Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SGN0037 | |
| Title | Oscillating Energy Harvester (Phase 2) | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Energy Efficiency(Other) 15%; Other Power and Storage Technologies(Energy storage) 10%; Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 75%; |
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| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given SGN |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 February 2014 | |
| End Date | 01 February 2016 | |
| Duration | 24 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £60,394 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Technical Consultancy | |
| Region | South East | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , SGN (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_SGN0037 |
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| Objectives | The objectives of this project are to: Develop proof of concept of a solution which is capable of powering pressure data loggers and profile control equipment. Develop working prototype and carry out off site laboratory testing. Evaluate performance and explore the potential for further development and field trials in a live gas environment. Provide relevant information to the other Network Licensees. The success criteria for the project are to: Identify the ability of the prototype energy harvester to produce sufficient reliable electrical power within a range of simulated operational gas pressure and flow conditionsHighlight the capabilities of the electronic interfacing circuits to regulate, control and store sufficient electrical energy to power data logger and profile control equipment. Produce and disseminate learning to the other Network Licensees. In order to determine whether this project has been successful or not at various stages, the project must progress through a number of stage gate milestones. SGN’s Project Manager will evaluate the performance against the requirements before approving progress to the next stage. | |
| Abstract | Scotia Gas Networks have a large number of low energy battery powered pressure data loggers and profile systems used for the monitoring and control of the low pressure networks, across both our Scotland and Southern licence areas. These systems allow network pressures to be constrained at the safest minimum low pressure to ensure security of gas supply to the customer, whilst minimising gas leakage. The battery life of this equipment is limited and involves regular replacement. Occasionally premature battery failure causes additional unscheduled visits and the loss of this essential equipment, resulting in elevated network pressures. Battery replacement is expensive and involves operatives visiting many sites. The majority of the data logger and profile control equipment use bespoke battery packs on which equipment manufacturers impose premium costs. Cheaper alternatives are not acceptable because the battery pack must comply with the intrinsically safety certification of the equipment for its use in gaseous atmospheres. To extend battery life alternative power sources such as solar power have been tried, but these tend to suffer from maintenance and vandalism issues. This project is concerned with developing a solution to extend battery life by providing a local low energy source to power data logger and profile equipment. The technique to be investigated is the Oscillating Energy Harvester, which generates electrical energy by recovering the kinetic energy in the gas flow. The electrical energy generated is stored in batteries. Charging the batteries is expected to extend battery life from 1 to around 5 years, depending on operating conditions. This project builds on a previous SGN IFI project (Oscillating Energy Harvester Phase 1) which investigated the feasibility of the technique through mathematical modelling, which concluded that it was theoretically possible to generate sufficient energy reliably within the gas flow and pressure parameters available. This project therefore seeks to develop and laboratory test a prototype Oscillating Energy Harvester, which will generate sufficient electrical energy to power a range of equipment and understand the further potential benefits.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 17/09/18 | |
