Presentations
The novel energy technologies research projects were presented as a group in one single session. You can download a PDF of the combined presentations after the conference.
Projects
The role of artificial intelligence in improving the reliability of the grid
Student: Mohamed Alghanami
Supervisor(s): Dr Mark Workman (Energy Systems Catapult), Ms Leslie Labruto (Acumen)
Poster: #23 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE
My thesis focuses specifically on the role of AI and machine learning in improving the reliability of the grid with respect to four areas: preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis, security assessment and economic load dispatch. Crucial to the development of my thesis is interviewing data scientists working at utilities to gain insights into what have been the measurable benefits of AI deployment, what roadblocks have impeded further progress or what factors have prevented AI deployment in the first place. In obtaining this information, my thesis will analyse the gap between what AI has achieved and what AI has yet to achieve in the aforementioned areas in order to document this landscape for policymakers. In so doing, my research seeks to promote the use of this technology for a more sustainable future.
uRANS-ALM modelling of vertical axis turbines instead of RANS-ALM modelling of vertical axis turbines
Student: Zulkeefal Dar
Supervisor(s): Mr Georgios Deskos (Department of Earth Science & Engineering), Prof Matthew Piggott (Department of Earth Science & Engineering)
Poster: #24 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE
Better modelling of wind/tidal farms can lead to more efficient designs thus bringing the cost of wind/tidal energy down. When it comes to wind/tidal farm modelling, two key aspects are important: accuracy and computational expense. There are a number of techniques available, but all fall short of meeting both objectives. RANS-ALM is one modelling technique which is believed to deliver high precision with low computational cost. This thesis intends to verify this claim for vertical axis turbines.
Reducing and reutilising waste heat in coffee roasting
Student: Julia Fordham
Supervisor(s): Dr Kaveh Madani (Centre for Environmental Policy), Dr Mark Workman (Energy Research Partnership), Ben Caldecott (University of Oxford)
Poster: #25 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE
Investors are increasingly concerned with the risk their assets face in low-carbon futures. Debate is ongoing as to whether divestment or active ownership strategies are more appropriate to deliver long-term value and environmental sustainability. Engagement between shareholders and corporate boards has been suggested as a pathway to mitigate stranded asset risks. This project tests the effectiveness of owner engagement strategies by constructing a game theory model of the cooperation between shareholders and their companies. This project concludes with potential mechanisms to align diverse shareholder and company interests in the creation of long-term, sustainable value.
Electrochemical pipelines: A techno-economic investigation of mobile energy storage transmission
Student: Alexander Macklis
Supervisor(s): Dr Iain Staffell (Centre for Environmental Policy), Mr Oliver Schmidt (Centre for Environmental Policy)
Poster: #26 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE
Main objectives for this project include:
1. Determining the potential revenues associated with spatial electricity arbitrage.
2. Projecting the costs associated with an electricity arbitrage scheme.
3. Evaluating the value and feasibility of various scenarios (storage technology, mode of transportation, arbitrage value, etc.).
4. Assessing potential effects of spatial electricity arbitrage on the energy sector.
5. Identifying promising areas for further topic research.
These objectives will be achieved through a combination of research, techno-economic modelling and comparative analysis. Research will consist of a literature review focused on the topics of conventional energy markets, commodity economics and arbitrage, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) markets, the freight and transportation industries and energy storage technologies.
Energy harvesting from vibrations
Student: Giorgio Parolini
Supervisor(s): Dr Christoph Schwingshackl (Department of Mechanical Engineering)
Poster: #27 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE
This project is an investigation of energy harvesting techniques from vibrations in structures. After an analysis of the available sources of vibrations (e.g. bridges, buildings, machines, cars), the methods to harvest energy have been assessed. An electrical circuit exploiting piezoelectric materials has been designed and experimentally verified in the lab.