
• numerous exercises could be generated to each type of
exercises;
• detailed solution of each exercises could be
demonstrated;
• all generated exercises could be saved and printed out if
necessary;

Contact person
Linda Mazure
DATA PRO GRUPA, Ltd . Aspazijas blvd . 24, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67214422
Fax: +371 67214425
E-mail: dpg@dataprogrupa .com
http://www .dataprogrupa .com

Rapid Prototyping – New Dimensions

Solid experience help to optimise your products and make • Rapid Prototypes/CAD
them more demanded! Proved competence combined with - Concept Models
advanced equipment results in demanded knowledge inten- - Functional Testing
sive computer aided services for manufacturing industries, - Presentation Models
architects, software companies and designers . Knowledge of - Finite Element Analysis
engineering aspects of customer needs allied with a very - Packaging
practical understanding of manufacturing technologies pro- • Architecture
vides additional value added and spillovers to your business • Training
and help to transform the design of prototypes in a quick, • Geospatial
inexpensive, cost-efficient and visually attractive and flexible • Healthcare
process . • Molecular Modeling
CAD/CAM Designing department offers to its customers • Entertainment/Retail
comprehensive 3D design and printing services in the fol-
lowing areas:

Contact person
Egils Vītols
Ventspils University College Inženieru street 101a, Ventspils, LV-3601, Latvia
Engineering Research Centre GSM: +371 2927 4026
Fax: +371 36 29660
E-mail: cadcam@venta .lv

