Energy & Sustainability. Research, Expertise and Facilities Guide

Transcription

1 Energy & Sustainability Research, and Facilities Guide

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3 Energy & Sustainability 68 The eventual exhaustion of fossil fuel reserves and the consequences of climate change have promoted major changes to the development of energy production and consumption technologies. Within the next two generations, alternative sources of energy must be found, and developed to the level of technological applications. This change could be equivalent to a third industrial revolution. There are direct technological challenges that must be addressed by energy research, but economic, social and environmental issues will also be crucial. this global problem drawing on our expertise in the physical, environmental and social sciences, and in electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering. We work with small businesses, large corporations, NGOs and local and national government to assess the impact of climate change and to support the technologies and behaviours. Key capabilities 1 Renewable energy 1.1 Fuel cells 1.2 Photosynthesis and biofuels 1.3 Photovoltaics and transparent conductors 1.4 Photocatalysis 1.5 Tidal energy and wind power 2 The nuclear option 3 Power equipment, smart grids and plant control 4 Carbon capture and storage 4.1 Energy and gas storage 4.2 Batteries and supercapacitors 5 Political dimensions of energy security 6 Mitigation of oil and energy depletion 6.1 Mitigation of oil and energy depletion 6.2 Turbulent drag reduction 7 Living in the sustainable built environment

4 69 Energy & Sustainability APPLICATION AREAS Energy Biotechnology Also see: Materials, Advanced Design & Manufacturing 4.4 High-throughput materials discovery, page Renewable Energy 1.1 Fuel cells Fuel cells, renewable energy, intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT SOFC), cathodes, mixed-ionic electronic conductors, ionic conductor electrolytes Drawing on the breadth and depth of expertise across campus, the University s scientists and engineers are working together to identify new candidate materials for fuel cell systems. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) require electrodes that conduct both oxide ions and electrons (mixed conductors) and catalyse the reactions at the anode and cathode of the cell. These fuel cells also need electrolytes which conduct only oxide ions (or protons in related fuel cell systems). Our role is to identify new candidate materials with these properties and understand the chemical and structural factors which contribute to their performance. are now evaluating them in fuel cell assemblies and have recently reported the discovery of new highly conducting oxide ion conductors based on interstitial excess oxide ions. This work involves new materials synthesis, characterisation of structures to identify key propertycontrolling features and evaluation of the electron and ion transport properties. Our research looks at the properties of materials and aims to understand their chemical and structural characteristics. Promising new mixed conducting oxides and highly conducting oxide ion conductors are now being tested in experimental fuel cell assemblies. As SOFC technology matures and new applications are to develop the next generation of SOFC materials. These new materials will deliver improved performance, have increased durability and lifetime, and reduce the cost of commercialisation. The University delivers high-throughput materials in mixed-ionic conductors for cathodes and pure ionic conductors for electrolytes. Specialist knowledge and synthesis of mixed conducting oxides and highly conducting oxide ion conductors High-throughput materials discovery Screen printing and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) for cell processing Test rig for oxygen gas membrane measurements Fuel cell characterisation (impedance with measurements of permeation membranes). Relevant centres and groups Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy Centre for Materials Discovery Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry.

5 Energy & Sustainability 70 Also see: Food Security & Safety 1.2 Crop production, page 131 Materials, Advanced Design & Manufacturing 4.4 High-throughput materials discovery, page Photosynthesis and biofuels Biomass, platform chemicals, biofuels, photosynthesis, Certain crops, such as maize and sugarcane, use enhanced or super-charged forms of photosynthesis to achieve high yields. Other plants, including pineapple, vanilla and agave (used to produce alcoholic drinks and which allows them to grow productively using much less water. These plants have great potential as biomass crops suited to seasonally dry lands where the world s major food crops such as wheat and rice will not grow productively. The University s research focuses on genomics, biochemistry and the physiology of these high-yield and improve the crops and engineer these photosynthetic characteristics into other crop species. Parallel studies are investigating how to convert sugars from agave into novel materials such as bioplastics, organic chemicals and alternative biofuels. Our expertise in engineered photosynthesis can be applied to develop new, biotechnology-based solutions for more sustainable agriculture. Crops can also be exploited as living factories for biomass, biofuels and specialist chemicals or bulk chemical feedstocks. Genome sequencing and analysis to discover molecular markers for crop breeding and engineering State-of-the-art facilities for plant growth and manipulation Phenotypic analysis of new crops, germplasm and varieties Facilities for high-throughput materials discovery and characterisation Extraction of biomass constituents and optimisation of biomass conversion to platform chemicals. Relevant centres and groups Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy Centre for Genomic Research Centre for Materials Discovery. Higher-yield and more robust crops can feed the growing population and provide renewable energy in the face of climate change. Our work underpins the sustainable agricultural production of both biomass for bioenergy and platform chemical applications as well as food to feed the growing population in the face of climate change. For further information on all our specialist centres, facilities and laboratories go to page 179

