Recent Additions to the EDC
Browse details of new data, projects and publications added to the EDC
29/10/2025
39 new projects added
GRN: UKRI664
Period: 01/02/2025 to 01/02/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
The transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 requires an acceleration of advances in fundamental science that will have a pragmatic impact on critical technologies. The high level of research on hydrogen materials for hydrogen storage over the last decades has led to significant breakthroughs in fundamental science. Climate change now calls for a re-focus of the hydrogen material science to translate the properties of these materials toward superior and pragmatic solutions needed beyond just storage to across the hydrogen supply chains. Light transport decarbonization can be tackled through electrification, but hydrogen remains an option to decarbonize the hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy-duty transport, off road vehicles, marine and aerospace. However, implementing hydrogen as a clean energy vector has challenges in other related technologies such as compression, sensing, purification, storage and distribution of hydrogen. In this project, we focus on the challenges associated with hydrogen compression. Due to its low density, hydrogen compression is required along the entire supply chain from production to end use. A wide range of hydrogen compression technologies have been investigated, and the most common hydrogen compressors on the market are based on mechanical compression, such as reciprocating, diaphragm, linear, and ionic liquid compressors, which are costly to purchase upfront and consume high levels of electricity to run, typically requiring 20-30% of the calorific value of the hydrogen to compress hydrogen to high pressures to 700 bar and beyond. The operating cost of mechanical hydrogen compressors is high due to the requirements of constant and significant maintenance, particularly for valves, packing, and piston rings. The potential for an alternative technology such as metal hydride compressors is significant offering opportunities for compressing hydrogen using waste heat from electrolysers or other renewable sources (e.g. solar thermal) delivering high efficiency. Metal hydride compressors do not require moving parts in the compression process, and have, therefore, much lower operational cost and significantly enhanced reliability and safety. The vision of this joint UK-Japan project is to address challenges associated with one of the main bottlenecks of developing efficient metal-hydride hydrogen compressors, i.e. identifying the optimal metal hydride materials for hydrogen compression that can be used with sustainable heat. This will be accelerated by a combined experimental-computational approach as well as the combination of the research expertises and facilities on hydrogen storage materials of the University of Nottingham and the AIST Tsukuba supported by the ICMPE (Paris) and the Sandia National Laboratory. By this approach we will be able to identify optimal metal alloy compositions that can be utilised to compress hydrogen gas from 20~30 bar (produced by an electrolyser using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar) to high pressures, e.g. > 700 bar for hydrogen refuellers via multiple hydride combinations, or 80 bar for hydrogen pipelines via a single stage metal-hydride compressor. As experimental data is very limited and in parts very difficult to obtain, to accelerate the metal alloys discovery, we need to combine a wide range of experimental and computational techniques, including atomistic materials modelling, materials synthesis, and materials structure and hydrogen storage property characterisations using a one of a kind high pressure Sieverts apparatus. The best candidate metal alloys on hydrogen compression applications will be scaled up and tested in our in-house multi-stage prototype metal-hydride compressor device
GRN: UKRI639
Period: 29/08/2025 to 01/03/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
This project aims to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of damage initiation in advanced rail materials and how the microstructure of the materials affects this. This project will be undertaken in collaboration with The Royce Institute leveraging their world-leading expertise and equipment investment in materials characterisation and has been developed following introductions to their Tescan And Newtek In-Situ Testing (TANIST) facility during the Metallics CDT conference. The Royce Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, including Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and in-situ Digital Image Correlation (DIC), will provide unparalleled in-situ data on the evolution of microstructure and crack initiation and growth, at a scale not seen previously in the development of rail steels. The proposed research aligns perfectly with the focus of this call on advanced materials and its commitment to supporting collaborative research. Within standard grade rails, wear and RCF are critical challenges limiting the lifespan of rail infrastructure, incurring substantial economic costs (£3.9bn on renewals in 2021/22), carbon costs and hindering railway capacity increases. Previous approaches to extending standard grade (R260) railway track component life include regular maintenance, such as grinding, which is conducted to maintain rail profiles (preventive), to keep contact conditions optimum and to remove damage such as cracks (corrective). Advanced rail steels, such as heat-treated grades (350HT), high performance alloys (e.g. HP335) and laser clad coatings (e.g., Martensitic Stainless Steel (MSS)) offer a significant leap forward in rail infrastructure, offering a promising solution to the financial and safety critical challenges of rail wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF). Although railways have been around since the 1800s every advance in materials is met with an increase in demand (speed, axle loads, drive to reduce maintenance need), so these remain live issues that limit transition to a low carbon transport future. Most recently, advanced rail materials with refined microstructures which provide a harder material with greater resistance to deformation and crack initiation, but they have not resolved the underlying issues. This project will provide a better understanding of the way in which the intricate microstructure of these materials respond to services loads and the consequent damage initiation mechanisms such as white etching layer (WEL) from grinding. This will allow further material design improvements to create rail, which is more durable, easier to maintain and ultimately more sustainable. Collaboration with The Henry Royce Institute will enable novel in-situ testing within the scanning electron microscope (SEM) with High resolution digital image correlation (HRDIC) to provide an in-depth study of the microstructure of advanced rail materials using novel techniques for rail development. Through the study of the behaviour of the microstructure of advanced rail materials with EBSD, nanoindentation and in-situ SEM with HRDIC, visualisation of strain fields will be possible for the first time which will help our understanding of how the grain size and orientation affects deformation. As advanced rail materials are developed it is critical to understand how the refined microstructure behaves with common damage mechanisms to design against current problems. This project will explore the potential of laser-clad additive repair to extend the lifespan of advanced rail materials. By applying a targeted area of like-on-like material, we aim to optimise the microstructure and ensure the repaired region is as durable as the original material whilst avoiding weakness at the interface of different materials
GRN: UKRI1337
Period: 01/08/2025 to 01/08/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
Quantum computers offer an unprecedented computational advantage over classical ones, which could revolutionise medicine, energy and security. However, to achieve sufficient robustness required for such applications, we need to accurately control a large number of tiny particles at the quantum level. Current generation of quantum computers cannot meet their full potential due to control errors and decoherence, hindering their applications in science and technology. A milestone in the theory of quantum computing was achieved with the discovery of quantum error correcting codes. These algorithms allow to correct errors without measuring or destroying the logical quantum information. Nevertheless, practical implementations of quantum error correction require a huge overhead of resources, making them prohibitively costly in real-world applications. This proposal takes an alternative approach of protecting quantum information from errors and decoherence by harnessing the cutting-edge phenomena in condensed matter physics, in particular the exotic properties of particles known as non-Abelian anyons. Anyons have rich topological properties that can simultaneously protect quantum information and process it in an error-free way, thus promising to realise the ultimate goal of fault-tolerant quantum computation. This proposal will take advantage of the Project Lead's recent success in the quantum simulation of non-Abelian anyons with photonic systems and turn it into prototype fault-tolerant quantum computation devices. The project is very timely as these experimental advances were realised only in 2023, yet questions of how to use them for quantum computation remain open. This proposal will take these initial breakthroughs and create concrete blueprints for topological quantum computation based on the currently available technology. We will achieve that by strengthening our established collaboration with the experimental group of Prof Mehul Malik and by initiating a collaboration with the quantum technology company Aegiq. Anyons have interdisciplinary significance spanning statistical mechanics, condensed matter, and topological quantum field theory, all of which will be impacted by our results. Beyond advancing fundamental science, the success of this project will ensure the UK experimental groups and industry remain at the forefront of leveraging topological properties of anyons to ultimately deliver more robust quantum computers