43
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Technology to Deposit Electrical Charge on Insulator Hydrogen
Affinity Surface
Technology by non-contact way deposits electrical charge
on the surface of insulators similar to hydrogen. The tech-
nology uses a non contact approach and could be in use to
functionalize a surface with a complicated relief.
Contact person
Yuri Dekhtyar
Riga Technical University
Biomedical Engineering and Nanotechnologies Institute
Dynamic Model for Power Network Development Optimization
The main target of model is ensuring a possibility for differ-
ent level managers to make decisions based on objective
facts, not on experts’ opinions. Therefore Laboratory of Elec-
tric Power System Simulation worked out software of Lat-
vian Dynamic Model (LDM) family. The main functions:
• Technical and economic estimation of the present state
of the network.
• Define economically appropriate activities from the
given set of alternative activities (construction, recon­
struction or elimination of network elements) and terms
of their realization.
• Estimate power supply quality and define the most effec-
tive activities for improvement.
• Provide risk analysis as a decision-making tool under
information uncertainty.
• Calculations such as load flow, voltage drops, fault cur-
rent, energy and power losses, reliability estimates, annual
and total costs for particular network, as well as invest-
ment pay-back times are also provided.
• Dynamic optimization and analysis uses data together
with development conditions and alternative actions as
an input data base. NPV of total network costs (invest­
ments, cost of losses, cost of energy not supplied) is used
as an optimization criterion.
Contact person
Anna Mutule
Institute of Physical Energetics,
Laboratory of Electric Power System Simulation
44
The technology promotes control of the surface wetta-
bility, adhesion of molecules, quality of implants, their bio-
compatibility, etc.
Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67089383
Fax: +371 67089383
E-mail: dekhtyar@latnet.lv
http://www.bimi.vip.lv
Software LDM-VZ
Software LDM-VZ performs investment efficiency analy-
sis of reconstruction and new construction of low voltage
network objects and also of transformer substations (20/0.4
or 10/0.4 kV) under uncertainty, using a criterion of net pres-
ent value (NPV) and dynamic optimization of network.
Software LDM-AVE
Software LDM-AVE performs investment efficiency anal-
ysis of reconstruction and new construction of 330–110–
20–10–6 kV network objects including local power stations,
using technical economical calculation methods and dynam-
ic optimization of network. The LDM is foreseen for rein-
forcement planning of MV and LV distribution net­work
under information uncertainty.
Software ZUDUMI (LOSSES)
ZUDUMI (LOSSES) is designed for calculations of techni-
cal losses in low voltage network. With ZUDUMI and LDM-
VZ several measures could be analysed, for instance:
• replacement of existing transformers by respective power
transformers and in such a way to reduce idle losses;
• replacement of existing wires by bigger cross-section
wires;
• Construction of new MV transformer substations (trans-
former nodes).
Aizkraukles street 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Tel.: +37167558616
Fax: +37167550839
E-mail: amutule@edi.lv
htpp://www.innovation.lv/fei
 Power Engineering & Electronics
DC to DC Power Electronic Converter for Hydrogen Fuel Cell
High energy conversion efficiency and environmental pro-
tection provide wide range of future applications for fuel cell
technologies in alternative power systems. Fuel cell gener-
ates variable and low DC voltage from hydrogen. To connect
them to the industrial grid 220 V 50 Hz, a DC to DC step-up
converter and an inverter are necessitated.
Contact person
Arturs Purvins
Riga Technical University
Alone Placed Conducting Body’s Electric Self-Capacity
Measuring Method
The electric self capacity measuring method of alone placed
conducting body allows obtaining electric self capacity’s
parameter of a conducting body of any configuration. Mea-
suring unit is built by using a single wire electric circuit,
Contact person
Janis Voitkans
Riga Technical University
Water Fuelled Boiler System for Heat and Electricity Generation
Steam boilers are well known in the prior art. For years they
have been operated by oil fuels such as kerosene, light oils,
and natural gases. Wood and coal are other sources of fuel
for steam boilers. Environmentally, it is destructive to con-
tinue to burn oil fuels and natural gas, since they pollute the
atmosphere. In addition, it is wasteful to use wood, natural
gas and oil as fuels, as there are many more useful products
Contact person
Jānis Kleperis
Hydro Energo, Ltd.
45
DC to DC Power Electronic Converter is the first electri-
cal energy conversion stage in fuel cell system, where the fuel
cell output voltage is converted to stable 360 VDC. Design
closely follows to research analysis and technical data of
1.2  kW hydrogen fuel cell by following criteria – high effi-
ciency and size.
Kronvalda blvd. 1, room 321, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia
Tel.: +371 6708 9933
E-mail: Arturs.purvins@eef.rtu.lv
where the unit and conducting body are connected by the
single wire. Conducting body’s electrical potential is consid-
ered against the free space. This measuring method is pat-
ented and doesn’t have any analogues in the world.
Upes avenue 1a – 3, Ogre, LV-5001, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67089944
E-mail: voitkans@eef.rtu.lv
that these products can be used to produce, such as plastics,
wooden articles, and the like. The present invention relates
to water fuelled steam boiler which uses electrolysis to con-
vert water to burning gases and next to steam, and collects
the electricity and heat from steam condensation. Invention
is applied to Latvian Patent on 2007 by SIA “Hydro Energo”.
Grēcinieku street 1, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel.: +371 2814700
Fax: +371 67814702
E-mail: kleperis@latnet.lv
http://www.hydroenergo.lv
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Electromagnetic Induction Pumps for Liquid Metals
The design concept of electromagnetic induction pumps
with permanent magnets have been developed which have
many advantages in comparison with traditional pumps
