Environmental 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.
A new family of intracellular imaging display dyes >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have created a new family of fluorescein-based dyes that are in the visible range and can be used to measure intracellular pH, viscosity and temperature.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Genespark Molecular Label >>Genespark is a fast fluorescent molecular labelling technology with unlimited multiplex scalability.
Spherical Generator >>A spherical generator/motor design which has advantages over standard cylindrical forms, potentially providing increased efficiency in a wide range of applications.
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.
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.
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.
Real Time Nitrate Detector >>Researchers at The Robert Gordon University have developed a new method for detecting nitrates in foodstuffs and water. This new sensor membrane uses a compound that provides a robust solution to the limitations usually found surrounding the measurements of nitrates.
By working with partners in Portugal and Spain, RGU has produced an electrode without an inner reference solution, producing a robust sensor which can detect to a limit of 10-7M – an improvement on the method currently used which struggles to detect concentrations below 10-5M.
Decision Support System for urban planning decision makers >>Environmental justification for the sustainable management of urban soil is a demanding task. A decision support system (DSS) for urban soil appraisal has been developed by University of the West of Scotland with potential for a broad range of applications. DSS basic component is a web-based online geographic information system tool, constructed by a heuristic method involving successive stages of online computer mediated decision support programs. A three-stage approach involving remote data input, data viewing and analysis and collaborative decision making/knowledge management is employed. This tool sets a concrete foundation to an appropriate spatial decision support system
Eco-Friendly Fire Retardant Foams >>Researchers at the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry have developed eco-friendly fire retardant polyurethane foams. The main benefits of the technology include increased effectiveness in the prevention and spread of fire; and the use of environmentally friendly non-toxic materials. The technology is relatively inexpensive in comparison to existing formulations, and is readily adoptable into existing manufacturing processes. These foams can be used in many industries including furniture and soft furnishings, construction, packaging, automotive and aeronautics.
Wastewater remediation: Hydrocavitational Advanced Fenton Process (HCAFP) >>HCAFP, pioneered by researchers at the University of Abertay Dundee, is a novel, patented process for the treatment of industrial wastewaters containing recalcitrant organic pollutants, such as those from the chemical sector. The process is an innovative development of a well-proven chemical oxidation reaction that provides a solution for the rapid and effective removal of these pollutants.
Currently, a significant volume of effluent from the chemical sector is tankered off-site for disposal as it is not cost effective, or practical, to provide on-site treatment. By reducing the toxic organic content HCAFP can render these wastewaters amenable to traditional downstream treatment processes or potential direct discharge to sewer.
