Technology Opportunities from University Technology http://www.university-technology.com/sectors/Energy Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:23:08 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/urea-or-urine-powered-fuel-cell-technology-for-low-cost-energy-systems Heriot-Watt has received EPSRC Follow on Fund award to develop a Urea Fuel Cell. Led by Dr Shanwen Tao the project focus is on developing low temperature membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and catalyst that will use Urea solutions such as Greenox (tm), Adblue (tm) or Urine as a low cost easily transported readily available fuel source. Lab experiments showing "Proof of Principle" with Urea solutions have been completed. University Technology Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:43:47 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/magnetic-gearbox The automotive sector has an annual turnover of approximately £200 billion, with the market for Electric Vehicles, although embryonic, expanding fast. This expansion has been caused by spiralling basic fuel costs, fuel shortages and the requirement to meet the Kyoto Protocol CO2 emission targets. Currently fixed transmission gears (i.e. one ratio gearbox) are utilised in Electric Vehicles, however vehicle performance and range can both be extended by utilising a variable ratio gear box. University Technology Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:59:28 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/multi-phase-permanent-magnet-generator Renewable energy and micro-power generation are multi-billion dollar, high-growth markets driven by the global need to meet the Kyoto protocol CO2 emission targets, spiralling basic fuel costs, changes to UK planning regulations and uptake of renewable energy technologies through installation grants for homeowners, SME’s and community schemes. Traditionally, electrical energy has been generated by three-phase generators. Three phase generators are no longer always the best option and multi-phase generators can offer improved performance in a number of applications. The development of both power electronics and microprocessor control makes this possible and allows designers to harness the advantages of multi-phase concepts. University Technology Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:14:32 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/improved-storage-for-solar-cells--batteries The market for photovoltaics (ie the application of solar cells for energy by conversion of sunlight to energy) is increasing as a result of the short supply of fossil fuels and the consequences to the environment through their use. A new type of polymer has been developed at Strathclyde which greatly improves the efficiency of solar power. The problems with Solar Power are heavy weight panels, inefficiency and high costs due to the polymer currently used which also has a negative impact on aesthetics. The new polymer developed at the University of Strathclyde will help eradicate these problems. University Technology Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:43:46 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/quartz-crystal-microbalance-sensor-for-dew-point-measurement The Institute of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University has developed a patented method of measuring the Dew Point and Bubble Point phase transitions in fluids using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). This technology can provide a superior measurement of the Dew Point of rich gas condensate systems and, in particular, wet gases and lean wet gases. University Technology Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:36:59 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/gas-storage-at-low-pressures--ambient-temperature-conditions-using-hydrates The Centre for Gas Hydrate Research in the Institute of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University has developed a patented method to store gases such as hydrogen and methane in compressed form within crystalline solid hydrates at low pressures and ambient temperature conditions. University Technology Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:10:21 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/rock-permeability-measurement-technique-for-oil--gas-reservoirs-using-magnetic-susceptibility The Institute of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University has developed a patented method for the rapid, non-destructive, accurate prediction of key petrophysical parameters such as permeability using core from oil and gas wells for the efficient recovery of oil and gas from reservoirs. University Technology Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:51:35 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/combined-optical-pressure-and-temperature-sensor Downhole electronic pressure and temperature gauges used in conventional wells often fail in temperatures around 150 C, far below the new 300-400 C requirements. The Combined Optical Pressure and Temperature Sensor, developed at the University of Strathclyde, is a low-cost sensor system capable of operating in high-temperature, high-pressure downhole environments and offering a superior accuracy and measurement range relative to the existing electronic and optical gauges. University Technology Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:58:43 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/self-organising-protection(sop)-system-to-ensure-safe-reliable-operation-of-portable-power-solutions Portable power systems must have adequate protection installed to ensure public safety and minimise asset damage due to faults. In comparison to existing protection methods, the University of Strathclyde have developed the Self-Organising Protection System to ensure safe and reliable operation of portable power systems. University Technology Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:32:06 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/contra-rotating-tidal-turbine As governments increase commitment to renewables, interest in tidal stream power is growing. The Energy Systems Research Team at the University of Strathclyde is developing a contra-rotating marine current turbine with integral power take off. Using patented new rotor technology this design enables more energy to be delivered from the flowing stream while reducing mechanical complexity. Compared to existing turbines of similar dimensions contra-rotating rotors are more efficient, yield a higher power output, and reduce the environmental impact associated with the downstream disturbance of the seabed. This technology could significantly lower the cost of tidal power generation. University Technology Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:36:22 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/tidal-support-structure This device created by reserachers at The Robert Gordon University offers a viable alternative to socketed or gravity based installations by proposing that the downwards lift force that can be developed from the flow over a hydrofoil can be used to resist the slip and overturning moments applied to a structure. University Technology Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:02:31 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/active-reservoir-management-for-improved-hydrocarbon-recovery Getting oil out of the ground is a difficult and expensive process - but traditional oil reservoir engineering techniques may now be revolutionised by a predictive statistical model developed at the University of Edinburgh. Described as a 'smart technology' the model analyses past production and injection data from existing oilfields to try and improve future oil recovery. The initial University concept has been developed into a software package along with three service providers, funded by a consortium of energy companies. University Technology Tue, 09 Jan 2007 10:41:04 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/combined-tidal-streamreversible-hydrogen-system-for-balanced-renewable-generation COMBINED TIDAL STREAM/REVERSIBLE HYDROGEN SYSTEM FOR BALANCED RENEWABLE GENERATION By coupling the generators with a reversible fuel cell to store the spare energy as hydrogen gas, to be used later when needed, the reversible fuel cell should have good efficiency and reliability, as there are no pumps etc to use power or break down. It is also a simple, compact unit with the ability for easily extended capacity or power independently. University Technology Tue, 12 Apr 2005 13:27:52 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/centre-for-research-on-indoor-climate-and-health-(rich-centre) People typically spend 90% of their lives indoors and there are well documented links between a poor indoor environment and the comfort, health and productivity of the occupants. The most effective form of health care is illness prevention. Interventions to improve the internal environment of buildings can reduce ill health, social problems and the burden on the NHS. Conditions within buildings however, depend on complex interactions between the external climate, the building fabric, installed systems, actions of occupants, and the wider socio economic environment. Effective solutions are therefore only possible by combining expertise from a wide range of disciplines. University Technology Tue, 20 Apr 2004 16:34:51 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/the-glasgow-sustainability-centre Glasgow offers major opportunities in regeneration and sustainable development, with considerable investment and construction activity programmed during the coming 10 years, through for example – the M74 extension; the Glasgow Harbour project; The Clyde Re-Built Initiative; and the Glasgow Housing Association programme - Europe’s largest housing renovation and development scheme. The Glasgow Sustainability Centre was developed against this backdrop and in response to a pressing need for decision making processes and support tools, which integrate environmental, social, community, economic, scientific, and technological considerations. University Technology Tue, 20 Apr 2004 16:19:21 +0100