6 71 Energy & Sustainability 1.3 Photovoltaics and transparent conductors Also see: Energy & Sustainability 7. Living in the sustainable built environment, page 80 materials characterisation, transparent conducting Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO), RF sputtering, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) As the sun is our ultimate energy source, it makes sense to make more of this emissions-free power supply. Our cells and materials, and their advanced characterisation. We have developed processes for the production of II-VI growth processes and of the mechanisms that typically We also work on transparent conducting oxides (TCOs), conducting experiments on novel doping techniques for semiconducting materials and investigations in how to combine optimally traditional and novel PV materials. for II-VI semiconductors, copper chalcogenides and TCOs) Photovoltaic device measurements (eg J-V and EQE analysis) Frequency response analysis system (including thermal admittance spectroscopy and impedance analysis) Shimadzu Solid Spec UV3700 spectrophotometer system Clean room facilities for electronics and semiconductor fabrication Plasma technologies (Opal Plasma ALD reactor) for atomic layer deposition Advanced transmission electron microscopy facilities Buildings account for close to half of the national energy consumption. Energy-saving glass is a key material in reducing heat loss from buildings. The increasing demands to reduce CO 2 emissions, research for the next generation of energy-saving glass used in double glazing units. Our research has been developing materials and manufacturing processes to meet these needs. We have particular expertise in the development of transparent conducting oxides (TCO) which are increasingly used for energy applications such as energy-saving glass and solar cell technology. TCOs are frequently used to make the electrical contacts in photovoltaic cells. They transmit the solar radiation from the surface of the cell to the underlying materials that create the electrical current. Using TCOs rather than metal contacts The TCO coatings required to make energy-saving metal or ceramic. They are so thin that visible light can pass through, but precious heat energy cannot We have been investigating methods of depositing and have expertise in the manufacture of thin deposition to make transparent and conductive thin glazing and as a substrate for PV solar cells. Relevant centres and groups Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy.

7 Energy & Sustainability Photocatalysis Photocatalysis, water-splitting, hydrogen production Many chemical reactions from natural photosynthesis to laser-activated cancer drug are powered by absorbing energy from light. These reactions can be made possible or faster using photocatalysts. A research team within the University specialises in synthesis, characterisation and testing of new photocatalysts, especially metal oxide, oxynitride and nitride powders. This can speed up the photodegradation of organic pollutants and the splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen by sunlight. The group is interested in complex oxide materials that improve the performance of photocatalysts materials, and the development of so-called Z scheme multicatalyst systems which mimics the transport of electrons during photosynthesis. The group also have the capability to Deposition and test for destruction of microbes. Extensive powder synthesis facilities, including: Photocatalysis testing Theoretical modelling: Relevant centres and groups Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy Centre for Materials Discovery Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry. Also see: Materials, Advanced Design & Manufacturing 2.6 Catalysis, page High-throughput materials discovery, page 104 For further information on all our specialist centres, facilities and laboratories go to page 179 It is crucial that we develop technologies to generate hydrogen from renewable resources such as water. Fundamental research is required to fully understand the materials chemistry properties of novel photocatalysts so we can design improved catalyst systems and make these technologies commercially viable.

