• Energy Research
• UK Research and Innovation close
• 2012 close

A new network is proposed which will focus on energy efficiency improvements opportunites in the process industry. The process industry is a substantial user of energy and whilst many process systems have been optimised in recent years, there is an opportunity to improve the efficient use of thermal energy in existing plant operation and the design of future plants. To date most processes have been optimised on a 'stand-alone' basis. However, the efficient use of thermal energy requires a different approach as opportunities, knowledge and motivation to improve efficiencies are likely to be both within and outside the plant or company who operates it. Therefore successful future efficiency developments must be collaborative and consequently the networking aspect must be addressed in a comprehensive and effective manner. The network will forge close links and work with industry, academia, government (national and local) and NGOs to support the maximisation of energy recovery, plant efficiency improvements, reduce CO2 emissions and use of cleaner, more secure fuel sources. Outputs will include the establishment of a sustainable network, development of a network website, repository of resources, forum groups for strategic discussion, a report on Grand Challenges which will identify a long term research vision and future needs analysis and a final report. The network will operate via a series of industry and researcher forums, conferences, short courses and sandpits. The network will be managed by Newcastle University and key participants will include Sheffield and Manchester Universities and the Tyndall Centre. Industry will also play a key role in the network management through Steering Committee representation. Dissemination and knowledge transfer of both technical and non-technical issues will be of paramount importance to the network's operation.

Moves to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency has primed interest in new technologies for the generation of electrical power. Unlike conventional plant, new generating technologies are not naturally suited to direct connection to the fixed frequency grid supply. Furthermore, in the case of renewable generation, restrictions on geographical location pose problems for electrical connection. Power electronic conversion thus plays a significant role in efficiently capturing and distributing the generated energy. This proposal addresses one important aspect of this research area: the efficient, robust and low-cost capture and transmission of renewable energy (RE) from multiple renewable resources. The use of DC networks to aggregate and transmit power from has been identified as a solution to such problems; to date work in this area has be concentrated at concept study and simulation level. Our collaborative proposal seeks to develop a novel and innovative DC current link system. The research will investigate the academic research aspects of realising a DC current link technology for the capture of renewable energy and other forms of low-carbon-derived electrical energy. Traditional wind turbine interfacing to the AC grid has been based on AC concepts. Recently ABB have installed the first offshore interconnect based on dc transmission. The system uses their standard HVDC Light technology, which offers bidirectional power flow control. Embedded renewable generation whether wind or wave, onshore or offshore, generally does not require the bidirectional power flow capability of HVDC Light (and similar techniques) but does require efficient, low-cost multi-source control. Existing techniques, e.g.HVDC Light, are not suitable. The proposed system departs from existing DC transmission technology. The proposed system is based on the concept that paralleling energy sources should always be based on paralleling current sources - not voltage sources as currently exemplified by HVDC systems. In our proposed system the single-ended step-up converter, operated with an outer current control loop, is the basic building block. The topology is scaleable, reliable and low-cost compared with existing AC and DC converter technologies used in distribution. Connection of additional sources is simple and low-cost thus the system lends itself to community-based schemes. Additionally, the majority of lower power RE systems utilise permanent magnet generators therefore require only unidirectional power flow from the RE source to the grid. The unidirectional nature of the power flow results in significant simplification of the DC system that is not realised in AC systems and existing bidirectional DC technology. The technology that will be developed by this project is a key enabler for the integration of multi-source low-carbon energy. The academic research team will investigate detailed modelling, simulation, design and experimentation on a demonstrator DC link system. Two PhD themes have been identified. The first will have a PhD student investigating the conversion electronics required to buffer and transform generates electrical energy onto the novel network. The second PhD student will research and address the important issue of regulating the flow of power from the low carbon energy source to the centralised grid interfacing converter. A post-doctoral research fellow will provide overall project management, liaise with the industry partner during development of the six-turbine demonstrator site, and assess and evaluate the performance of the demonstrator. On completion of this project, there will be a six 15kW turbine array that demonstrates the novel conversion technologies and innovative control algorithms developed through this important research. The demonstrator will be an exemplar of the synthesis between internationally-leading academic research, industrial experience and exploitation, and entrepreneurial skill.

Awaiting Public Project Summary

Our project will result in a proof of conept for an innovative new small wind turbine wth a unique generator and braking system. By applying our innovative technology, we will be able to significantly improve reliability and extend servicing intervals, reduce noise considerably and optimise the turbine for use in regions of lower average wind speeds and higher levels of turbulence. Small wind turbines are now proven to provide a cost effective means of generating renewable electricity, even though it is also recognised that the small wind turbine industry is still at an early stage of development, particularly from a technology perspective. Our project scope is to to prove the key concepts of the new turbine. We will build and bench test a demonstrator generator, design and build a proof of concept prototype wind turbine, undertake testing on the demonstrator and compare performance of the rotor and the generator to the design targets. If we can prove the concept and go on to develop a product, the following benefits will be achieved: - Very low noise, meaning that it can be located closer to dwellings and therefore available to larger market size. - Reduced maintenance costs - Improved energy yield on lower wind speed sites. We believe we can create a turbine which embodies a technological step change over all existing products. It is anticipated that these technological improvements will open up the market considerably, making wind power a viable option for areas where the planning and economic factors currently prevent the adoption of wind energy.