based on 3-phase inductors . In the proposed pumps the
needed alternating travelling magnetic field for inducing
pumping forces in liquid metal is generated by system of
moving (rotating) permanent magnets with alternating
polarity .
The main advantage of pumps design concept is the fact
that there are no windings in pumps at all . From this main
advantage another important advantages follow: no electri-
cal isolation problems at high temperatures, simpler
construction, smaller overall dimensions and weight, higher
efficiency . For power supply to traditional inductor pumps
there is a need for additional rather expensive devices –
3-phase variable voltage transformers . For the driving of
pumps based on permanent magnets the standard AC
motors can be used with power supply through standard
frequency converter allowing adjusting the needed produc-
tivity of the pump by adjusting rotation speed of the
motor .
Contact person
Imants Bucenieks
University of Latvia
Institute of Physics
Integrated AC Drive with Matrix Converter
The proposed drive consists of a squirrel-cage rotor AC
induction motor with a power matrix frequency converter
integrated into the motor . The system solves typical prob-
lems of AC drives: speed regulation by means of its fre-
quency changing, torque regulation, as soon as protection
and alarm functions . However, when compared with tradi-
tional drive configurations, the given drive gives some addi-
tional benefits: smaller overall size and weight of the system,
smaller total harmonic distortion of the input current, pos-
sibility of control of reactive power on the grid side, as well
Contact person
Iļja Galkins
Riga Technical University
46
At the Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia
many models of pumps were tested demonstrating their
efficiency . Real pumps for eutectic alloy Pb-Bi and Pb-Li at
operating temperatures up to 400 °C have been produced
and are operated successfully in liquid metal plants for stud-
ies related to development of Neutron Spallation Sources
(Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden) . Also pumps for pure
Pb have been constructed for operating temperatures up to
500 °C .
Such EMIP design concept of pumps can be used also in
metallurgy for pumping metals having relatively low melting
temperatures and high electrical conductivity, such as Al, Zn
and Mg . The temperature of liquid metal being pumped
may be much higher than operating temperature of mag-
nets, as the magnetic system has no contact with the walls
of the channel of the pump and due to rotation it can pro-
vide sufficient self-cooling by around turbulent air flows
forced air ventilation .
Miera street 32, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia
Tel .: +371 26407570
Fax: +371 67901214
E-mail: imants@sal .lv
http://www .ipul .lv
as smaller radiated and conducted electro-magnetic inter-
ference . At the given time 1 kW drive is available . Bigger
drives are being developed .
Traditional drive Integrated drive
Kronvalda blvd . 1 – 324, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel .: +371 6708 9918
Fax: +371 6708 9941
E-mail: gia@avene .eef .rtu .lv
 Power Engineering & Electronics
Longitudinal Differential Protection (LDP) of High Voltage Lines
Power transmission lines complex protection includes dif-
ferential current protection of 110–220 kV lines, distance
protection from short circuits of any type, protection of
earth current, maximum current protection from interphase
short circuits and overload protection. The complex protec-
tion is equipped with automotive functions (three-phase
automotive repetitive switch with synchronism and voltage
control, reservations in case of failure due to switch
damage).
The equipment has been developed on the basis of tech-
nical elements of microprocessors and thus for processing of
information digital principles of information processing are
applied. There is an opportunity to connect the device to
the computers of power grid relay service through phone
communications channels.
Principles of Functioning
Protection of line differential current is comprised of two
semicomplects installed at both ends of the line and a com-
munications channel joins them with each other. Protection
has been developed after principle “Master/Master” – both
semicomplects are equal. For calculations of differential
­current, phase current vectors at both ends of the line are
used. Data exchange between semicomplects is ensured
through digital optical communications channel with speed
64 kbit/s.
With the help of synchronization signal from GPS mod-
ule LDP semicomplect measurements can be synchronized,
switching off impact of time delay and asymmetry of com-
munications channels. Main scheme of longitudinal differen-
Contact person
Andrejs Utans
Riga technical university
Institute of power engineering
47
tial protection with GPS synchronization is depicted in the
picture.
GPS module receives information from earth satellites
and releases synchronization impulse and signals of accurate
time. At the moment of receipt of GPS module synchroniza-
tion impulse both semicomplects of differential protection
LDP1 and LDP2 are processing controllable values (current
and voltage). In this way both semicomplects exchange
phase current orthogonal components synchronized in
time. GPS module is sending synchronization impulses every
10 ms, thus, in case delay of information transmission from
one semicomplect to the other is less than 10 ms, this delay
does not impact functioning of differential protection. Pro-
tection is continuously controlled by existence of GPS syn-
chronization and, if at any of semicomplects synchroniza-
tion impulse is not received, protection automatically
switches to the regime in which time delay of communica-
tions channel is calculated. When synchronization signals are
in both semicomplects again protection automatically
switches to regime of synchronized data exchange. Thus
existence/disappearance of GPS does not influence protec-
tion’s readiness for functioning.
Kronvalda blvd. 1 – 224, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67089935
Fax: +371 67089931
E-mail: utan@eef.rtu.lv
http://www.eef.rtu.lv
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Universal Computer Modeling System for Applied
Non-Stationary Problems of Aero-Gas-Thermodynamics