8 73 Energy & Sustainability Tidal energy and wind power Systems control, renewable energy, power system operation, power electronics, smart grids, sense and control, forecasting, structural dynamics, aeroelasticity, aerodynamics Despite the rapid increase in wind turbine generation, turbines are optimally sited for maximum output. The University has expertise in three important areas: short-term prediction of wind and wind turbine performance; quality assessment and condition monitoring of wind power generation; and coordinated control of wind power generation. short-term wind power prediction method, based on a The prediction technique can be used to estimate the expected production of one or more wind turbines in the near future. We are also developing a multi-agent based Wind farm Information Management, Condition Monitoring and Control System (WIMCMCS). It has a generic and open architecture allowing operators to monitor and control the condition and performance of their assets. The system uses an advanced maximum power point tracking technique, intelligent parameter optimisation and improved control algorithms. As wind farms continue to be constructed across the country and off-shore, it is vital that their output and performance is controlled in a co-ordinated manner. Our research into nonlinear adaptive control, time delay systems, and co-ordinated control of largescale systems is now being applied to develop novel co-ordinated control strategies for wind power integration. The system, based on e-automation technology volume of operational data taken from a wide-area large-scale power system using multi-agent technologies. The platform then carries out analyses (eg oscillation mode detection, abnormal operation mode prediction) to identify problems or more measures to optimise power output. Liverpool has strong links with the Spanish Centre for Renewable Energy (CENER) based on the University s Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools developed for the analysis of wind turbines. As a result, Liverpool is the only UK university to be involved in the Annex XX agreement of the International Energy Association. This research looks at the predictive capability available for the performance of wind turbines and involves partners from around the globe. In addition it provides valuable experimental data from wind tunnels that Liverpool exploits to improve current state-of-the-art wind turbine aerodynamics and aeroelasticity. Applications include: Wind generation system control: to develop controllers for both large-scale and small-scale wind generation systems, using advanced maximum power point tracking technique, intelligent parameter optimisation technique and improved control algorithms. Wind power short-term prediction: our prediction technique will soon be ready to be used to estimate the expected production of one or more wind turbines (referred to as a wind farm). Wide-area control in power systems: an operational data integration and analysis platform based on the e-automation technology developed at Liverpool. The main function is to collect and manage effectively the large volume of operational data for a wide-area large-scale power system using multi-agent technologies. The control system can then carry out analyses such as oscillation mode detection or abnormal operation mode predictions. partnership with National Instruments Corporation and supported by National Grid plc. It contains: - Real-time wind turbine simulator and real-time control systems, as well as a range of hardware, microprocessors, embedded systems and data - Two small-scale wind turbines and control systems, as well as a wind turbine simulator and controller Cutting edge industrial vibrational and structure testing facilities Dynamics laboratory, equipped with: - Three full LMS systems and one pimento system - Sense and control systems (accelerometers, displacement transducers, actuators, etc) for structural control. Relevant centres and groups National Instruments e-automation Laboratory.

9 Energy & Sustainability 74 APPLICATION AREAS Energy 2. The nuclear option Fission, nuclear reactor, 232Th cycle, accelerators, nuclear waste, nuclear waste monitoring, waste characterisation If nuclear power is to be part of the low-carbon future, then it is important to improve the technology and make physicists and engineers at the University believe it should be possible to design nuclear power plants which will on the 232Th cycle and reactors which are controlled by beams of particles from an accelerator. It should also be possible to develop accelerators that produce beams of particles which can be used to induce transmutation. In other words, radioactive waste could be transmuted into different isotopes (with shorter half lives) using beams of protons or neutrons. The University has the requisite expertise for radioactive waste to be fully characterised enabling tailored solutions to be devised (for example, identifying and quantifying the isotopes present, making the waste safe or moving it to appropriate storage). We also have sensor technology which could be harnessed to monitor the waste and are already working in collaboration with the nuclear industry. We have extensive knowledge of nuclear physics and a great deal of modelling expertise. This could be harnessed to provide independent safety cases of designs proposed for Britain s new nuclear power stations. innovative new ideas. The University provides important consultancy and expertise in modelling and the development of sensor solutions to characterise the waste. We also develop the engineering methods required to implement and install these decommissioning solutions. Modelling and scenario analysis using industry standard codes Customised sensors and instruments for detecting and monitoring radioactivity Nuclear research and decommissioning expertise Advice and consultancy on new facilities, safety and design. For further information on all our specialist centres, facilities and laboratories go to page 179