The project aims to create an easy to use integrated building design software tool for SME’s to encourage the development of low impact buildings in the UK. The toolset includes a BIM system whereby a house can be designed in the system’s CAD module and feedback given on financial and carbon costs, and sustainability indicators such as u-values, SAP, embodied/operational CO2 and Code for Sustainable Homes. Designs can be created using either the software’s own material assemblies, or whole house templates, both of which can be modified, for the quick and easy creation of designs to specific ratings. The software contains an extensive on-line database of construction products, created as part of the project, comprising information on cost, physical properties, usage and wastage factors, embodied CO2. Outputs include indicative SAP ratings, SWMP estimates, 2d drawings, 3d visualisations, customer quotes, materials schedules, SMM7/NRM bill of quantities. Customisable charts provide comparisons of performance against benchmarks and best practice, or against other designs in the system. The software facilitates users’ exploration of design options, comparing the affect of design variations on both cost and sustainability indicators, thus encouraging innovation, sensitivity analysis of designs, and the consideration of different construction materials and methods prior to build.

Small Wind turbines are an increasingly important element in the drive towards helping the UK become energy independent and achieving the target of 15% energy production from renewables by 2020. Annual maintenance or service checks are a major part of the overall cost of ownership of a turbine and can deter adoption or increase the time taken to pay back on investment. This project will explore an innovative way of using low cost, low power sensors to monitor turbine performance and condition to predict when a service may be due or to fault find on failure. New technology means that it may be possible to embed many sensors in each turbine, using energy harvesting to power both the sensors and a low energy wireless connection. By utilising wireless connection to the internet, the turbine can be monitored remotely.

Over the 2 year project HBXL will provide an easy to use integrated tool for SMEs to design buildings from initial concepts and feasibility through detailed design for low impact buildings in the UK. The system will be based on live product data from suppliers. The toolset will provide realtime feedback of the capital and whole life costs with carbon impacts in a 2D/3D photo realistic environment to communicate early stage design options to all stakeholders and encourage innovation and sensitivity analysis. The resulting data will be accessible by the construction team and building users via the CAD interface to provide JIT construction data, product characteristics and building user information via HBXL's new on-line data and project management services. Modules will allow suppliers of products and assemblies to upload and share their CAD drawings of their systems for drag and drop incorporation into designs, complete with all cost and carbon data for inclusion into the automated cost and carbon impact assessments. These objectives will be achieved following research to assess code of practice and other standards in the UK and abroad to devise specifications for HBXL programmers. Further research will investigate the ability for all business sectors in the supply chain to provide environmental and technical data in a standard format for integration into the designs and provide recommendations of the format and scope of the required data. Additional research will identify 3D gaming technologies to assist in design presentation and environmental behaviour of the proposed design together with a review of emerging mobile computing technologies for instant accessibility.

In 2006, industrial energy use was 407 TWh and represented 19 % of total energy end use in the UK. Of this, more than 36% was consumed by the food, chemicals, paper and metals industries. Food and drinks processing accounted for 42 TWh, paper 9.4 TWh, chemicals 64 TWh and metals 34 TWh. The UK's Kyoto target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% from 1990 levels within the commitment period of 2008-2012. The UK is on course to meet this target but is unlikely to meet the tougher self-imposed target to cut CO2 emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2010. This target has now been superseded by new targets in a draft Climate Change Bill (HM Government, 2007). The Bill proposes to impose an interim target of 26-32% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020 alongside the 60% reduction by 2050. The Energy White Paper published in 2007 sets out a framework of measures to address these challenging targets and energy efficiency is one of them.. Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important in the process industries due to the rapid rises in energy costs in the last few years and the volatility of energy prices. Energy costs may also represent a significant proportion of the overall production costs in various process sectors and energy efficiency can offer one of the best approaches to increasing profitability and reducing environmental impacts. Energy efficiency can be achieved in a number of ways including improving the efficiency of equipment and unit operations, heat recovery and process integration. Over the last 30 years considerable research and development effort has been devoted to these fields. The heat recovery potential from the four main process industries is 2.8 TWh from the food sector, 1.6 TWh from the chemicals sector, 0.7 TWh from the metals sector and 0.34 TWh from the paper and pulp industry sector. By far, the greatest potential is in the food and drinks and chemical processing sectors and this research proposal will concentrate mainly on these two sectors even though most of the results and outcomes will be generic.The project aims to investigate and develop methodologies for the optimum thermal energy recovery from process waste streams in the food and chemicals process industries to improve thermal performance and minimize greenhouse gas emissions from unit and process operations. It will involve a combination of research approaches, that will include: i) a comprehensive literature review on energy recovery technologies particularly those that can be applied to processes that involve organic materials and heat exchanger fouling; ii) development of a database and simplified knowledge based tools to facilitate the selection, by non experts, of the most appropriate technology for a particular application; iii) detailed field monitoring and investigations to obtain comprehensive data sets for process analysis and thermodynamic model validation; iv) thermodynamic model development for detailed system analysis, optimum thermal design, integration and control, and iv) generalization and dissemination of results. If heat recovery is widely employed in the process industries annual savings of 5.4 TWh can be achieved with additional 11 TWh savings being available from the wide application of open and closed cycle heat pumps to upgrade waste heat to more useful temperatures. If it is assumed that the displaced fuel will be gas then the wide application of heat recovery technologies, including heat pumps, has the potential of 3.0 MtCO2 emissions reduction per year and 462 M savings in fuel bills. Successful application of these technologies will also lead to increased employment and export opportunities for the UK manufacturing industry.