GRN: EP/Z002532/1
Period: 01/06/2025 to 30/11/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Polymers play a vital role in our daily lives and we continuously encounter polymers that are specifically designed and optimised for optimal performance. They are present in various aspects of our lives, such as clothing, computer displays, and medical technologies. However, in order to maintain a sustainable and healthy society, we need advanced solutions that offer higher performance and new capability that are affordable. They could also pave the way for innovative materials that open doors to new medicines, advanced lubricants, organic photovoltaics, and lithium battery matrix technologies. Living anionic polymerisation is a highly precise chemical synthesis technique that can be used to make these polymers, allowing for an array of molecular architectures. However, there is a lack of efficient methods to quickly screen polymers synthesised using this technique. Currently, it is only carried out in specialised laboratories equipped with the necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel to meet the rigorous experimental conditions. Due to this, scientists will make only one or two batches of material per week meaning rapid prototyping is impossible. Here, we will develop a platform technology which facilitates synthesis of polymers by LAP using an automated reactor platform which can maintain precise conditions with minimal human input. By equipping this instrumentation with machine learning capability, we will demonstrate an ability to rapidly screen polymers and demonstrate the ability to scale-up whilst maintaining the precision required. This technology will precipitate an array of opportunities for developing new sustainable materials which can contribute to solving challenges facing society
GRN: EP/Z536106/1
Period: 01/09/2025 to 31/08/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Buildings are responsible for about 40% of carbon emissions and consume about 40% of all produced energy in the UK. Transforming how buildings use and produce energy is a fundamental steppingstone to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and sustainable economic growth. The abundance of data, flexible technologies and advanced control approaches open exciting opportunities to achieve cost-effective system decarbonisation and create places where people love to live for the increased comfort standards. A radical transformation of the building sector is possible using real-time monitoring, learning capabilities, advanced control strategies, distributed optimisation and coordination. Our research demonstrates that the energy consumption of buildings has a vast potential to be flexible and support an efficient grid operation. However, it is unclear how to design distributed control architectures and schemes managing millions of buildings in real-time to simultaneously achieve societal and individual consumer benefits. The proposed project seeks answers to critical open questions: How can we efficiently harness the adaptability of millions of diverse buildings to support the entire energy system while optimizing individual objectives concurrently? How can we harness data reliably to develop scalable, transferable control methods, bringing them closer to practical application? The aim of this research is to develop distributed solutions to reliably manage energy use across groups of buildings. We will consider for the first time the advantage of dynamically forming coalitions according to the environment's variability and individual real-time energy needs. To realise this, we have set the following objectives: 1. Extend the latest data-driven behavioural control and uncertainty modelling approaches, state-of-the-art distributed optimisation methods and reinforcement learning techniques. These methods should be scalable to bridge the gap between lab-scale demonstrations and real-world implementation. 2. Apply these innovative methods to models of building clusters. This will offer insights for shaping policies and driving innovation, bolstering their role in supporting the entire energy system. The close collaboration with UK Power Networks and SSE Energy Solutions will support the data-driven modelling and development of novel adaptive distributed control architectures to maximise the research output impact. A pressing question we will address is how to achieve both individual and societal benefits. Existing distributed solutions are focused on directly achieving a centralised objective. Such solutions do not fit the objectives of simultaneously achieving societal and individual objectives. Substantial performance limitations arise when pursuing exclusively conflicting objectives, since the buildings connected to the grid are strongly coupled.
GRN: UKRI1161
Period: 01/01/2025 to 01/01/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
The proposed project, “CATALYSE”, will develop, and maintain long-term collaborations between Europe, China, South Africa, and Nigeria towards renewable dimethyl ether (DME) fuel production from CO2. This objective will be achieved through joint research in new process systems and material development in direct air capture (DAC) and utilisation. This requires skills and knowledge inexperimental study, process modelling, analysis and optimisation, computational material design and catalysis which will be strengthened by the individual mobility of researchers between Europe and the participating countries. There are 14 partners involved in CATALYSE who are world-leading in their respective areas of which there are 3 industrial partners. CATALYSE will start in January 2025 for 48 months. There will be 25 experienced and 32 early-stage researchers to participate in 330 person-month exchange visits. A total of €1.52m funding is requested to support the planned exchange activities. The European partners are experts in process modelling and optimisation, process intensification, computational material design, catalysis, and CO2 utilisation while the Chinese partners are experts in process intensification, green hydrogen production and DAC. The South African partners are experts in DAC and sustainability assessments while the Nigeria partners are experts in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. Knowledge transfer and training will take place through the planned secondments. We will generate at least 30 Journal publications and 30 conference papers. In addition, 2 Special Issues will be published in leading journals such as Applied Energy, 2 Workshops and 2 Special Sessions at major international conferences will be organised to disseminate project results
GRN: EP/Z53657X/1
Period: 01/08/2025 to 30/04/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
The demand for titanium dioxide (TiO2), a critical opacifier and pigment across multiple industrial sectors, is expected to reach 8 million tonnes in 2025. Because of the energy-intensive manufacturing processes involved, such production will lead to the emission of a staggering 40 million tonnes of CO2. In this project, we aim to develop hollow polymer particles that have a lower carbon footprint and can fully replace titanium dioxide in a wide range of formulated products, taking paints and coatings as a case study. We will synthesize a range of hollow polymer particles with tailored size, polydispersity, shell thickness, outer surface roughness, and inner surface chemistry. Tuning these variables will enable us to take a two-pronged approach, not only optimising the properties of the hollow particles themselves but also their interaction with other formulation ingredients. Through this approach, after introducing the particles in coatings formulations and drying them into films, we will be able to control their final distribution and correlate it with the coating's optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Moreover, we will accelerate their industrial implementation by conducting a life cycle assessment and trialling them in full paint formulations in collaboration with our industrial partner. Although we have chosen paints and coatings as case study, as they represent 55% of the global TiO2 consumption, the new additives would be relevant to a wide range of film-forming formulations. These include inks, adhesives, sealants, personal and home care, and cosmetics. Thus, our work will catalyse a transformative shift towards more sustainable practices across diverse industry sectors by providing a viable alternative to TiO2
GRN: UKRI2108
