• Energy Research
• 2022 close

Offshore infrastructure is currently undertaking a leading role in the development of energy production systems. A key factor in this infrastructure refers to the continuously loaded cables, pipelines foundations and anchoring systems throughout their design life-time. Emphasising on the foundation of offshore wind turbine systems, large diameter piled foundation still seem to be the preferable solution. It is remarkable that 74.5% of the installed offshore wind turbines in 2018 are supported by monopiles, while the cost of this system is approximately 30% of the total. Up-to-date geotechnical engineering research efforts focusing on the following aspects: a) pile-soil interaction emphasising on the fundamental frequency of the system, b) soil damping, c) scour and evolution of pore-pressures, and d) long-term performance of the foundation. The aim of this thesis is to cover the latter aspect of this engineering problem, specifically, the long-term response analysis of large piled foundations. Looking now at the state-of-practice techniques, the well-known p-y curve method seems to underestimate the capacity of monopiles, as it has been illustrated by relatively recent research studies. This is because these methodologies are derived for smaller diameter piles which higher L/D ratios. Advanced Finite Element Analyses can be used to improve the existing p-y curves, as many aspects of this problem can be captured. In addition, the accumulation of displacements and the conditions which lead to a stable, meta-stable or unstable long-term response can be investigated. Large diameter piles with relatively small aspects ratios (L/D) are well-known as "rigid" or "short" piles. In such systems, the soil properties are of a great importance for the resultant response. However, these properties continuously alternate with the number of the applied cycles of loads resulting in the deterioration of the performance of the piled foundation. Prior to this effect, during the installation of the large piled foundations, the properties of the soil mass are disrupted, leading to densified or loosened zones. It is well-established from past research that the rate of degradation of cohesionless materials with different relative density is different. Therefore, this is a key aspect that needs to be considered in the simulation of the cyclic response of monopiles. For the purpose of analysing the cyclic response of the piled foundations considering the installation effects, two different models need to be developed with two different appropriate constitutive laws. The first one will be a model suitable to capture the high stress conditions and the changes in the voids ratio during installation, while the second model captures the long-term performance and degradation of sands. In this way, the rigorous computation of the cyclic response of piled foundations will be carried out.

GeoUS will support increased research excellence in geothermal energy at VSB -Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic through close cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute, Germany and University of Vaasa, Finland. The ultimate goal is the development of multi-disciplinary research and innovation skills in the Czech Republic, focused on the fundamental and practical aspects of developing geothermal as a sustainable energy source. GeoUS will enable VSB to expand its network with leading research organisations in geothermal energy. It also involves young researchers to support future development of research activities impacting in the Moravia Region in line with the Regional and National Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (RIS3 Strategy) and ESIF targets. The results will be widely shared with City Authority of Ostrava, Moravian-Silesian Regional Authority and also with authorities at national level. GeoUS will: 1. Transfer knowledge and build excellent research. 2. Increase scientific excellence in thermal characterization and mathematical modelling of heat flows and temperature fields and in measurement and control of energy flows. 3. Improve the scientific excellence and research capacity of VSB. 4. Increase the capacity of VSB for participation in future high-quality research activities and innovation in thermal energy in Central Europe. 5. Increase the interaction with and between the main players in the innovation process in Czech Republic for developing and exploiting geothermal energy. 6. Widen the visibility of VSB as a centre of excellence for thermal energy. 7. Engage with the public and citizens and young people on science related to thermal energy.

Innovations in solar energy conversion are required to meet humanity’s growing energy demand, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. All solar energy conversion devices harvest light and then separate photoproducts, minimising recombination. Normally charge separation takes place at the surface of nanostructured electrodes, often covered with photosensitiser molecules such as in dye-sensitised solar cells; DSSCs. However, the use solid state architectures made from inorganic materials leads to high processing costs, occasionally the use of toxic materials and an inability to generate a large and significant source of energy due to manufacturing limitations. An alternative is to effect charge separation at electrically polarised soft (immiscible water-oil) interfaces capable of driving charge transfer reactions and easily “dye-sensitised”. Photoproducts can be separated on either side of the soft interface based on their hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity, minimising recombination. SOFT-PHOTOCONVERSION will explore if photoconversion efficiencies at soft interfaces can be improved to become competitive with current photoelectrochemical systems, such as DSSCs. To achieve this goal innovative soft interface functionalisation strategies will be designed. To implement these strategies an integrated platform technology consisting of (photo)electrochemical, spectroscopic, microscopic and surface tension measurement techniques will be developed. This multi-disciplinary approach will allow precise monitoring of morphological changes in photoactive films that enhance activity in terms of optimal kinetics of photoinduced charge transfer. An unprecedented level of electrochemical control over photosensitiser assembly at soft interfaces will be attained, generating photoactive films with unique photophysical properties. Fundamental insights gained may potentially facilitate the emergence of new class of solar conversion devices non-reliant on solid state architectures.