10 75 Energy & Sustainability APPLICATION AREAS Energy 3. Power equipment, smart grids and plant control For further information on all our specialist centres, facilities and laboratories go to page 179 Micro grids, smart grids, protection and control, grid management, grid monitoring The way people use electricity has changed very little in the past 50 years: all you have to do is plug in your device has been transformed, especially since the advent of generators. Complex computer programmes and monitoring systems are constantly at work to match electricity supply against demand and manage local and national grids to optimise generation and prevent waste. We are working on technologies and methods to improve how electricity is transmitted and distributed through the grid. This includes power electronic systems, communications, and environmentally-friendly equipment to protect, monitor, diagnose and control the condition and performance of distribution networks. We have high current and high voltage facilities for testing and researching full size switchgear at both transmission and distribution levels, in particular the removal of SF6 from transmission switchgear. We also have three wind turbines and a suite of solar panels located on the roof of the Electrical Engineering and Electronics department; these can be integrated to demonstrate the control and communications which are needed for the effective use of micro and smart grids. Our wind and solar platforms incorporate sensors and sensing systems to provide information and diagnostics for smart grid systems as well as the transmission and distribution network. Our expertise covers both the hardware and software necessary for effective distribution and use of electrical energy; we have a unique capability to integrate a range of quite different technologies to create micro- and smart grids. High current and high voltage test facilities for testing full size switchgear at both transmission and distribution levels Development and testing of SF6-free switchgear Development and testing of demonstration systems for assessment and diagnostics Smart grid communication systems Suite of solar panels and test wind turbines Sensing systems for experimental data and diagnostics on transmission and distribution networks. Our monitoring technologies are used by distribution and transmission companies; they provide important information about the network and the equipment in the network that was previously unknown.

11 Energy & Sustainability Carbon capture and storage APPLICATION AREAS 4.1 Energy and gas storage Clathrate, dry water, methane, gas storage, gas transport Methane gas clathrate (or methane gas hydrate, MGH) is a naturally-occurring solid material which forms when methane and water come into contact at low temperature and moderate pressure. Naturally occurring MGH is a potentially valuable and highly transportable source of natural gas; its high energy density is ideal for methane storage and transport. However, a major drawback is the time it takes for MGH to form: this may be in the order of days for methane contacting bulk water. We have shown that so-called dry water (a blend of water and silica nanoparticles) can greatly increase the formation of MGH because dry water has a much higher surface area to interact with the methane gas. We have extended our expertise in MGH production and developed a reversible dry gel that can store and release The gel could be used for bulk storage and transport of natural gas and could be used to make the exploitation of stranded gas reserves commercially viable. High pressure facilities for clathration experiments, MGH production and handling (including temperature control on a small scale) Dry water and dry gel production for gas capture and storage. Relevant centres and groups Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy. Energy 4.2 Batteries and supercapacitors Lithium-ion, metal-air, in situ spectroscopy, battery ageing, supercapacitors Renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar generation, cannot respond to the peaks and troughs of better ways to store energy in new generation batteries and supercapacitors. knowledge on the behaviour of lithium-ion batteries, especially the degradation and ageing that means they new high energy storage battery technologies, such as lithium-air. Improvements to existing battery systems and the testing of new components and chemistries for energy storage electric vehicles and stationary power back-up. includes Li-ion battery electrode degradation mechanisms Lithium diffusion pathways through carbon and the chemical and electrochemical processes in Li-air cells New electrochemical energy storage chemistries for consumer electronics, electric vehicles and stationary power back-up Experience of studying the oxygen reduction reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction in non-aqueous solvents in the context of metal-oxygen batteries Use of Raman and infrared spectroscopy in the investigation of side reaction product formation. Application of in situ Raman techniques to investigate Li-ion batteries and electrochemical double layer supercapacitors Demonstration that discrete crystal structural changes can be followed even when only small concentrations of ions are inserted into nano-materials Cell assembly and working in dry-box environments Electrochemical testing and spectroscopic characterisation of novel battery components: anode, cathode, electrolyte, separator etc. Relevant centres and groups Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy.

