Energy Technology Transfer & Licensing Opportunities
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.
Energy Efficient Liquid Crystal Displays >>Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) dominate the market for flat panel electronic displays due to their size, low-drive voltage and low-power consumption. They have been used in calculators, watches and simple digital displays since the 1970s, but more recently their use has extended to mobile phones, laptop computers, flat panel televisions, smart cards, e-books and electronic signage and shelf labelling. Due to this increase in usage, LCD design increasingly needs to address its carbon footprint.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spherical Generator >>A spherical generator/motor design which has advantages over standard cylindrical forms, potentially providing increased efficiency in a wide range of applications.
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.
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.
Deoxygenation >>Researchers at The Robert Gordon University have created a ceramic catalytic reactor for deoxygenating a fluid.
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.
Plasma Treated Active Carbon Adsorbents >>Researchers at The Robert Gordon University have developed a completely new type of porous carbon for high performance filtration. The materials provide a pivotal role in the successful development of key technologies to meet current societal needs in the critical areas of energy, purification and safety/personal protection where the development of new, low cost, safety clothing and breathing apparatus for civilian and military protection against the threat of terrorist attacks is an ever increasing need.
Oxidative Stress Probe >>Fluorescent antioxidant used for the real-time measurement of the amount and rate of oxidative activity.
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.
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.
Combined Tidal Stream/Reversible 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.
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.
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.
Caledonian Shanks Centre for Waste Management >>The Caledonian Shanks Centre for Waste Management is the leading academic research establishment for Waste Management in the UK; and is situated within the School of the Built and Natural Environment (BNE) at Glasgow Caledonian University.
The Centre has grown significantly since opening in 1998, more than doubling its workforce to reach the current staff of fourteen. The Centre strives to meet the needs of its customers by offering a range of services to various industry bodies, forging close links with the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM), local authorities and private sector companies.
A New Perovskite Based Anode For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells >>A NEW PEROVSKITE BASED ANODE FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS
The new perovskite anode is a single phase material which is stable over the operating temperatures of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (600 – 1000 degrees Centigrade) both in fuel and air atmospheres. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) containing this anode can be used to oxidise any fuel appropriate for fuel cell use either directly or after at least partial reformation. Such fuels include hydrogen; hydrocarbon fuel compounds e.g. methane; hydrocarbon based fuel compounds e.g. ethanol; non-hydrocarbon hydride fuel compounds e.g. ammonia; and mixtures of such compounds as gasoline or biofuel.
Efficient Hydrogen generation for renewable energy storage and transmission >>Efficient Hydrogen generation for renewable energy storage and transmission
Within an ongoing Research and Development project new materials and designs have been developed to electrolyse steam at 500 – 600 ºC. The elevated temperature makes the conversion process more efficient by simplifying the production need, reducing the complexity of the plant and lowering the cost of the produced hydrogen. The new designs are based on protonic conducting membranes (substantially non-permeable to oxide ions and to molecular gas, and stable at high temperatures) able to produce pure, ready to use H2.
Increasing the amount of timber in construction through education, training, and research. >>Centre for Timber Engineering (CTE) is a focus for providing education, research and consultancy regarding use of timber in construction. Timber is a versatile and sustainable material whose use is increasing. The CTE is unique in the UK and is active in raising the knowledge and skills level in the timber industry. CTE provides high level training to building professionals in the use of timber and the implementation of standards. It improves the knowledge of timber engineering through degree and post-graduate courses. Strategic and applied research are other key features (e.g. product development/testing, knowledge transfer); commonly projects involve external partners.
Tidal energy technology >>Plans to make the UK a world leader in harnessing wave and tidal energy are set to receive a significant boost with this project led by Prof. Ian Bryden.
Tidal currents offer a substantial predictable source of renewable energy, however at present the potential use of tidal energy is limited by installations methods for turbines, which require firm attachment to the seabed. This is very expensive and, at present, requires turbines to be placed in water depths greater than 25 metres and less than 50 metres.
Novel Gas/Vapour Sensor Technology ('Electronic Nose') >>Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a gas sensor device and are currently seeking partners for collaboration.
Industrial Psychology Research Centre >>The Industrial Psychology Research Centre at the University of Aberdeen specialises in the application of psychology to the management of health, safety and emergency response in the workspace, particularly for high reliability organisations. Established in 1987 the Centre has research and consultancy experience within the oil and gas industry, nuclear and conventional power generation, civil aviation, the emergency services and hospital medicine.
The Scottish Offshore Materials Centre (SOMC) >>SOMC is a new facility funded by a Research Development Grant and is located within the University of Aberdeen's Engineering and Chemistry Departments. At the heart of SOMC is a state of-the-art High Pressure-High Temperature (HP-HT) test facility that is dedicated to the needs of manufacturers and users in the oil and gas, petro-chemical, chemicals and energy sectors. The facility allows the testing of materials, components, equipment and geological materials under typical HP-HT downhole service conditions.
Oceanlab >>The University of Aberdeen Oceanlab is the first purpose-built ocean lander laboratory in the world. Located close to the centre of the North Sea oil industry at Newburgh on the river Ythan, the Oceanlab has direct access to the most sophisticated subsea industry suppliers in Europe. The Oceanlab is a 1100m2 facility with one of the most comprehensive subsea proving and testing suites in Europe. This new facility encourages industry and scientists to work together and provides access to its state of the art facilities on a commercial basis.