Period: 01/07/2025 to 01/07/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) describe the locally averaged mass interaction of large numbers of constituent elements – be they molecules, cells, organisms, or devices. Controlling such processes allows us to create lift over the wing of an aircraft, synthesize new chemicals and materials, and regulate combustion in power plants. The design of controllers for such processes, however, is difficult due to nonlinear interactions and a spatially distributed state. Specifically, our reliance on digital computers has traditionally required lumping of this distributed state into a fixed number of parameters representing discrete points in the state or weighted averages of the state. Lumping allows us to use sophisticated algorithms for the analysis and control of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) such as the Sum-of-Squares (SOS) framework for polynomial optimization. However, these methods require sophisticated mathematical analysis, limiting their use in speculative and data-based PDE models. Furthermore, lumping fails to capture discrete-continuum effects such as shock, fluid-structure interaction, and boundary inputs. As a result current algorithms for the analysis of nonlinear PDEs suffer from difficult implementation, low reliability, high complexity, and questionable physical interpretation. Recently, new methods have emerged for the analysis and control of linear PDEs which do not discretize the state but instead parameterize operators which act on this state – The Partial Integral Equation (PIE) framework. This approach has worked well for linear PDEs where we can parameterize linear operators using multipliers and kernels – resulting in efficient universal software tools for rapid analysis, control and simulation. For nonlinear PDEs, however, there is no obvious parametrization of nonlinear operators on a distributed state. The goal of this project, then, is to develop efficient convex algorithms for analysis of nonlinear PDEs by combining the SOS and PIE frameworks. We then demonstrate their accuracy and reliability using models of fluid flow and demonstrate their use for speculative and data-based PDEs using plasma confinement in Tokamak nuclear fusion reactors. The main contribution of this project is to propose a new multiplication algebra of polynomials on a distributed state and to parameterize that algebra using linear operators. We then adopt the fundamental state transformation used in the PIE framework to strip out partial derivatives and boundary conditions – representing the dynamics of the PDE using distributed polynomials (a nonlinear PIE). Next, we generalize the SOS approach to parametrization of positive polynomials by using positive linear operators to parameterize positive distributed polynomials. Global stability and input energy gain can then be tested by searching for polynomial Lyapunov functions whose derivative is likewise a distributed polynomial. The results are extended to local stability by generalizing positivstellensatz results from semialgebraic geometry. To obviate the need for sophisticated mathematical and computational expertise in nonlinear PDEs, we will develop a universal software tool PIESOS (modelled after the SOSTOOLS and PIETOOLS software packages) for: conversion of nonlinear PDEs to nonlinear PIEs; manipulation and optimization of positive distributed polynomials; and stability/energy gain analysis of nonlinear PDEs. PIESOS will have a user-friendly interface for declaring nonlinear PDEs and return provable certificates of stability and input energy gain. Furthermore, this software will use efficient data structures, sparsity, and Newton polytope methods to reduce computational complexity well below that needed by standard SOS-based lumping methods. Finally, the accuracy and reliability of the results will be demonstrated by application to nonlinear PDE fluid flow models
GRN: UKRI858
Period: 01/04/2025 to 01/04/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
The Liverpool City Region (LCR) is a critical hub in the UK’s transport and logistics network, comprising one of the largest ports in the country, extensive multimodal transport systems, and strong connections to both domestic and international markets. The LCR transport cluster includes maritime, road, rail, air, and inland waterway infrastructure, making it an important node for the movement of goods and people. Given its strategic importance, ensuring the resilience of these transport systems against potential crises is essential for maintaining the continuity of national and international supply chains. The proposed project, CRDT-Port, aims to enhance the resilience and operational efficiency of these critical infrastructures. By focusing on the LCR as a primary case study, the project seeks to develop a digital twin framework that can be scaled and adapted to other port-centric regions across the UK. The LCR transport cluster faces multiple risks that could significantly disrupt transport operations and supply chains. These risks include severe weather events, infrastructure failures, cyber-attacks, public disorders, and global supply chain interruptions. The complexity and interconnectivity of these transport systems mean that disruptions in one area can have cascading effects across the entire network, impacting both the regional and national economies. Traditional methods of managing these risks are often reactive and lack the predictive capabilities needed to anticipate and mitigate disruptions effectively. The challenge lies in developing a comprehensive and proactive approach that can integrate diverse data sources, model complex scenarios, and provide real-time decision support to stakeholders during crises. The CRDT-Port project aims to develop a DT tailored specifically for the LCR transport cluster, with potential applications in other port-centric regions in the UK. The project will integrate real-time data from multiple sources, including maritime traffic, road and rail networks, weather conditions, and logistics data, to create a detailed and dynamic representation of the transport systems. It will also develop models that simulate potential crisis scenarios, such as extreme weather events, infrastructure failures, cyber-attacks, and supply chain disruptions. These simulations will evaluate various mitigation strategies and provide real-time decision support for crisis management. Another objective is to enable seamless collaboration between different systems and stakeholders (energy, telecommunications, electricity), ensuring that the DT supports secure, real-time decision-making during crises. Our target is to design the DT framework to be scalable, allowing it to be applied to other UK ports and national infrastructure nodes. The CRDT-Port project offers significant benefits for both the LCR and the broader UK transport network, as well as other sectors. It will enable stakeholders to anticipate and prepare for disruptions, minimising their impact on transport operations and supply chains. By providing real-time data and predictive insights, the CRDT will enhance decision-making during crises, helping stakeholders respond more effectively and reducing the risk of prolonged disruptions. While initially focused on the LCR, the scalable framework will be applicable to other port-centric systems across the UK, contributing to a more resilient national transport infrastructure. This project will protect the economic activities linked to the LCR, ensuring the UK's strong position in global trade, and establishing the UK as a leader in digital twin applications for infrastructure resilience
GRN: UKRI640
Period: 08/09/2025 to 08/03/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
The accumulation of plastic wastes is a severe environmental challenge. Present estimates suggest that over 380 Mt plastics are produced annually worldwide, only 16% are currently recycled, while 150-200 Mt plastics are accumulated in landfill or leaked to the natural environment. On the other hand, the global demand for carbon-based chemicals and materials is expected to double in the next 10 years to over two billion tons, which we cannot simply still rely on sourcing from fossil fuels. We need to supply these feedstocks from recycling waste materials, such as plastics. However, until now, there remains significant challenge in bridging the gap between waste management and the resource demand for materials and commodity chemicals. The ultimate way to overcome this challenge is to close the loop by recovering the monomer feedstocks from waste, yet such chemical recycling cannot be easily achieved by traditional thermo-chemical processes, due to the poor tolerance to feedstock contamination, low economic value of products and sizable energy input. On this aspect, mechanochemistry, which utilises mechanical energy to initiate chemical reactions, has clear advantages over traditional thermochemical processes. These advantages arise from reactions taking place in a solventless, solid-state environment, with a high tolerance to variation feedstock qualities. Historically, this technique solely relies on supplying enough energy input to overcome the thermodynamic energy threshold of the chemical reactions. Yet plastics are made to last, therefore the polymer chemical bonds are difficult to break. Therefore, capitalising on the team’s strong background on catalysis and polymer processing, through building collaboration with the mechanochemical community in the UK, CirPla will demonstrate for the first time how catalysis + mechanochemistry can transform the plastic recycling and manufacturing sectors. The catalysts will decrease the activation energy