Exploring the Current Challenges and Future Potential for the development of Geothermal Energy in the GCC Region with focus on Saudi Arabia
The emphasis on the potential of geothermal energy in the GCC region, including Saudi Arabia, is important for fulfilling high energy demand and reducing carbon emissions. Deploying geothermal systems encounters challenges such as unclear policies, regulatory frameworks, groundwater concerns, reliance on hydrocarbons, and upfront costs. By implementing measures from successful projects in leading countries, GCC nations can prioritize geothermal development and integrate its technology into their energy mix. This way, GCC countries and Saudi Arabia can leverage the substantial potential of geothermal energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to global climate change mitigation
Supervisors:
- Dr Richard Hanna, Centre for Environmental Policy
- Dr Lorenzo Di Lucia, Centre for Environmental Policy
Impact of immersion cooling on lithium-ion batteries' capacity under a low temperature-fast charging condition
Electrification of road transport is one of the key aspects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Lithium-ion batteries, as one of the most promising energy storage devices, are highly temperature sensitive. Immersion cooling is one of the novel Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) for automotive batteries. It has spectacular cooling performance under high temperatures compared to existing cooling methods. The project aims to analyse whether immersion cooling is beneficial to lithium-ion batteries under low temperatures from the perspectives of two main capacity degradation mechanisms of the batteries, namely Lithium Plating and Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) growth.
Supervisors:
- Dr Billy Wu, Dyson School of Design Engineering
- Dr Mayur P Bonkile, Dyson School of Design Engineering
100+ years lead-acid batteries: What's in it for the future?
Lead-acid batteries are one of the most mature technologies in energy storage systems. This project aims to examine the historical price analysis of lead-acid batteries over the past century. By considering the underlying technological advancements, product design, and supply chain factors, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the potential cost reduction trajectory that emerging technologies would follow. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the historical development of lead-acid batteries would shed light on learning rates as well as their future prospects.
Supervisors:
- Dr Iain Staffell, Centre for Environmental Policy
- Dr Oliver Schmidt, Centre for Environmental Policy
The environmental and economic impact of recycling EV batteries from 2030 to 2050
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the key driver for decarbonising road transport, responsible for 15% of global energy-related emissions. First in passenger cars and then in commercial vehicles in the 2030s, batteries will dictate an EV's lifetime environmental impact through their embodied energy, use phase and eventual disposal or recycling. This project combines two streams of research, on the volume of future recyclable battery materials, and the potential environmental and cost benefits of recycling batteries. By analysing different battery-type market share scenarios, the report estimates the order-of-magnitude quantities of CO2e, $ and water, which could be saved by recycling.
Supervisors:
- Professor Anna Korre, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Earth Science & Engineering
International experience in deploying aquifer thermal energy storage for heating and cooling
ATES is a geothermal energy storage method that efficiently provides large-scale heating and cooling using renewable sources. Despite extensive research over 50 years, ATES remains relatively unknown worldwide, with limited understanding of its adoption and distribution. Originating in China, it found success in Europe, especially in the Netherlands (85% of over 3000 systems) and Sweden. However, global adoption is hindered by market barriers related to social, economic, and legal factors. To better grasp its evolution, a comparative analysis is underway between leading ATES countries and those that faced barriers and lost interest.
Supervisors:
- Dr Richard Hanna, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Centre for Environmental Policy
Dynamic techno-economic modelling for Na-Zn Liquid Metal Batteries
As we transition away from fossil fuels, our energy systems will increasingly come to rely on intermittent sources of energy. To optimize renewable energy utilization without straining electricity grids during peak hours of generation, a significant expansion of long duration energy storage (LDES) capacity is imperative. Consequently, there is a growing global demand for efficient and cost-effective energy storage systems (ESS). This thesis focuses on assessing the technological and economic viability of emerging Liquid Metal Battery (LMB) technology for LDES utilization using a bottom-up techno-economic modeling approach within the framework of the EU Horizons project (SOLSTICE).
Supervisors:
- Dr. Iain Staffell, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Centre for Environmental Policy
- Dr. Oliver Schmidt, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Centre for Environmental Policy
Transient Thermal Behavior of Composites for Medical Applications
Phase change materials (PCMs) are highly effective in storing thermal energy to support decarbonization efforts and are widely used in various applications due to their excellent properties. Notably, PCMs are utilized as a switch in drug delivery systems to regulate drug release. This research project focuses on PCM-based drug delivery systems to understand the heat transfer mechanisms in the composites under external triggers. The objectives are to improve the drug loading rate and reduce the time required for drug release. By harnessing PCMs, the project aims to optimize drug delivery methods, leading to potential benefits for sustainable energy practices and advancements in healthcare.
Supervisors:
- Dr Antonis Sergis, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Professor Yannis Hardalupas, Department of Mechanical Engineering