Engineering 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.
Multi-channel Small Footprint Directly Intergrated Optical Sensors for FBG Sensor Network Interrogation >>Funded by a Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept programme (11-DME-003) a team at Heriot-Watt University is developing lightweight high accuracy Fiber Brag Grating (FBG) network interrogators targeting applications within Civil engineering, Aerospace, biosensing and chemical detection.
Using a small footprint multi-channel design the robust sensor chip offers an alternative to existing spectrometer based solutions in FBG sensing.
High Pulse Energy Ultrafast Laser Source For Imaging, Spectroscopy & Micromachining >>Developed within Professor Derryck Reid's group, the output of the Broadband emission Ultrafast OPO laser source is suitable for applications within micromachining, waveguide fabrication and bio-imaging techniques such as multi photon, Raman or CARS spectroscopy.
High pulse energies and wavelength tuning allow a greater stand-off distance in long range spectroscopy applications.
Paediatric Spinal Injection Simulator >>Spinal injections are commonly required procedures to remove fluid to carry out biochemical, microbiological and cytobiological tests and also for drug delivery. Medical students and practitioners are unable to practice the spinal injection procedure on cadavers, nor can they practice on patients due to the serious danger of spinal injury. Therefore when the procedure has to be carried out, there is ever a risk of injury to the patient. A physical simulator is essential to develop the skills of medical practitioners.
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.
Case-Based Reasoning - learning through experience >>Researchers in the Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute at the University of Edinburgh have developed a Case-Based Reasoning Shell that can be applied to large and complex databases.
Generic FPGA core for Pairwise Sequence Alignment >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a highly parameterised FPGA core for pairwise biological sequence alignment that provides researchers with the ability to analyse large biological data in a reasonable timeframe.
Transdermal Patient Monitoring >>Control of blood glucose levels through glucose measurement and insulin injection can reduce the occurrence of complications in diabetics. Methods such as the “finger-stick” technique, while relatively cheap, can be cumbersome and painful to use. In addition to diabetes, control of blood glucose levels can play a key role in several important hospital based interventions. A team at the University of Strathclyde has perfected a non-invasive programmable device for measuring blood glucose levels. The same technology can also be adapted to detect other blood circulating molecules such as lactate.
Soluble Polymer Catalysts >>The project is developing commercial processes using organocatalysts for chiral chemical production. In doing so, a number of existing metal catalyst processes will be replaced. There are environmental challenges associated with recovery of the metals used (e.g., iridium, rhodium, palladium, etc.), and also cost implications necessitated by the removal of unwanted metal residues from the resulting compounds.
Printed Chip-less Smart Labels >>Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a novel, covert, chip-less smart label technology for protecting branded items.
Sustainable solar powered water purification technology - Clean Technology for Water treatment >>This energy saving technology uses visible light, including natural sunlight, to remove organic pollutants from water while providing electricity as a by-product by a process similar to that exploited in fuel cells. The electrical energy delivered may be used for self-diagnosis and to drive equipment such as pumps, valve controllers and remote sensing electronics, further benefiting the environment.
This technology was developed at the University of Aberdeen with industry partners.
Compostella >>Compostella is a disruptive technology, from the University of Glasgow, which permits position to be measured with extremely high precision at very low cost.
The system is physically small and highly configurable, with few limitations on mounting. Compostella will be the first single device capable of measuring in 6 axes.
Spherical Generator >>A spherical generator/motor design which has advantages over standard cylindrical forms, potentially providing increased efficiency in a wide range of applications.
Bijels: Emulsion Gels Stabilized by Particles >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have invented a new generic route to gel formulation, involving particles suspended in fluid-bicontinuous mixture of two solvents.
In-Situ Heavy Metal Sensor for Contaminated Land >>Researchers at The Robert Gordon University have developed an in-situ heavy metal sensor for contaminated land. Currently samples of soil are taken at a variety of depths at suspected contaminated land sites. These are then transported back to the lab and analysed on a workbench-based spectrometer and results are conveyed back to the customer. Market research shows that existing end users are not entirely satisfied with this service. The new technology developed by The Robert Gordon University can provide an alternative that guarantees a prompt, cheap and effective result.
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.
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.
Condition Monitoring of AC & DC Electric Motors >>The novel condition monitoring technique developed by Glasgow Caledonian University uses an RF antenna to pick up radio interference generated during a motor's commutation process. This RF data is stored and processed to reveal information regarding the primary condition monitoring parameters used in the majority of condition monitoring strategies i.e. a motor's speed and load (torque). The advantage of using an antenna condition monitoring technique is it is non-contact, allowing plant to remain in continuous operation during the measurement process.
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.
Civil Engineering Services / Testing / Consultancy >>The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Glasgow has well-equipped laboratories and facilities, some of which are unique in Scotland. The department offers testing and consultancy services to industry.
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.
Ultrawideband Ultrasonic Transducer >>University of the West of Scotland has been funded under round four of Scottish Enterprise’s Proof of Concept Fund. This will facilitate further investigation into a novel type of sensor and actuator – the Ultrawideband Ultrasonic Transducer (UUT). The UUT project will combine several different aspects of leading edge technology to enable a highly sensitive single transducer to operate over a wider range of frequencies than ever before.
Active Thin Film Coatings >>Active thin film coatings for high temperature industrial and process monitoring applications are being developed in collaboration between two leading research groups at the University. The new coatings will have applications in acoustic monitoring at high temperatures where existing sensors would fail.
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.
Meaningful Measurement for Rehabilitation, Sport, and Fitness &Leisure activities. >>An Instrumented Balance Assessment and Rehabilitation System (IBars) has been designed, constructed, and operated in a Clinical environment for more than two years. So far reliability tests, research results, and anecdotal feedback have all shown positives. The significance of quantifying balance both to Health Care providers and in the sports, and Fitness & Leisure markets must not be under-estimated. Balance and control of movement is being increasingly recognised as the forgotten factor in performance. Balance rehabilitation and quantification has applications through a wide range of client groups, from patients recovering from stroke to elite athletes.
Portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) >>The technology, developed at the University of Aberdeen, relates to the portable MRI system which will cost significantly less than current equipment. Most existing magnetic resonance imagers are highly sophisticated, occupy a large amount of space and are costly to purchase and maintain. There are numerous situations in which the ability to image small objects or localised areas of human or animal patients using portable equipment would be extremely valuable.
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.