of the polymer chain bond breaking, while mechanochemical conditions supply the energy required to drive the depolymerisation reaction. The effectiveness of this process will be demonstrated with a model plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET, beverage bottles), with the scope of expanding to other plastics, such as polyamides and polycarbonates, in future studies. By collaborating with the world-unique EPSRC-Resonant Acoustic Mixing research facility led by Prof. Tomislav Friščić in University of Brimingham, CirPla will push the frontier by: 1. Design effective nanoscale catalysts for maximum product yield; 2. Benchmark mechanochemical systems at different scales for up-scaling assessment; and 3. Understand reaction mechanism for further material and catalyst discovery. This research theme aligns with the UKRI’s strategic theme of “building a greener future”, Innovate UK Circular Plastics Network (UKCPN), and Materials and Manufacturing Vision 2050. Aiming to translate the research discovery for impact delivery beyond the project, CirPla is also closely linked with waste management company (Chambers) and the process manufacturing centre of excellence (CPI), for further technology scale-up and validation. When successfully developed, this new process has the potential to transform the plastic value chain and push towards 100% recycling rate. By sourcing the carbon feedstocks from waste stream as fossil fuel alternatives, it will also facilitate the decarbonisation and defossilisation of the chemical sector, thereby contributing towards a climate neutral circular economy
GRN: EP/Z536283/1
Period: 01/08/2025 to 31/07/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
The FleXEdge project is focused on accelerating and reducing the cost of the net-zero transition by unlocking demand flexibility at scale from grid-edge devices including electric vehicles, electric heating, and smart appliances. Specifically, the project aims to address the computational bottlenecks which currently prevent electricity system operators from fully utilising grid-edge flexibility as a potentially major resource for local and national power system balancing. The electrification of transport and heating are key components of the UK and EU net-zero strategies. Over the next decade, millions of electric vehicles and heat-pumps will be deployed within local distribution networks. To manage this transition, all six UK distribution network operators are trialling local flexibility markets which can incentivise coordination between grid-edge devices to manage distribution network constraints and increase the hosting capacity for renewables and electric transport/heating. Ofgem's ambitious future vision is for local flexibility markets to support the widespread coordination of grid-edge flexibility, not just for managing local power flows, but also to provide national flexibility services. Research by the investigators and others has shown that grid-edge flexibility could be highly valuable if integrated into electricity system operation across spatial scales (local feeders to national transmission) and timescales (months- to seconds-ahead flexibility services). However, realising this value requires fundamental research gaps to be overcome related to the computational challenges of large-scale near real-time coordination and local-national flexibility market integration. FleXEdge will address these challenges through a research programme into the design and national integration of local flexibility markets, crossing disciplinary boundaries between distributed AI-based coordination, market mechanism design, and cloud-to-edge computing. The project will deliver scalable machine learning methods for coordinating grid-edge flexibility, linked with incentive mechanisms which reward grid-edge device owners for the power system value of their flexibility and data. These will be underpinned by a new computing architecture targeted at the domain-specific challenges which have previously limited the use of distributed AI for power system control applications. The methods and tools that are delivered will be valuable for electricity system operators and flexibility aggregators, as well as the wider energy research community. National case studies for Great Britain and Luxembourg will be completed to quantify the overall potential value of the new designs and to develop policy recommendations for market reforms which could unlock additional value. The project is a collaboration between Dr Thomas Morstyn at the University of Oxford, Dr Pierre Pinson at Imperial College London, Mr Davy Virdee at EPCC (the University of Edinburgh's centre for high performance computing and data science) and Dr Jun Cao and Dr Pedro Rodriguez at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). EPCC will provide state-of-the-art computing facilities and engineering expertise in optimising, scaling, and deploying data-intensive scientific software. LIST brings aligned capabilities in AI-based edge computing and hardware-in-the-loop testing. The project is supported by industry partners in the UK and Luxembourg, including power system operators (National Grid ESO and SP Energy Networks), smart grid technology providers (Piclo, Siemens and Typhoon HIL), and the Energy Systems Catapult, which supports energy sector collaboration, innovation, and policymaking
GRN: EP/V037234/2
Period: 01/03/2025 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Advanced composites have been used extensively in high performance lightweight applications ranging from aerospace, automotive to renewable energy sectors, with a global market of composite products over £60bn by 2017 together with a compound annual growth rate of 7% since 2011, and a projected £10bn growth in sales of composites in UK industry by 2030. However, with the ever increasing demand for zero-impact and sustainable development, the environmental impact of each stage from composite production to their end-of-life options should be considered to take the advantage of this high growth rate in the composite sector. Three important questions remain for the clean growth of the sector: (1) how can we manufacture the composites in an environmentally sustainable way, i.e. reduce the energy consumption for the rapid growing production needs; (2) how to effectively reduce, recycle, and reclaim valuable materials from end-of-life composite wastes; (3) how to truly reveal the lightweight feature of composites and reduce the overdesign in composites while avoiding unexpected catastrophic structural failures. This project will address all three questions by materials and manufacturing innovation, creating a circular economy for the composite industry by providing an extremely energy efficient and intrinsically safe manufacturing method based on recycled composite wastes as new functional fillers. With only 1% of energy consumption compared to current manufacturing methods, high performance composites with integrated new functions like deformation and damage sensing as well as de-icing will be manufactured without needs of even an oven. This new method will be tuned to fully comply with the processing requirements of existing high performance composite systems, reducing costs in capital investment, operational, and maintenance aspects. The new functions will also provide real-time health monitoring of components' structural integrity to enable condition based maintenance with high reliability. This research will be supported by a strong joint force from both academia (WMG, University of Warwick, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US) and UK industry (ELG Carbon fibres Ltd, and LMK Thermosafe Ltd), with leading expertise from polymer and nanocomposite processing, smart composites, to carbon fibre recycling and intrinsically safe heating applications, to ensure a great success of the project and a large impact on relevant research fields, as well as a direct contribution to addressing the UK Grand Challenges of "clean growth" and "future of mobility" and international competitiveness of the UK economy, with world leading development in lightweighting in transportation, manufacturing and efficient use of resources
GRN: UKRI913