EnergyMatching aims at developing adaptive and adaptable envelope and building solutions for maximizing RES (Renewable Energy Sources) harvesting: versatile click&go substructure for different cladding systems (R3), solar window package (R4), modular appealing BIPV envelope solutions (R5), RES harvesting package to heat and ventilate (R6). Such solutions are integrated into energy efficient building concepts for self-consumers connected in a local area energy network (energyLAN). The energyLAN is designed to fullfil comprehensive economic rationales (organised by geo-cluster), including balancing cost and performance targets, through the energy harvesting business enhancer platform (R1), which handles different stakeholders benefits, risks and overall cash flows, and it will be exploited to develop specific business models. Operational strategies of the energyLAN are driven by the building and districrt energy harvesting management system (R7). EnergyMatching focuses on residential buildings to open up the highest potential in terms of NZEB target and optimisation of building integrated RES in the 4 seasons. EnergyMatching buildings are active elements of the energy network and as energy partners they consume, produce, store and supply energy and as self-consumers they transform the EU energy market from centralised, fossil-fuel based national systems to a decentralised, renewable, interconnected and adaptive system. EnergyMatching optimisation tool (R2) enables the best matching between local RES-based energy production and building load profiles, and simplifies the energy demand management for the energy distributors. EnergyMatching addresses positive public perception of RES integration, by developing active envelope solution with high aesthetical value and flexibility to cope with different architectural concepts. The proposed solar active skin technologies are easily connectable at mechanical (R3), building energy system (R4-R6) and energy network level (R7).

Understanding the physics of the light-matter interaction in materials with the perovskite crystal structure is an extremely active and exciting topic at present. Inorganic-organic hybrid perovskites have provided an entirely new class of optoelectronic materials with excellent photovoltaic performance (over 22% solar power conversion efficiency), and have further potential for use in light emitters. However, the physics of what happens after light is absorbed in these compounds is poorly understood: some studies have concluded that free, mobile charges are created directly, while other work has reported the formation of excitons - bound electron-hole pairs. In this PhD project the student will investigate how free charges and excitons are created and subsequently move, using ultrafast terahertz spectroscopy. This is an advanced experimental method that probes the conductivity of materials as they respond to pulses of light with <1ps duration.

PV Impact will try out a variety of approaches to stimulate the private sector to spend more on PV research, development and innovation in Europe. The part of the project will focus on inviting companies to matchmaking events so they can make new connections and find partners with whom to work on their plans. The project will also target two specific industrial companies: one, ENEL Green Power, will try to make progress on the Implementation Plan by coordinating the many different PV actors in Italy; the other, Photowatt, will work mostly privately but tap the consortium's expertise and those of scientists whom it will select to help it make the right strategic technical choices to be a serious competitor in PV manufacturing. Another important part of the project is to monitor progress in PV. Data will be collected on public spending in the EU, on private spending, on the kinds of projects being funded and on the overall performance of PV technology. Forecasts for future spending will be made according to various scenarios. The project will track whether improvements in the performance of technology are keeping pace with expectations. It will make recommendations to European funding authorities on how they can play their part in putting European PV technology back the top of the class if it is falling behind.

The core aim of the study is the development of a novel solar thermal energy storage system using phase change materials (PCM). PCM are a class of material which change phase when absorbing or releasing energy. They typically enter a liquid form when absorbing heat and solidify when the heat is extracted. PCMs have high thermal energy storage potentials due to the material property of latent heat capacity, the amount of energy absorbed or released when a material undergoes a phase change. The system aims to take advantage of the developments in concentrating solar thermal collector technology which deliver high temperatures and couple it with PCM heat storage. This study aims to use latent heat storage capability to store a relatively large amount of solar thermal energy and release the energy at the point of demand. The research will give specific attention to delivering temperatures and heating profiles suitable for mid-temperature range industrial processes. Detailed scientific objectives Development of PCM which enhances desirable properties such as thermal conductivity and melting temperatures. This activity will be carried out using computer simulation followed by experimental verification. Identify the factors affecting the thermal cycle stability and long-term (seasonal) storage capability of PCM and incorporate measures to mitigate the negative effects of thermal cycling and long-term storage. Thermal cycling stability is defined as the number of times a material can undergo heating and cooling cycles while maintaining its thermal properties. Initial investigation will be carried out through standard material characterisation tests followed by microscopy using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Degradation factors will be identified, followed by the application of corrective measures and the material will be re-tested. Development of a model to explain the phase change boundary movement during melting and solidifying and development of heat exchanger design with optimisations led by knowledge gained from the melting and solidifying model. Novelty Model to understand, quantify and visualise the melting and solidifying process of PCM. PCM optimised to undergo more thermal cycles and degrade less when used for long-term energy storage. Development of a novel heat exchanger designed to take advantage of the melting and solidifying profile of PCM. An industrial scale, system design for storage and delivery of heat, using an optimised PCM as the storage medium. Benefit to society With industrial processes accounting for nearly 16% of national energy usage in the United Kingdom and over half of that energy coming from non-renewable sources, it is the hope of this study, to make solar thermal energy a viable alternative in an industrial setting, through improvements in storage technology and capability to deliver higher temperatures. The potential applications of the proposed work include processes in the food processing industry, tea industry and polymer manufacture.