12 77 Energy & Sustainability APPLICATION AREAS Energy 5. Political dimensions of energy security We promote a mutual learning process between developed and developing countries. We used community engagement strategies in Ghana and applied them in a sustainable water project Information and communication technologies (ICTs), climate change, renewable energy, gender politics Sustainability and energy security are intrinsically linked and feature right at the top of national and international political agendas. Our expertise in the legal and socioeconomic aspects of energy supply and consumption allow us to advise government departments and NGOs on their macro-scale policy perspectives and initiatives. so we also study the impact of sustainable technologies and policies on communities. governance obstacles that hinder the implementation of effective renewable energy policies; we are able to recommend conceptual frameworks and practical solutions on how to change energy consumption patterns and behaviour. Our collaborations with engineers help to build greener, cheaper innovations for poorer and marginalised communities. We add socioeconomic context to the green movement, for example exploring the uneven We also work to promote technological interventions that favour poorer communities or those which are gender-sensitive. Understanding the political context of energy and sustainability initiatives is vital to their support and take up. We can help to address the trade-offs between meeting the current energy needs of poorer communities and nations, and protecting long-term global ecological sustainability. We have advised governments and communities in: -India -Bangladesh -Ghana - South China -Ecuador Researchers from the University of Liverpool build tri-generation systems that turn unused heat

13 Energy & Sustainability Mitigation of oil and energy depletion 6.1 Mitigation of oil and energy depletion operations management Oil price rises have a discernible effect on transportation and energy costs, as well as many other aspects of business operations. Businesses need to reduce their vulnerability to such resource impacts and the University tools to help them do this. methodologies to audit businesses and organisations (for example assessing their use of resources, carbon footprint, etc) and help them gain competitive advantage and sustainable business processes. Our methodology shows organisations how to prioritise and target change, perhaps focusing on entire product ranges or individual products or services, addressing whole market segments or just individual customers or stage process: business activities/process modelling; resource auditing; model analysis; vulnerability mapping; and comparative scenario testing. tion seriously and prepare for a carbon-constrained, energy-lean future. With help from the community-led charity Transition Town Totnes, local business put the University of Liverpool s vulnerability audit to the test and demonstrated that dwindling supplies and the spiralling price of oil is not simply an issue for large companies and multinational giants; businesses and organisation of all sizes are at risk but are also able to reap the rewards of reducing their energy consumption and oil dependency. Resource vulnerability analysis Sustainability audit procurement and sustainable business processes Corporate agility and dynamics advice. APPLICATION AREAS Energy Also see: Environment & Climate Change 2.1 Building a sustainable future, page 58 For further information on all our specialist centres, facilities and laboratories go to page 179

14 79 Energy & Sustainability For further information on all our specialist centres, facilities and laboratories go to page Turbulent drag reduction Turbulence, drag reduction consumption and CO 2 emissions. Our understanding of drag allows us to come up with methods to suppress it We have particular capabilities and expertise in sophisticated hot wire and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement techniques and processing methods developed direct numerical simulation computer codes ribletted surfaces. A 1% reduction in drag on the world s commercial passenger aircraft would reduce CO 2 emissions by nine million tons per year. Wind tunnels 3D particle image velocimetry (PIV) system Hot wire anemometry instrumentation Direct numerical simulation software.

15 Energy & Sustainability Living in the sustainable built environment APPLICATION AREAS Buildings consume energy too; their materials, their construction and daily running all represent an energy cost. The University works to limit the damage that buildings have on the climate and environment; we have architects, social scientists and engineers all working to sustainable building methods and designs. Our recent studies used state-of-the-art modelling and extensive monitoring and surveying in real buildings to assess parameters such as predicted versus real energy performance, the eco-refurbishment of existing dwellings, saving potential of daylight in atrium buildings and the impact that climatic changes in temperature and wind could have on the potential for natural ventilation and heating/air conditioning in buildings. Fan pressurisation facility for testing the air tightness of buildings, an important parameter for indoor air quality and energy use dynamics (CDF), lighting and acoustic software for predicting the internal environment of proposed building designs Monitoring equipment for assessing the thermal, visual and acoustic conditions in existing buildings Consultancy and commercial experience of sustainable architecture and construction methods High quality laboratory facilities for product and system testing, supported by experienced technical staff. Relevant centres and groups Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy. Energy Also see: Risk, Safety & Security 1.2 Risk management in the built environment, page Robust and reliable structures, page 123 Materials, Advanced Design & Manufacturing 3.3 Acoustic materials, page 100 Globally, buildings are responsible for 40% of the world s energy use, 35% of the world s CO 2 emissions and 30% of the world s consumption of raw materials. Collaborating with the Plus Dane Group on an eco University carried out a series of modelling exercises to test the dwelling s improved energy performance under current and future climate scenarios. The University works with Tile of Spain (the Spanish Ceramic Tile Association (ASCER)) to produce prototypes of ceramic components that improve the distribution of daylight in buildings.

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