Period: 24/07/2025 to 24/07/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Electrospun composite cathodes combining inverse vulcanised sulfur polymers can contribute to fully exploit the potential of lithium sulfur batteries by combining the high surface area from the electrospun 1D nanofibres with the inclusion of high sulfur content copolymers, enabling faster charging rates, using a fully scalable processing technique. In a comparison with commercially available lithium-ion batteries for mobile applications, lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries exhibit a high theoretical specific energy of 2600 Wh/kg, at least three times higher than the current lithium ion battery technology, making it a great contender for high energy applications in mobile devices. Yet the use of Li-S faces major hurdles, which stem from sulfur's lack of processability and insulating nature, as well polysulfide shuttle effect, all of which leads to the loss of capacity and degradation of the lithium anode through the formation of lithium sulfide. My fellowship will address these issues by using spinnable sulfur-rich copolymers in combination with conductive carbon particles and a stabilising high molecular (bio-) polymeric carrier to a non-woven fibre mat, which can be directly used as a cathode in a lithium sulfur battery without the need to making an ink to deposit onto a current collector. The interaction with the surface area of the electrospun fibres will result in an outstanding high electrochemical active surface area, while providing a stable matrix from the fibrous structure that prevent polysulfide shuttle effect. I envisage the new developed Li-S batteries to display initial capacities >1300 mA h g-1 and capacity retention of > 80% after 100 cycles, compared to current Li-S batteries with conventional sulfur electrodes which exhibit capacities of 300–500 mA h g–1 and capacity retention < 50% after 50 cycles. The outcome of this research will contribute significantly to advancing Li-S battery technology. Moreover, these new electrodes will be fully recyclable and there are plans within the fellowship to conduct life cycle assessment to explore the feasibility of the recycling process as well as technoeconomic analysis of the newly developed cathode materials. Additionally, as I develop the new electrodes, I plan to substitute some of the carbon components by biomass waste materials, such as lignin, which I have extensive experience working with. In preliminary experiments, I have demonstrated the feasibility of producing sulfur-based fibres as cathode in a Li-S battery. This fellowship takes the research to the next level which involves further tailoring of the fibres and optimisation of the conductivity for optimal application as electrode, including their application in Na-S batteries, too. I believe this project will have a positive impact in the battery community and beyond. Sulfur co-polymers have shown to exhibit outstanding capabilities in domains such as mercury capture from aqueous solutions, application for which freestanding fibre mats with large surface area would be highly beneficial
GRN: EP/Z536209/1
Period: 01/06/2025 to 31/05/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Among the designs of advanced nuclear reactors being investigated worldwide, one concept holds a particular promise to make significant impact and address the global needs for clean energy sources in the near future - the molten slat-cooled high-temperature reactor, also known as Fluoride slat-cooled High-temperature Reactor (FHR). Unlike traditional Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), the FHR uses solid fuel, which simplifies the concept greatly and can speed up its development and deployment. The advantages of FHR reactors over the current LWR designs and their economic benefits were highlighted in the AGRESR project concluded in 2021. Even though FHR concept presents many advantages in simplicity (when compared to molten slat-fuelled reactors), safety and economics, a significant amount of development is still needed. The concepts pursued elsewhere require substantial investment in the development of new fuel, core design and materials. Therefore, taking advantage of existing technologies and experience can substantially reduce the time needed to develop and deploy a salt-cooled reactor. Previous work explored the possibility of adopting features from the British Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactors (AGRs) to speed up the development and commercialisation of FHRs. AGR development in the UK suffered from notable initial challenges, but the resulting product was an impressive fleet of nuclear reactors, which remains unmatched in its availability and efficiency. Thus, borrowing knowledge and expertise gained in years of AGR operation and their implementation in FHR is an attractive proposition. Recent analyses showed that the best performance of an AGR-like FHR system is achieved in configurations with only a small amount of graphite in the core, and, possibly, no graphite at all. This finding implies substantial deviation from typical AGR fuel geometry and core layout affecting the behaviour of the system. Therefore, several questions remain to be addressed, which will form the scope of this proposed project. It was shown that power density of the core can be substantially increased, allowing to produce more power from the same for or significantly reduce the core. Small modular AGR-like FHR core design has never been attempted. The previous fuel cycle analysis used simplified assembly models. Therefore, the findings would need to be confirmed on a more realistic full core level. It would be required to identify and analyse the most relevant limiting accident scenarios for the new core in order to make a compelling safety case. Unlike AGRs, the new system operates at nearly atmospheric pressure, suggesting that refuelling procedures can be simplified. Currently operating AGRs do not refuel at full power. This is partly due to concerns over vibrations and coolant flow redistribution among the neighbouring channels introduced by the fuel assembly extraction. Demonstrating possibility of refuelling at full power would be a major advantage of the new system. The changes in the core configuration mean that many questions related to salt fluid dynamics need to be addressed through experimental investigation. These, for example, should include evaluation of pressure losses imposed by support grids and those due to deposits and corrosion of surfaces which can change its roughness. These effects need to be quantified for different flow regimes. Finally, alternative fuel and coolant options can be explored. For example, metallic and dispersed particles fuels as well as coolants other than traditional FLiBe salt can offer many performance advantages
GRN: UKRI663
Period: 01/02/2025 to 01/02/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Fusion reactors have the promise to provide high quantities of power with zero carbon and greenhouse gas emission during generation. In addition to major, international initiatives such as ITER, recent years have seen a proliferation of small and mid-size enterprises presenting innovative approaches to fusion generation. Unlocking the capabilities of fusion power can form a key component of addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal Number 7 “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” and Goal Number 9 “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The research proposed here seeks to address a question of key importance in developing fusion reactors: What controls plasticity in refractory metals? This understanding will unlock the development of rationally designed alloys that can form key components in a fusion reactor? A key component of a tokamak is the divertor, which is located near the base of the tokamak and extracts heat and ash produced by the fusion reaction, minimizes plasma contamination, and protects the surrounding walls from thermal and neutronic loads. As such the diverter must withstand extremely high temperatures of over 1000 C at steady state, power densities of ~20MW/m2 and substantial neutron irradiation while maintaining its shape and structural integrity. The materials that can withstand such conditions are based on refractory metals, with tungsten being the preferred candidate due to its low activation and excellent sputtering resistance. Most refractory metals, including tungsten, are brittle at low temperatures but can become more ductile at higher temperatures. The temperature associated with this activation is known as the brittle-ductile transition temperature (BDTT) which can be above room temperature and make such materials unusable as a structural component. Alloying can improve the ductility of refractory metals at low temperatures, but there is little rational understanding of why this occurs. The proposed work brings together capabilities at two UK universities (Oxford and York) and one Japanese (University of Tokyo) to finally unlock a rational explanation of refractory metal ductility by directly imaging dislocation core structures. The key new technology that has unlocked the ability to image the screw dislocation is a combination of aberration correctors in electron microscopy allowing a very high semi-angle of convergence in the probe forming optics combined with the emerging technique of 4D-scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM). The depth of field of an optical system varies inversely proportionately with the square of the numerical aperture, and so the high convergence angles allowed by the latest generation of aberration correctors leads to a very low depth of focus at nanometre scale. This reduced depth of field can be used to focus on features at specific depths in a sample – an approach known in light optics as optical sectioning. Samples produced and with initial characterisation at Oxford will then be examined at high resolution using unique instrumentation at Tokyo guided by simulations and data processing algorithms developed in work led by York. The aim is to develop a rational understanding of tungsten plasticity to guide the development of alloys to enable the formation of a key component in fusion energy
GRN: EP/Z535904/1
