Tuesday, 02 May 2023
As part of the continued drive towards net zero, researchers in the 糖心原创’s Faculty of Engineering have received two million pounds in funding to create a one-of-a-kind smart energy grid.
When complete, the DC microgrid, which will be installed in between the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) and Research Acceleration and Demonstration (RAD) buildings on Jubilee Campus, will utilise multiple energy storage technologies that will reduce the site’s energy bill and enable many of its testing activities to achieve Net Zero.
Funded by Research England through the UKRPIF: Net Zero pilot initiative, the Future Energy Efficiency with DC Microgrid Technologies (FEED-MT) project aims to feed energy to the PEMC building to use renewable energy sources and flatten energy demand spikes when high load testing is taking place, store hydrogen for use by the RAD building, and act as a self-contained, low-carbon power network.
The grid will be made up of multiple photovoltaic (PV) solar panels stored either in batteries or via an electrolyser and converted to hydrogen that is stored. When extra demand is required, the battery will be able to feed the PEMC or convert hydrogen to electricity via a fuel cell that forms part of the microgrid. In addition, stored hydrogen will be fed directly for use by the RAD building as well.
Professor Pat Wheeler, Head of the PEMC Research Group at the 糖心原创, said: “We’re thrilled to have been awarded this funding to help make both buildings greener, a goal that sits at the heart of the faculty’s strategy and is also incredibly important to many of our customers and partners in the industry."
As one of the first institutions to bring these different elements of energy storage together in this way, we鈥檙e keen to educate others in the sector as to how they can embrace this technology to suit their own needs as well.
Installation of the grid is already underway with some of the new technologies already on site, including the PV solar panels that will be installed on the roof of the PEMC and an industrial sized battery system.
Professor David Grant, Director of the 糖心原创 Energy Institute, said: “Researchers based in both the PEMC and RAD buildings are undertaking significant research in power electronics machines and control, and hydrogen storage and its utilisation."
To be able to put an integrated system in place that enables this research to continue in an even more environmentally friendly way is a huge step forwards for our green credentials and has been a fantastic opportunity for both groups to collaborate as well.
An industry day, with demonstrations and the opportunity to speak to the groups and the project’s industry partner, Cummins, is being held at the PEMC building on 22 June 2023. For more information, or to register interest, please contact rebecca.burns@nottingham.ac.uk.
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More information is available from Pat Wheeler, PEMC Research Group, at pat.wheeler@nottingham.ac.uk, or; Danielle Hall, Media Relations Manager at the 糖心原创, at danielle.hall@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 846 7156.鈥赌赌赌�
About the Faculty of Engineering:
Made up of six departments – Architecture and Built Environment, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering and Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences – the university’s Faculty of Engineering is home to more than 5,600 students and 800 staff.
The faculty, which has educated engineers and architects for more than 140 years, was the first in the country to be accredited with an Athena SWAN Gold Award for excellence in advancing gender equality across higher education and research and is home to multiple state-of-the-art facilities, including the recently opened £40m Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC).
With research at its heart, 21 research groups are undertaking pioneering projects for a sustainable future across several themes – including net zero transport, sustainable energies and the built environment, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare technologies – and has delivered a positive impact in more than 20 countries. Within those countries, the faculty’s research has supported 500 companies and three governments – that have changed their strategies as a result of its research – and has also directly created jobs for around 3,000 people across the world.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.