Clean and Efficient Use of Energy

Clean and efficient conversion, distribution and use of energy is key to a sustainable future. The Energy Group has skills in a number of aspects of this area.

Heat pipes

A broad experience has been gained in the design, manufacture and testing of high temperature (up to 720°C) sodium heat pipes for the transfer and utilisation of high-grade heat. Much work has also been done on near ambient temperature heat pipes, using water and other liquids, for efficient cooling in a variety of applications. Co-operation with commercial companies is being sought for other potential applications, such as solar cooling of buildings, electricity generation via thermoelectrics and small-scale refrigeration using pv and thermoelectrics.

Membrane distillation

Fundamental work on membrane distillation has highlighted a method for utilising this system in heat pumps and refrigerators with the aim of making a substantial reduction in energy requirements. Future work will aim at designing and testing a heat pump and an absorption refrigeration system using flat-plate membrane modules. Particular attention will be paid to the design of the module system. A further application of interest is the use of the membrane in desalination systems using solar heating.

Low NO_x burner

Previous work on a Coanda burner using propane as fuel showed that an ejector system could successfully reduce NOx emissions during combustion. Further work on this system will include scale up, use of alternative fuels and a study of species formation in the burner.

Energy efficiency

Energy can be saved by using energy efficient appliances and the group is involved in a study of domestic appliances.

David Fulford has gained expertise in the design, manufacture and testing of a range of types of heat pipe, both high temperature systems using sodium and ambient temperature systems using water and other fluids.

Maria Vahdati comes from a Chemical Engineering background and has worked on both membrane distillation and clean combustion systems.

Rayner Mayer has a strong interest in the energy efficiency of household appliances and is building up a detailed database of devices made by European manufacturers.