Period: 01/05/2025 to 30/04/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Semiconductor photonics is at the forefront of a revolution in modern optoelectronics and is driving innovation in key technologies such as telecommunication, sensing and quantum. At its core is nonlinear semiconductor photonics which harnesses the strong instantaneous nonlinear optical responses that the materials afford. This functionality can be leveraged to process and transmit data, presenting the opportunity to significantly enhance the speed, capacity, and energy efficiency of next-generation optoelectronic systems. Furthermore, semiconductors can have a second-order nonlinear response which plays a crucial role in emerging technologies like quantum computing and quantum communication, where the controlled generation and manipulation of photons is essential. The significant majority of important applications of semiconductor photonics have been demonstrated in bulk noncentrosymmetric crystals or planar silicon waveguide platforms, which is problematic for their integration with the backbone of the information age, the optical fibre. This multidisciplinary and collaborative project sets a new agenda by engineering the convergence of three important research themes, optical fibres, perovskites, and semiconductor photonics. Unlike silicon, perovskites have a highly tunable crystal structure, making them very interesting for photonics. They can be direct bandgap, can contain a second-order nonlinearity many times higher than the state-of-the-art and can possess an extraordinary third-order-optical nonlinearity that is orders of magnitude greater than silicon. Furthermore, unlike more traditional semiconductors, the materials can maintain these properties when designed to have a wide bandgap, which is important for optical transparency and avoiding two-photon absorption. By establishing a single-mode, lead-free, perovskite fibre platform a new generation of semiconductor nonlinear photonic devices will be enabled. Devices will be demonstrated that require orders of magnitude less power to operate, that can access important second-order nonlinear processes, and that are immediately compatible with existing optical fibre infrastructures and architecture. This new class of optical fibre for nonlinear optics, quantum optics and telecommunications is anticipated to radically alter the functionality of optical fibre technologies
GRN: UKRI564
Period: 27/08/2025 to 27/08/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Context and current state-of-the-art: This co-created, business-inspired, fundamental research aims to enable Tokamak Energy Ltd (TE) to develop and improve fusion reactor centre-column designs by understanding the effect of irradiation, intense plasma-exposure and high-heat flux (HHF) on advanced shielding materials degradation. This partnership, with a long-term vision of contributing to fusion commercialization efforts, will be delivered in active collaboration with world-leading fusion centres in the EU, and further guided by a steering committee comprised of subject-matter experts from the US and the UK. Meeting net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined by the Net Zero Government Initiative, requires green innovation technologies such as fusion energy which promises carbon-free, safe, secure and abundant power. The UK-based TE aims to demonstrate commercial fusion in the 2030s by combining its spherical tokamak design with rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) high-temperature superconducting magnet technology, thereby, opening a pathway for smaller more compact power-plants. Key to success is a robust “centre-column” design, a life-limiting component comprising of REBCO coils. However, these magnets are highly susceptible to radiation damage and heat. Smaller power-plants offer limited shielding volumes, necessitating high-performance advanced shielding materials, with a thorough understanding of their fusion-relevant in-service degradation phenomena. This is critical to enabling TE’s commercial spherical tokamaks. Key Challenge: Fusion in-vessel conditions are severe – high neutron bombardment (>100 displacements per atom, dpa), a wide temperature range (cryogenic in magnets to >1000 °C), intense plasma particle exposure (>1019 ions.m-2.s-1 of D,T, He, impurities etc.) and HHF (tens of MW/m2 to several GW/m2 during disruptions). Given these synergistic challenges, the primary shielding candidates for TE’s centre-column are novel ceramic shielding materials: reduced-activation binder tungsten carbide (rab-WC) and di-tungsten pentaboride (W2B5), which are protected by potassium doped tungsten (K-doped W) in the plasma facing regions. Shielding failure in-service would result in failure of the centre-column. But little is known regarding in-service degradation of these materials, over their wide envisaged operating temperature range from cryogenic to >750 °C, which is a major design-limiting challenge. Project Aims/Objectives: To make progress towards the overarching goal, the following short-term objectives, to be completed within three years, are proposed: Understanding radiation-induced degradation of ceramic shields from cryogenic to 800 °C (rab-WC, W2B5). Quantifying the effect of plasma exposure and HHF on K-doped W and rab-WC. Preliminary HHF testing of W-WC joints. Baseline neutronic and Multiphysics assessment of damaged shielding materials to guide a preliminary centre-column design using data from (i), (ii) and (iii). Applications and Benefits: By enabling TE to develop robust fusion in-vessel component designs guided by materials degradation knowledge, this study will (i) enable the UK to be a global leader in the technologies needed to decarbonise our economies and transition to net zero, and (ii) directly support the UK’s plan for bringing about a Green Industrial Revolution by commercializing fusion energy technology. By building partnership with the University of Birmingham, which has notable fusion materials expertise, and coinvesting in discovery science and engineering, TE stands to become a world-leader in fusion energy, placing the UK at the forefront of the fusion landscape and benefiting the wider UK economy
GRN: UKRI1106
Period: 01/09/2025 to 01/09/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
Technologies based on electrochemical flow systems are emerging as promising more-sustainable solutions for the global challenges of climate change, materials availability and clean water supply. They offer opportunities to meet the goals of the UK’s “Net Zero” strategy, through development of improved energy storage and improved electrochemical recycling of mineral and water resources. Electrochemical flow technologies are underpinned by a common operational mechanism, where performance is simultaneously governed by electrochemistry and hydrodynamics (flow, diffusion and convection), and share common electrochemical processes, that establish internal concentration gradients which are coupled with mass transport. While there is increasing interest in developing electrochemical flow technologies, their advancement, and ultimate commercialisation, is inhibited by a lack of understanding of the fundamental processes controlling them, limiting their improvement, optimisation and ultimately, their commercialisation. In this project, we will develop advanced characterisation techniques, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to non-invasively, holistically and simultaneously observe and quantify the interplay between electrochemistry and flow for the first time. These characterisation techniques will enable direct and simultaneous identification and localisation of species and depletion/reaction zones, while mapping diffusion and flow velocities of electrolytes/electrodes, in multivalent metal ion flow batteries, redox flow batteries and flow-electrode capacitive deionisation. The proposed project will design, construct and optimise flow cells and establish a suite of imaging protocols to study electrochemical flow systems. The development of these cells and imaging protocols will be guided by a range of test systems, pioneered by researchers developing electrochemical flow technologies. Systems will be selected, initially, from amongst those studied by our project partners, but will extend to systems beyond these, which are being advanced by researchers in the wider community. This project will deliver transformative insight into the behaviour and optimisation of a range of electrochemical flow systems, leading to an acceleration of their development. Our initial focus will be on redox flow batteries, multivalent metal-ion flow batteries and flow-electrode capacitive deionisation. However, the goal of the proposal is to not only advance these initial systems/technologies, but to develop the characterisation tools required to advance all electrochemical flow technologies. Our methods will be applicable to a diverse range of electrochemical storage systems, as well as electrochemical recycling of metals and other critical elements/materials, organic electrosynthesis and flow synthesis. Working with our project partners, we will ensure the MRI technique developments are guided by the applications. Building on the network of electrochemical researchers established in this project, we will engage with the wider electrochemistry, energy storage and sustainability communities, disseminating technical and scientific knowledge, and ensuring these techniques become more widely employed and accessible beyond the NMR and MRI communities. Therefore, this project will enable the establishment of novel operando flow cells and imaging protocols to advance our understanding of all electrochemical flow systems, the acceleration of technological innovation of electrochemical flow technologies through greater understanding of the fundamental molecular processes underpinning these more-sustainable electrochemical applications for the future, the creation of a national network of researchers developing electrochemical flow technologies, accelerate the UK's progress towards New Zero.