The AIM of the proposed project is: To develop a generic conceptual hydrogeological model for the occurrence, and likely response to development, of naturally warm groundwaters in and near major faults in northern England (with particular reference to the Alston and Askrigg Blocks and their bounding fault systems). The specific OBJECTIVES to meet this aim are as follows: 1. Review the world literature on fault-associated geothermal resources in non-volcanic regions, and consider the implications of this literature for geothermal prospecting in northern England. 2. Collate, collect and interpret data (geological, geophysical, hydraulic, geochemical) from existing and new deep geothermal boreholes in the study region, and from analogous sources of information (such as archival analyses of waters found near faults in deep mines of the region when they were working). 3. Develop a formal, conceptual hydrogeological model for the occurrence of sufficient quantities of deep groundwaters abundant and hot enough to support: (i) major direct-use geothermal applications (ii) power generation using binary-cycle plants. The conceptual model will take the form of a list of rigorously justified, simplifying assumptions which together summarise best hydrogeological understanding of this type of geothermal resource. 4. For two selected case studies: (i) Test the consistency between the conceptual model and available data by means of numerical simulations, using commercial software (e.g. FEFLOW or SHEMAT), of scenarios representing natural and pumped conditions for the geothermal reservoirs. Amend the conceptual model as appropriate, taking into account the findings of the numerical simulations. (ii) Apply the logic of the finalised conceptual model to develop protocols for further geothermal exploration and development, working with the partner company to identify appropriate ways of taking into account economic factors, engineering constraints (e.g. necessity and practical feasibility of hydraulic stimulation), and environmental risk management (e.g. safe handling of brines at surface and their efficient reinjection to depth). As the costs and practicalities of deep drilling and geophysics preclude solo FIELDWORK, the student would work as part of a team, alongside staff of Cluff Geothermal Ltd and their specialist contractors. Similarly, although analysis of waters from the boreholes will be undertaken by contractors, the student will be given the opportunity to experience lab analysis to ensure they understand the origins - and limitations - of data they will be interpreting. All of the costs of these activities will be borne by Cluff Geothermal Ltd, but all data arising will be available to the student, even though they personally will only generate a small fraction of it. The IMPACT of the proposed project would be manifold: (i) Direct contribution to the prospecting and development activities of a rapidly-growing, private equity funded geosciences business (Cluff Geothernal Ltd), as it moves towards completion of what seems likely to be the first binary geothermal power plant ever constructed in the UK (ii) Involvement in the development of a new UK industry, including direct engagement in discussions with the UK government's Department of Energy & Climate Change (iii) Raising of public awareness of geothermal energy and the geoscience on which it depends, for instance through established 'meet the scientist' activities at the annual British Festival of Science (which will be held in Newcastle in 2013 and thereafter every 4 years), at the hugely popular Great North Museum (now the most-visited tourist venue in the region), and through STEM promotion activities with schoolchildren in secondary schools near to the deep geothermal drilling sites the student will be working on. (iv) Participation in media interviews (national and local, broadcast and press), for which specific prior training will be given.

There is growing evidence that our increasing consumption of fossil fuels is leading to a change in climate. Such predictions have brought new urgency to the development of clean, renewable sources of energy that will permit the current level of world economic growth to continue without damage to our ecosystem. Photovoltaic cells based on organic or organic/inorganic hybrid materials have shown rapid improvements over the past decade, comparing favourably with existing inorganic semiconductor technology on energy, scalability and cost associated with manufacture. The most promising materials for organic or hybrid photovoltaics are based on blends of two components at whose interface light-generated excitations dissociate into charges contributing to a photocurrent. Blend morphology on the meso-scale plays a crucial role in these systems, with efficient photovoltaic operation requiring both large interfacial area and existence of carrier percolation paths to the electrodes. The proposed work will establish how both aims can be achieved, using a powerful new combination of non-contact femtosecond time-resolved techniques to examine a range of novel mesoscopic blends. This methodology will allow the simultaneous examination of exciton diffusion and dissociation, charge-carrier generation, recombination and conductivity, providing direct clues to the optimisation of materials for photovoltaics. Collaborations with researchers working on making photovoltaic devices will ensure that knowledge gained from these non-contact material probes will directly feed into enhancing device performance. This combined approach will allow the UK's exceptionally high expertise in the area of organic electronics to contribute effectively to its current goal of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emission.