SUPER PV is pursuing an ambitious bus realistic goal for innovative PV system cost reduction and consequently significant LCOE reduction (26%-37%) by adopting hybrid approach combining technological innovations and Data Management methods along the PV value chain. To achieve that, key actions will be implemented at three main levels within the PV value chain: PV module innovation level, power electronics innovation level and system integration level. To ensure fast uptake of the project results by industry, state of the art modules (c-Si and flexible CIGS) and power electronics products were utilised for adopting innovations developed by research centres. For cost reduction in system integration and operation, Digitalization and Data Management solutions based on Industry 4.0 approach will be adopted following successful utilization of Building Information Modelling approach in the construction sector. Selected for uptake innovations will be compatible with existing manufacturing technological processes thus reducing impact on Cost of Ownership and ensuring attractiveness of proposed technologies for PV manufacturers. Prototype SUPER PV systems will be produced in industrial environments and tested in different (including harsh) climate conditions to evaluate cost efficiency and demonstrate competitiveness of the proposed solutions. On the basis of test results, business cases for technologies under consideration will be performed, plans for production and market replication will be prepared. Project activities will be complemented by wide training and dissemination campaign ensuring highest visibility and social impact of the project activities. By delivering to the market SUPERior PV products, the project will have twofold impact on EU PV sector: 1. Will create conditions for accelerated large scale deployment of PV in Europe for both utility (non-urban) and residential (urban) scenarios and 2. Will help EU PV businesses to regain leadership on world market.

The offshore wind industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, and continues to expand both in the UK and worldwide. Most of the offshore wind turbines installed to date are located in relatively shallow water and are mounted on fixed bottom support structures. Given the limitation of suitable shallow water sites available with high wind resources and also to reduce the environmental and visual impact of turbines, it is necessary to extend wind turbines to deeper water through the development of floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) systems, which mount wind turbines on floating support platforms. The project aims to fill an important gap in the design, manufacturing and testing of emerging FOWT techniques by specifically characterising extreme loading on FOWTs under complex and harsh marine environments. These are typically represented by storm conditions consisting of strong wind, extreme waves, significant current, rising sea level and complex interplay between these elements, through a coordinated campaign of both advanced CFD modelling and physical wave tank tests. This has direct relevance to the current and planned activities in the UK to develop this new technology in offshore wind. In addition, the project aims to develop a suite of hierarchical numerical models that can be applied routinely for both fast and detailed analysis of the specific flow problem of environmental (wind, wave, current) loading and dynamic responses of FOWTs under realistic storm conditions. As an integral part of the project, a new experimental programme will be devised and conducted in the COAST laboratory at the University of Plymouth, providing improved understanding of the underlying physics and for validating the numerical models. Towards the end of the project, fully documented CFD software and experimental data sets will be released to relevant industrial users and into the Public Domain, so that they may be used to aid the design of future support structures of FOWTs and to secure their survivability with an extended envelope of safe operation for maximum power output.

The renowned European hydropower industry and its know-how can foster the transition into a more sustainable energy system in parts of the world that still need support to develop the sector. While the European hydropower market does not allow huge developments, some countries present a big potential. HYPOSO will provide strategic support and tools for the European hydropower industry to boost their export of products and services to markets in Africa and Latin America, especially those with a high market potential hydro sector, i.e. Bolivia, Cameroon, Columbia, Ecuador and Uganda. The project will develop solutions which can be easily implemented for overcoming barriers to the broad deployment of hydropower solutions in these export markets. The consortium will bring representatives of the European hydropower industry together with their counterparts and politicians from Africa and Latin America. It will provide political, legal, technical and strategic advice while considering the regional specificities, socio-economic, spatial and environmental aspects all along the life-cycle of hydropower projects. Experts of the consortium will identify pilot hydropower projects and provide capacity building for local stakeholders and politicians. Communications activities such as brochures, events, and workshops highlighting European state-of-the-art technology will complement these measures. Moreover, a website will be created. It will serve as an information hub for the European hydropower industry and useful source of information for hydropower stakeholders worldwide. The outcome of the HYPOSO project will contribute to the promotion of the European hydropower industry, paving the way for better investment conditions in the targeted countries and increasing the share of renewable energy in these regions. It will support the development of policies, market supports and financial frameworks at the local, national and regional level for hydropower facilities.