GRN: UKRI1162
Period: 01/01/2025 to 01/01/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
The proposed project, “CATALYSE”, will develop, and maintain long-term collaborations between Europe, China, South Africa, and Nigeria towards renewable dimethyl ether (DME) fuel production from CO2. This objective will be achieved through joint research in new process systems and material development in direct air capture (DAC) and utilisation. This requires skills and knowledge in experimental study, process modelling, analysis and optimisation, computational material design and catalysis which will be strengthened by the individual mobility of researchers between Europe and the participating countries. There are 14 partners involved in CATALYSE who are world-leading in their respective areas of which there are 3 industrial partners. CATALYSE will start in January 2025 for 48 months. There will be 25 experienced and 32 early-stage researchers to participate in 330 person-month exchange visits. A total of €1.52m funding is requested to support the planned exchange activities. The European partners are experts in process modelling and optimisation, process intensification, computational material design, catalysis, and CO2 utilisation while the Chinese partners are experts in process intensification, green hydrogen production and DAC. The South African partners are experts in DAC and sustainability assessments while the Nigeria partners are experts in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. Knowledge transfer and training will take place through the planned secondments. We will generate at least 30 Journal publications and 30 conference papers. In addition, 2 Special Issues will be published in leading journals such as Applied Energy, 2 Workshops and 2 Special Sessions at major international conferences will be organised to disseminate project results
GRN: EP/Y007778/2
Period: 02/09/2025 to 01/07/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
This research aims to develop a new type of material that can store hydrogen in a safe and efficient way at near-room temperature. Hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source, but currently, it is difficult to store and transport in large amounts. By using a combination of two different materials, we aim to create a high-capacity storage material that can be used in hydrogen fuel cell systems, which are a type of clean energy technology. We will use advanced techniques to understand how this new material works and how to improve it. The goal of this research is to make hydrogen a more practical and accessible energy source, which would have a positive impact on the environment and energy system. This project has the potential to create significant advancements in the hydrogen value chain and have global implications for the future energy system
GRN: EP/Z536258/1
Period: 01/06/2025 to 31/05/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
The sustainable generation of green hydrogen is a critical challenge in our transition towards net zero. Artificial photosynthetic systems based on photocatalytic particles in suspension offer one of the potentially lowest cost routes to green hydrogen production using sunlight. However the limited visible light absorption of most photocatalytic systems to date, typically based on metal oxides, has to date limited achievable conversion efficiencies. Recently, substantial breakthroughs have been achieved in the performance of photocatalyst particles based on organic semiconductors, harnessing solar light across the visible and near infrared. However to date efficient hydrogen generation has only been achieved in the presence of sacrificial electron donors. In this project, we will focus on the development of organic heterojunction photocatalysts with controlled nanomorphology and their integration into a hybrid organic / inorganic tandem system for green hydrogen synthesis from water without any sacrificial species. The project brings together the expertise of the Durrant group at Imperial in the spectroscopy and photochemical function of photocatalytic systems with the McCulloch group's expertise in the design and synthesis of organic semiconductors. It further benefits from the participation of two talented researcher / co-investigators, Dr Soranyel Gonzalez Carrera (Imperial) with expertise in nanoparticle processing and photocatalytic characterisation and Dr Catherine Aitchison at Oxford with expertise in templating strategies for organic photocatalysts. The project will focus on the synthesis, characterisation and optimisation of visible / near IR absorbing organic heterojunction photocatalyst nanoparticles. Optimised nanoparticles will be tested in a tandem Z-scheme configuration with facet engineered Bismuth Vanadate particles supplied by our project partner, Prof Can Li from the University of Dalian, in order to achieve overall water splitting. Two strategies will be explored to fabricate heterojunction nanoparticles: i) blended organic heterojunction nanoparticles of selected donor polymers matched with molecular acceptors, using our established nanoemulsion solution processing technique and ii) templated covalent organic framework heterojunctions formed through our novel templating technique of D/A polymer sheets. Both systems will be functionalised with a molecular proton reduction catalyst to maximise selective proton reduction to H2, with nanomorphology and surfactant control used to optimise selective oxidation of a reversible FeII/FeIII redox couple. A core element of this project will be in-depth photophysical characterisation on timescales from fs to seconds, allowing us to determine the timescales of charge separation, recombination, and transfer to the proton reduction catalyst and FeII/FeIII, enabling iterative optimisation of each of these steps and thereby overall photocatalytic performance. Optimised photocatalysts will be selected on the basis of their efficiency for hydrogen generation and their stability, and then integrated into an overall water-splitting Z-scheme system with the BiVO4 water oxidation photocatalysts. The project has thus three specific objectives: -Development of organic semiconductor heterojunction photocatalysts with optimised (nano)morphology, high (photo)stability and selective proton reduction / FeII oxidation -In-depth mechanistic studies using advanced transient optical spectroscopies to identify the key performance descriptors and iterative materials design guidelines. -Optimisation in a Z-Scheme tandem system by integrating organic heterojunction photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution with BiVO4 oxygen evolution photocatalysts using a redox couple to achieve overall water splitting with STH efficiency of >1 %
GRN: UKRI641
Period: 01/09/2025 to 01/09/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
One of the main challenges in delivering the decarbonisation of the built environment is represented by the high embodied carbon of concrete, the main used construction material. Due to the thermochemical processes involved in the preparation of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), the most common type of cement used in the sector, concrete has an average embodied carbon of about 300 kgCO2/m3, out of which more than 95% attributable to OPC, whose production is responsible for ~8% of global CO2 emissions. Globally, about 12-14 billion m3 of concrete are produced annually, using about 4.2 billion tonnes of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), whilst its consumption in the UK is about 15Mt/year. A common decarbonation strategy consists of partial substitution of OPC with supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), whose chemical composition (presence of Ca, Si, and Al) and physical structure (mainly amorphous) support the reactions involved in the cement hardening. The UK consumption of SCM is about 4Mt/year. Commonly used SCM are by-products from other industrial processes, mainly slag from steel production (ggbs) or ash from hard coal combustion in power station (fly ash). Due to shifts from current steel and electricity productions, ggbs and fly ash are becoming scarce. Calcined clays (mainly metakaolin) have attracted growing attention recently. However, not every clay is suitable for calcination, neither are large volumes of mineral waste with suitable chemical composition (e.g. construction and demolition waste, dredged material, waste soil or rock), but lacking amorphous structure. The application of shockwaves has been proved to modify the lattice structure of inorganic silicates, leading to amorphous conditions. However, this approach has never been explored to produce SCM. Shockwave generation and application can be obtained with different methods. These techniques are usually outside the civil engineering expertise, where shockwaves are investigated only in relation with explosive blasting (either for intended purposes such as excavation or demolition, or for passive protection against explosions), or earthquakes. The investigation of shockwave generation and propagation is instead carried out in aerodynamics, or matter studies in physics. One of the methods for shockwave generation mentioned in the literature refers to the application of short- and ultra-short-pulse laser. The collaboration between the applicant and the Central Laser Facility team represents therefore an extraordinary opportunity to create a fruitful, novel, and complementary partnership across two relatively far fields or research. PRICE-SCM will be the very first investigation on novel and transformative approaches aiming to produce SCM by application of shock waves on geological materials or industrial by-products, addressing the formidable challenge of unlocking the potential of large volumes of SCM diverted from landfill and made available as SCM, significantly impacting the carbon emissions of concrete and construction industry. The project objectives are: (i) to determine the effects of shock waves on the physical structure of powders such as clays or waste from industry, clarifying the optimum conditions to achieve a low-carbon and low-energy transition from crystalline to amorphous materials; (ii) to prove and quantify the reactivity performances of processed materials in the manufacture of cementitious blends by partial to total substitution of traditional binders such as Portland cement or fly ash and slag; and (iii) to determine the embodied carbon of the novel SCM and the energy use for their production, considering suitable shockwave generation and application methods