Universal computer modeling system was developed with
purpose to model and research complex three-dimensional
unsteady flows of gas inside and outside of moving solids
and elements of machines. System can be used for solving of
following tasks:
• two- and three-dimensional modelling and computation
of flow around solid body and heat exchange in non-
stationary gas (liquid) flow;
• modelling and computation of gas dynamic processes in
centrifugal air blowers (pumps) and in devices using aero
dynamical screw;
• analysis of intensification of heat exchange processes, in
case of acting on solid body by means of pulsing gas flow;
• optimisation of gas dynamic parameters of devices with
complicated geometry and mobile or immobile channels.
With the system a user can create a geometrical model
of a researched body, choose mathematical model of fluid,
Contact person
Valerijs Ušakovs
Riga Technical University
Aviation Institute
Shunt Active Power Filter
Shunt active power filters are applicable to any nonlinear
system in order to perform harmonic current and/or reac-
tive power compensation. The typical applications of shunt
active power filters include harmonic current and reactive
power compensation of high power three-phase diode or
thyristor rectifiers and harmonic damping in power distribu-
tion systems.
Contact person
Oskars Krievs
Riga Technical University
Institute of Industrial Electronics and Electrical Engineering
48
and set a material of a body and boundary conditions, solve
a task and visualize results by colored pictures of the distri-
bution of the parameters in the sections and on the surfaces,
graphs and tables, and also print out Reports. Developed
computer modeling system differs from similar systems with
its universality, possibility to analyze aerothermodynamic
parameters of mobile solids in gas media, uniform logic of
method of solution for different types of tasks – from archi-
tectural aerodynamics to aerodynamics of a ventilator or a
mobile car.
The system can be used as a virtual experimental stand,
which allows receiving much more information about
researched parameters at much smaller financial expenses in
comparison with physical experimental stands, in particular,
at the initial stages of development of products which
demand numerous experiments in search for optimum
alternative.
Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1658, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67089895
Fax: +371 67089990
E-mail: valery_ushakov@inbox.lv
The shunt active power filter elaborated for a specified
three-phase symmetrical nonlinear load is applicable for
both – increasing the efficiency of the load and meeting the
requirements of standards regarding the electromagnetical
compatibility of electrical equipment (IEC 555-2, IEEE STD
519).
Pērnavas street 65 – 39, Riga, LV-1009, Latvia
Tel.: +371 29197306
Fax: +371 67089941
E-mail: oskars@eef.rtu.lv
http://www.rtu.lv/etdv
 Power Engineering & Electronics
SKYBRAKE DD2+
New generation immobilizer SKYBRAKE DD2+ created by
team of constructors from “Autonams” is an excellent com-
bination of microelectronics and the new technology Dou-
ble Dialogue . SKYBRAKE DD2+ immobilizer is an indepen-
dent auto anti-theft device which prevents cars from
stealing . The management is performed by a remote radio
transmitter, the distance of operation and the small size of
which allows managing the system easily and unnoticeably .
It is essential that SKYBRAKE DD2+ allows starting the
Contact person
Edvīns Panders
Autonams, Ltd .
Soft Start Devices with Three-Phase Control
Soft start devices with three-phase control are used to con-
trol industrial electric motors during startup/stopping . The
main functioning principle of the soft start device is chang-
ing of the thyristor’s opening degree, it means that thyris-
tor’s opening time isn’t always in full period, but only par-
tially, and this part is increasing/decreasing during startup/
stopping of the engine . For soft start devices with three-
phase control, it is necessary to control two phases at the
same time . Usage of the soft start devices gives following
benefits:
Contact person
Alberts Kristiņš
University of Latvia
Institute of Solid State Physics
Single Wire Electric Energy Transmission Line
The opeation of the single wire electric energy transmission
line depends on the application of self-capacity of electric
conducting bodies . It is limited only by the technical param-
eters of transmission system . Electrical power transmission
Contact person
Janis Voitkans
Riga Technical University
49
engine of the car, but as soon as unauthorized movement is
taken, the engine is blocked and the car does not operate
anymore . Double Dialogue, patented by technological labo-
ratories of SKYBRAKE, ensures information exchange, friend-
ly to the electronics of the car and disturbance protected,
among several elements of the system placed in the car . The
core of the technology is the regular dialogue or two-way
radio signal which is extremely short (0,0003 s) and fast (till
2 Mbit/s), thus ensuring maximum security .
Skanstes street 9a, Riga, LV-1013, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67501850
Fax: +371 67501840
E-mail: autonams@autonams .lv
http://www .autonams .lv
http://www .skybrake .com
• Minimizes starting current of the electric engine;
• M aximizes starting time of the electric engine, it is good
for the engine’s mechanic parts;
• Starting torque can be regulated according to the load;
• Minimizes heating of the electric engine .
The soft start devices, produced by ISSP in collaboration
with Ltd . “Fonons”, not only produce control impulses for
startup/stopping of the engine, but also measure thyristor’s
opening time for each phase . That allows the soft start
device to fit different load types automatically .
Ķengaraga street 8, Riga, LV-1063, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67260 856
Fax: +371 67132 778
E-mail: kristin@latnet .lv
http://www .cfi .lv
frequencies are f = 1 ÷ 50 kHz, and the applied line’s voltage
is in kilovolts . It is possible to use the wire with very small
diameter (0 .05 mm and less), however wire material type
can’t be copper, and steel can be an option .
Upes avenue 1a – 3, Ogre, LV-5001, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089944
E-mail: voitkans@eef .rtu .lv
High Tech in Latvia 2008

Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Fatigue Damage

A technology of early detection and growth control of
fatigue damage of vital constructions (for example, aviation)
based on acoustic emission (AE) method is offered . AE
method allows:
• to fix the moment of microcrack formation;
• to define stages of crack propagation, fixing moments
when they cease and continue to propagate;
• to measure speed of crack propagation;
• to determine location of cracks, etc .
A characteristic peculiarity of the offered control meth-
od is a possibility of detection of those cracks, which appear
on the internal surfaces and hard-to-reach places of a
construction where the application of other methods is
impossible .

Contact person
Aleksandrs Urbahs
Riga Technical University Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1658, Latvia
Institute of Transport Vehicles Technologies Tel .: +371 67089948
Fax: +371 67089968
E-mail: Aleksandrs .Urbahs@rtu .lv
http://www .tti .rtu .lv

Model of Bidirectional Power Flow Regulator for Traction

Substations of an Electrical Transport
A model of bidirectional power flow regulator is developed
for researching base of new scientific solutions how to save
electrical energy in traction substations of tram car net-
works . Model consists of one six-phase power transformer
with power scheme (based on thyristors) and impulse regu-
lator (buck converter) . It provides bidirectional power flow
regulation in traction substations of tram car networks . It
means that electrical energy of tram car during acceleration
regimes is supplied through bidirectional power flow con-
troller from AC power network to DC electrical network .
During braking regimes recuperated energy is successfully
returned back in the AC power network .

Contact person
Ivars Raņķis,
Aigars Vītols
Riga Technical University Kronvalda blvd . 1, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia
Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering Tel .: +371 7089917
Fax: +371 7089905
E-mail: rankis@eef .rtu .lv
http://www .eef .rtu .lv

50
 Power Engineering & Electronics

Water Waves Motion Energy Conversion Device “R.A.W.E.S.”

Floating system using Pump for the creation of water pres- sure Boat with inside electrical supply. (to loo poster& in
sure and electricity R.A.W.E.S. (pronounce “rouzs”) patented future floating hotel)
in Latvia Nr. LV 12054 B. 2. R.A.W.E.S. can be installed in any location near to a
1. The prototype Floating Island and the Lifeboat is a body of water with waves move moment and doesn’t need
typical example of what the R.A.W.E.S. system can do. On to occupy valuable land space. (to look foto Nr. 2.)
March 6th, 2002 a floating power station measuring 4 mtrs × 3. R.A.W.E.S. is environment friendly technologie use for
4 mtrs and had 32 small pumps was designed to pump salty energy production water only.
water at a pressure of 25 bars. That means from the sea level
water can be pumped through pipe work 250 meters high:
i. e. higher than Heops pyramid in Egypt about 2 times.
The platform was designed to use the available water
volume to turn a wheel to produce a small amount of elec-
tricity from a small generator and shoot a spout of water
into the air. The pumps began to operate at a wave height
of three centimeters. (to look foto Nr. 1.)
Larger floating power stations with larger pumps would
be able to pump fluids/air at 800 bars or more and the sys­
tem is versatile as to volume of fluids to pressure ratio and
also create electricity for the clients’ needs. Submersible
cables/pipes can be used to supply the electrical power/liq-
uids or air to the land. Submersible cables/pipes can be used
to supply the electrical power/liquids or air to the land.
Lifeboat, which can also be adapted to be used as a Plea-

Contact person
Rims Vaitkus
arreCONCEPTS, Ltd. Kapseļu street 7 – 44, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia
Tel.: +371 29943734
Fax: +371 67410233
E-mail: rimis_v@inbox.lv, info@arreconcepts.com
http://www.arreconcepts.com

Composite Material and Container for Hydrogen Storage

Efficient use of bulk and surface of a material makes it pos-
sible to store large amounts of hydrogen in solid carriers. For
this purpose composite materials are most promising, since
they combine both absorption and adsorption properties to
reach the H2 storage density, that is required for vehicular
applications. The AB5 and AB5/grinded glass samples were
studied by gravimetric, volumetric and thermogravimetric
methods. The X-ray diffraction analysis has shown that the
beta-phase of alloy hydride occurs much faster in a hydroge-
nated composite sample than in an AB5 alloy. The results of
gravimetric and volumetric analysis samples have shown
that the composite is able to absorb more hydrogen as
individual parts separately. The following mechanism is
deduced – the hydrogen chemisorbs at the surface sites
found on the AB5 and the bridges between the catalyst and
glass particles allow the chemisorbed hydrogen to migrate
onto the glass surface. Original composition of composite
and container construction is proposed to be used for
hydrogen storage in the solid phase.

