• Energy Research
• OA Publications Mandate: No close
• 2017 close

This project deals with the exploration of the possibility to use control theory tools for the design of vibrational piezoelectric energy harvesters (vPEH) devoted to supply tracking devices in migratory birds. The proposed explored techniques, radically different and scientifically novel relative to existing design methods of vPEH, will provide four major advantages: i) giving methodological designs, ii) pushing the actual limitation on power density, iii) introducing robustness for the harvested energy over a frequency variation of the ambient vibrations, iv) and permitting the substantial increase of their autonomy. The impact of the resulting vPEH to birds tracking are evident: volume and weight radically small allowing to equip more species of birds while than the actual possibility, devices autonomy extremely high (calculated for the bird entire life), and safety and harmlessness for the equipped animal thanks to the reduced sizes and weights.

Greenspur Renewables has developed a new, low-cost, ferrite-based direct drive (DD) permanent magnet generator (PMG) aimed at the offshore wind energy market. DD PMGs are becoming increasingly important for large-scale wind turbines as they remove the need for a gearbox and the high maintenance costs associated with using them. Today, however, all existing large-scale DD PMGs use scarce and expensive rare earth magnets that are sourced almost exclusively from China. The Greenspur DD PMG uses ordinary ferrite magnets which, although less powerful, are 1/30th of the cost by mass of rare earth magnets and can deliver substantial cost savings. Following smaller-scale trials, patent filings and positive feedback from industry, this project will enable Greenspur to specify, build and test a 250kW generator in collaborative R&D partnerships with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (OREC) and with Warwick Manufacturing Group (part of Warwick University). The company’s ultimate objective is to licence its technology for the manufacture of multi MW units for use in the rapidly expanding global offshore wind market.

The feasibility study looks at how to exploit cutting edge ICT, Internet of Things (IoT), Cryptography and Fintech enabling technologies to transform energy access with "affordable" rooftop solar energy and "behind the meter" energy storage. Solar PV provides excellent low carbon alternative to back up diesel generators for cheap, non-stolen electricity and will improve the supply of clean, affordable and resilient energy to South Asian countries. We will build a system test-bed at University of Hertfordshire (UH) "Smart Lab" to show how we can improve energy security and reduce cost though decentralised database systems based on blockchains and distributed ledger technology linked to our patented smart solar panels. We have a potential Indian partner standing by. Problem statement: Many communities in developing countries suffer from poor grid infrastructure which can be mitigated with rooftop solar energy located close to the point of consumption. Ongoing fraud and theft costs must be reduced for schemes to be financially viable; strong asset management and improved security against cyber-attacks can help. Distributed rooftop solar PV also mitigates local energy distribution problems and grid stability bottlenecks. Smart solar panels increase resistance to cyber-attacks and provide strong asset management to reduce cost of theft and fraud. This will benefit aid agencies, investors, operators and owners. Project outputs: (i) System test-bed with demonstration hardware and software applications linked to the cloud. (ii) We will demonstrate how new kinds of cryptocurrency such as SolarCoins can complement income from selling electricity to reward investors or repay loans. This may offset the disappearance of feed-in-tariffs. (iii) Our demonstrator will help financiers, businesses and government departments further understand investment opportunities arising from these fast moving technologies. (iv) During the project we will explore opportunities and cultural barriers for in-country deployment to replicate our test-bed with local partners.

Awaiting Public Project Summary