Contact person
Līga Grīnberga
University of Latvia Ķengaraga street 8, Riga, LV-1063, Latvia
Institute of Solid State Physics Tel.: +371 67262145
Fax: +371 67132778
E-mail: ligagr@cfi.lu.lv
http://www.cfi.lv

51
High Tech in Latvia 2008
New Method for Hydrogen Generation Using Advanced
Electrolysis Technique
Free hydrogen does not exist on Earth; therefore more than
95% of the hydrogen generated worldwide is prepared from
fossil fuels by steam reformation. This only increases global
emissions of carbon dioxide worldwide. The water electroly-
sis is considered as an important method for large-scale
pro­duction of “green” hydrogen. In our method the AC cur-
rent and only water was used for electrolysis in the cylindri-
cal cells made from steel electrodes. Different forms of sepa-
rated pulses and groups of pulses were applied to cell, and it
is proposed that water splitting occurs by a different
mechan­ism from the conventional DC electrolysis. When
Contact person
Mārtiņš Vanags
University of Latvia
Institute of Solid State Physics
Novel Double Cross-linked Proton Conducting Membrane
and the Methods
Proton conductive membranes find application in many
commercial electrochemical systems – sustainable energy
conversion: proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells,
direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), hydrogen electrolysers;
water purification systems; sensors, etc. Over the last decade,
membranes based on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) have
shown considerable promises. These membranes were
found to possess good thermal stability, appropriate
mechanical strength, and high proton conductivity, which
depend on their degree of sulfonation.
Contact person
Jānis Kleperis
University of Latvia
Institute of Solid State Physics
52
short pulse voltage of several microseconds is applied to a
water electrolysis cell, the changes of potential is so fast
neither the electric double layer nor the diffusion layer can
be stably formed in the vicinity of electrodes. During sharp
voltage pulses the electrons are collected on the surface of
the cathode electrode like as in a capacitor and are quickly
transferred to hydrogen ions circulating with water under
influence of magnetic field. Hydrogen molecules are gener-
ated and in the form of very small bubbles are transferred to
the surface of electrolyte. The volume of generated gases is
larger as in case of traditional electrolysis.
Ķengaraga street 8, Riga, LV-1063, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67262145
Fax: +371 67132778
E-mail: sf11053@cfi.lu.lv
http://www.cfi.lv
Our invention relates to double cross-linked proton con-
ducting membrane and the novel approach to the double
cross-linked S-PEEK in order to simplify synthesis, improve the
stability of membrane, and it electrochemical performance in
fuel cells. According to the new method the crosslinked chlo-
rosulfonated and sufonated PEEK (CCSPEEK) is simply pre-
pared via an only step. Simple technology and good mechani-
cal, chemical and electrical properties of final product – proton
conducting polymer membrane are essential scope of our
proposal which is applied for Latvian patent on 2007.
Ķengaraga street 8, Riga, LV-1063, Latvia
Tel.: +371 67262145
Fax: +371 67132778
E-mail: kleperis@latnet.lv
http://www.cfi.lv
 Transport

Efficiency Analysis of Transport Information Systems

and Their Application in Transportation Systems Planning
and Optimization
European road networks represent a significant investment
and priority for governments across the continent. The
management of transportation systems, especially in urban
environments where dense concentration of vehicles affects
large numbers of Europeans, is paramount to the social,
physical and economic welfare of Europe.
The main idea is to develop and evaluate a simple, cost­
effective but powerful infrastructure that will facilitate trans­
port systems management. To gather the required data,
primarily GPS data are collected. These data can be sup­ple­
ment­ed optionally with data from fixed detectors. The main
objectives of the research can be listed as follows:
• Using different types of onboard GPS sensor-enabled
devices to collect vehicle position data;
• Implementation of software infrastructure to collect and
store position data in form of databases;
• E stimation of model parameters on the base of GPS data,
model filtering and data error elimination; recon­struc­
tion of full traffic flows (intensities) on the base on partial
information (historical and real-time) from taxis and
other vehicles;
• Estimation of traffic characteristics such as distributions
and parameters of queuing length, waiting time, etc., traf­
fic local optimization using control of green traffic lights;
• Application of suitable environmental pollution models
to simulate the impact to the environment;
• Implementation of software infrastructure for the pur-
poses of selective and parametric data visualisation
through appropriate queries (on-line, web, off-line);
• Predictive modelling using reconstructed flows and pro-
grammable events such as traffic signal timing, road
blockages, etc. for the models validation.

Contact person
Maksims Fiošins
Riga Technical University Lomonosova street 1, Riga, LV-1019, Latvia
Institute of Transport Vehicle Technology Tel.: +371 67089980
Fax: +371 67089893
E-mail: maksims.fiosins@rtu.lv
http://www.tti.rtu.lv

Transport Tasks Solution Technology

The necessity to optimize the traffic of city transport is com-
mon task for many cities, even small. The main problem of
traffic optimization task is that in all realistic cases the set of
restrictions is very complicated – there are legislation restric-
tions (time of driver work, dinner breaks), technological
restrictions (available transport resources), social restrictions
(morning and day peaks), etc.
We suggest transport task solution technology, which
gives the possibility to take into account a wide set of real-
istic restrictions for transport task solution. Technology
consists of set of algorithms and gives the possibility to take
into account many variations of motion condition.

Contact person
Gaļina Hiļķeviča
Ventspils University College Inženieru street 101a, Ventspils, LV-3600, Latvia
Engineering Research Centre Tel.: +371 63629654
Fax: +371 63629660
E-mail: mmn@venta.lv
http://www.venta.lv

53
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Technology of Aircraft Structural Health Assessment
Bases of technology and techniques of aircraft structural
health assessment of an aging aircraft from an aluminum
alloy are developed. Technology is based on use of proper-
ties of ultrasonic surface Lamb’s waves. The system of piezo-
ceramic gauges integrated into a structure together with the
autonomous equipment of excitation, reception and the
Contact person
Vitalijs Pavelko
Riga Technical University
Electro transport sustainable control system
Technology allows controlling electric energy consumption
in real time that could provide study of power effectively of
the existed transport system and industrial electronics. The
proposal for the energy consumption optimization is con-
nected with the development and investigation of intelli-
Contact person
Nadežda Kuņicina
Riga Technical University
Institute of Industrial Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Information Infrastructure Model for Virtual Logistics Centre
to Ensure Management of Multimodal and Intermodal
Transportation in International Transport Corridors
The information infrastructure model of virtual logistics
centres is oriented to ensure interoperability of railway tran-
sit business participants in international transport corridors.
Integrated solutions for information systems are acceptable
along transport logistics chain, as well as for railway chains
crossing borders. The development of XML & Java-based
specifications for interaction between distributed business
structures, especially in cases of multimodal and intermodal
transportation, should be considered. The problems of infor-
Contact person
Ludmila Sergejeva
Riga Technical University
Institute of Railway
54
analysis of the diagnostic information provides the continu-
ous monitoring of thin-walled structural elements and reli-
able detecting of defects of a structure (cracks, corrosion).
Development includes component of results of the research-
es executed together with partners of 6FP Pro­ject AISHA.
Lomonosova street 1b – B 119, Riga, LV-1019, Latvia
Tel.: +371 7 089961
Fax: +371 7 089990
E-mail: Vitalijs.Pavelko@rtu.lv
gent agents. Intelligent agents are used for advanced on-line
system control. The developed technology allows decreasing
power consumption by 10–20%, providing the necessary
volume of the transportations, as well as suggestions for the
following development.
Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1658, Latvia
Tel.: +371 7089051
Fax: +371 7089039
E-mail: nadezda.kunicina@rtu.lv
http://www.rtu.lv
mation resources integration are of interest to everybody
whose business is built on logistics principles and in the first
place, to transit business. The virtual logistics centre pro-
vides integrating of heterogeneous information resources for
a whole transport logistics chain into a united information
space. It may be applied to control multimodal and inter-
modal transportation in international transport corridors, as
well as to decrease an influence of the geographic factor.
Indriķa street 8a, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia
Tel.: +371 7089650
Fax: +371 670899668
E-mail: sla@latnet.lv
http://www.tmf.rtu.lv/dzat
 Transport

Electronic AutoCAD-Library of Standard Components

for Automated Designing of Railway Signaling, Centralization
and Blocking Systems
An electronic library of standard components for automat- the library considerably increases efficiency of the engineer-
ed designing of railway signaling, centralization and blocking ing work for the new systems development, as well as for
systems has been created. The library can be easily placed their modernization.
into the automated designing system AutoCAD. Using of

Contact person
Ludmila Sergejeva
Riga Technical University Indriķa street 8a, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia
Institute of Railway Tel.: +371 7089650
Fax: +371 670899668
E-mail: sla@latnet.lv
http://www.tmf.rtu.lv/dzat

Leak Control Technology in Pressure Vessels

Technology of acoustic emission (AE) control of liquid leak
from pressure vessels such as fuel, oil, water, and other stor-
age tanks is elaborated. The technology provides the possi-
bility of detection liquid leakages through cracks, holes,
fractures, joint openings and suchlike formations, which
appear as a result of deformation under the effect of differ-
ent external and internal loads. Apart from that, the method
gives an opportunity to detect liquid leakages through con-
trol elements of hydraulic systems (valves, gates and other),
as well as to assess the leak tightness of blinds and flanges.
The offered control method has higher interference pro-
tection in comparison with the methods based, for instance,
on the use of acoustic radar.
Basic properties:
• frequency band of AE registered signals – 5…150 kHz;
• threshold sensitivity of the method – more than 80 l/hr;
• distance to a leak spot – up to 30…50 m.

Contact person
Aleksandrs Urbahs
Riga Technical University, Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1658, Latvia
Institute of Transport Vehicles Technologies Tel.: +371 67089948
Fax: +371 67089968
E-mail: Aleksandrs.Urbahs@rtu.lv
http://www.tti.rtu.lv

55
High Tech in Latvia 2008
Folding a Wheelchair with an Electric Actuator
Multipurpose folding wheelchair is elaborated to be used
both in urban and rural conditions and inside buildings and
flats .
The wheelchair is equipped with a combined actuator
and is driven:
• in manual mode with two round levers at the expense of
the muscular power of a passenger;
• in motor mode with an electric actuator of the right rear
wheel .
On the steering pillars of the wheelchair there are control
and monitoring elements, hand throttle, brake arms, a head-
light, and a rear mirror .
The wheelchair is additionally equipped with an accumula-
Contact person
Aleksandrs Urbahs
Riga Technical University,
Institute of Transport Vehicles Technologies
Folding Electric Scooter
Electric scooter is a light-sized, low-noise, environmentally
friendly private vehicle, which is specially designed for reduc-
tion of noise level and pollution in streets . The scooter is
mainly meant for the use in “Park & Ride” system with the
aim to decrease private motor car traffic intensity and the
load of streets as much as possible .
The construction of the scooter is the best compromise
between steerability and comfort .
The vehicle is equipped with an accumulator battery,
which is recharged from the ordinary 220 W power supply
network during parking, and an electric engine with a chain
gear . The time of battery charging is only three hours .
On the steering pillar of the vehicle there is an ignition
key, handles of accelerator and brake, a headlight with a
wide angle of entrance, a rear mirror, as well as turning indi-
Contact person
Aleksandrs Urbahs
Riga Technical University
Institute of Transport Vehicles Technologies
56
tor battery with a charger, a battery discharge indicator,
electric signal, parking and main brakes, a steering wheel lock,
an indicator and signalling devices of turning and braking .
When it is necessary, the wheelchair can be comfortably
and compactly folded and transported in a car truck, lift, or
public transport .
The wheelchair moves noiselessly and runs easily over
small grades, irregularities, and obstacles . On even road sur-
face it can gather speed up to 10 km/h and travel the dis-
tance up to 30 km without the accumulator recharging .
The wheelchair is elaborated in cooperation with JSC
“METALSERVISS” with a financial support of the Riga City
Council .
Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1658, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089948
Fax: +371 67089968
E-mail: Aleksandrs .Urbahs@rtu .lv
http://www .tti .rtu .lv
cator, sound signal and headlight keys . On the main dash
panel there are all necessary things: a speedometer, a power
network voltage detector and a number of warning lamps .
The sound signal, turning indicators and stop-light are
above the back driving wheel . Increased wheel diameter
gave an opportunity to improve the stability of the new
scooter when turning . Driving at maximum speed, up to
20 km/h, the performance of the scooter is perfect .
The frame of the scooter is split, and thanks to special
pivot joints it can be easily folded . It gives an opportunity to
carry the folded scooter in a trunk of any medium-class
motor car as well as in public transport .
The scooter is elaborated in cooperation with JSC
“METALSERVISS” with a financial support of JSC “GE
Money” .
Kaļķu street 1, Riga, LV-1658, Latvia
Tel .: +371 67089948
Fax: +371 67089968
E-mail: Aleksandrs .Urbahs@rtu .lv
http://www .tti .rtu .lv
 The outlook for Latvian technology “High Tech in Latvia 2008” is řnancially
supported by Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia.
www.izm.gov.lv High Tech in Latvia
Editorial Board
Pēteris Reihmanis, LTP
Laila Eliņa, LTP

Publisher

Latvia Technology Park

www.ltp.lv

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Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre
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