GRN: UKRI313
Period: 01/01/2025 to 01/01/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
The Global South is disproportionately vulnerable to climate change due to widespread poverty, inequality, and reliance on climate-dependent sectors, while island-based and coastal communities are among the most vulnerable due to rising sea levels, warming temperatures, and increasingly, extreme weather. Those that live on remote islands are often off-grid and resort to fossil-fuel-based provisions where possible to enable connectivity, productivity and consumption yet adding to carbon emissions that detrimentally affect their environments. This POWERE project will respond to the countervailing challenges of remote coastal communities wanting regular electricity, while lowering carbon emissions through innovating in next-generation floating photovoltaic (FPV) solar units in Indonesia—the largest archipelagic nation with 17,000+ islands. These alternative renewables will be pursued with women-led self-help groups (SHGs) among our partners’ established networks—SHGs who to date have not been engaged in renewable energy and rely upon diesel generators for electricity. The project's goals are to empower marginalised women deemed as ‘experts of everyday life’ to be at the helm of socio-technical step changes by working with FPV for remote island SHGs invested in seaweed farming. We will embed technological developments in context and in peer-to-peer networks to appraise their impact socially, economically and environmentally, including researching socio-cultural or behavioural changes and any in-group or neighbouring group benefits and tensions that may arise. Our focus then is on a holistic and synergised understanding of sustainability from social, economic, energy, environmental, and knowledge/skills-based perspectives. The main aims and objectives are to: co-develop FPV projects for off-grid island/coastal populations; conduct participatory research in 3 villages in Indonesia’s poorer outer islands with women-led seaweed farming groups for community learning and comparative analysis; co-design, deploy, and implement 4 near-shore FPV units (minimum 10 kilowatt each) and energy storage in each of the 3 villages to support seaweed farming (e.g. drying technology) and value-added activities (e.g. processing raw seaweed into finished goods for local markets); evaluate FPV’s impact on community and women’s productivity and livelihoods; establish peer-to-peer-network to channel knowledge, skills and outputs to neighbouring areas; organise regional and international conferences to incentivise stakeholders with multiple advantages of moving away from fossil-fuel reliance; develop multilingual, multi-media toolkit including text, design illustrations, infographics, photography and films with (i) capacity-building and training modules, and (ii) best practice, socially-embedded business models, and financial options for off-grid island/coastal communities foregrounding SHGs, marginalised coastal livelihoods, and human-environment challenges; disseminate outputs widely to ODA-recipient countries with off-grid island/coastal communities (e.g. Philippines, Vietnam, Timor Leste). The project is interdisciplinary, innovative and inclusive, responding to specific challenge areas of next generation solar, decarbonisation, and inclusive energy and leaving no-one behind. Project outputs include: FPV units for off-grid communities; peer-to-peer workshops and POWERE network; community-led regional conference; multimedia, multilingual toolkit including design, socially-embedded business, financial and best practice models in inclusive renewables; films—for training; to document project showcasing pilot project for public screenings; and social media clips; impact roadmap including Southeast Asian countries with remote off-grid island/coastal communities; policy briefings for local/national governmental bodies, (I)NGOs, and coastal management partnerships etc.; online symposium to engage stakeholders in Global South with similar remote, off-grid island/coastal communities and environments; 3 co-authored media articles (e.g. Conversation, Rappler, Tempo); 6 interdisciplinary open-access journal articles (e.g. Ecology and Society, Sustainable Development, Energy, Sustainability and Society, Gender and Development, HAU, Southeast Asia Research); project report; project website
GRN: UKRI650
Period: 01/07/2025 to 01/01/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
UKRI has recently invested in a Photoinduced Force Microscope (PiFM) which is used by The UK Catalysis Hub applied to local catalyst chemistry. This powerful tool – one of the few currently available worldwide – is ideally placed to provide a previously unobtainable detailed understanding of the edge chemistries of 2D nanomaterial edges. In this collaborative project, we will combine the nanomaterials expertise at UCL with the characterisation strengths of the UK Catalysis Hub to measure the IR spectra of nanosheet and nanoribbon edges with near atomic precision for the first time. These insights open bountiful opportunities across nanomaterial science from understanding and controlling nanoribbon synthesis mechanisms, to dictating edge-patterned functionalisaiton. Beyond the unparalleled insight into 2D nanomaterial chemistries, the work will further cement the UK and the UK Catalysis Hub as a world-leading centre for PiFM and advanced microscopy research
GRN: UKRI785
Period: 01/08/2025 to 11/09/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
This project will demonstrate a proof-of-concept prototype of a novel synthesis of green ammonia using water directly as a hydrogen source, and nitrogen (from air) building on previous EPSRC-funded research outcomes (EP/X016757/1). The main disruptive aspect of the technology is that it is driven by solar concentrated energy or efficient electricity-to-heat, negating the need of capital-intensive electrolysers. In addition, the new process will be inherently efficient, intermittent to align to the production of renewable energy, low-capital cost and modular, facilitating distributed manufacturing. The intended prototype will de-risk the technology to accelerate its future implementation. The use of ammonia as an energy vector will accelerate the achievement of UK Net Zero goals by resolving one of the key challenges: alignment of the production of renewable energy with our energy demands through a carbon-free, easy to liquify and store energy vector. Indeed, ammonia is a readily competitive energy carrier due to its high energy density, existing global transportation and storage infrastructure. However, as all other e-fuels (e.g. methanol, sustainable aviation fuels), their synthesis through conventional thermocatalytic processes require the use of capital-intensive and energy-inefficient electrolysers. Considering the UK’s overseas dependency on electrolyser manufacturing capacity and their high capital cost, the chances of achieving the UK Government’s target of 10 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030 seem elusive, making the project particularly timely and opportune
GRN: EP/U536787/1
Period: 01/08/2025 to 31/07/2030
Funding Source: EPSRC
Cooling is a fundamental means to preserve peoples' good-health and well-being. Yet, it is one of the most energy demanding anthropogenic activities with global demand forecasted to increase manifold in the near future. Accordingly, we are called upon to resolve a great paradox whereby, reversing climate change necessitates strides to energy efficiency and elimination of greenhouse emissions, amid exploding demand for energy intensive processes like cooling. An emerging solution to this conundrum is passive daytime radiative cooling. The process elegantly leverages the cold Universe, converting it into an inexhaustible heatsink for the thermal radiation from objects on Earth. The cooling power current state-of-art systems achieve is enough to lower their temperature by typically 3-5°C. Compare with the fundamental limits of the technology though - 50-60°C below ambient - and it becomes obvious that today's operating point is at least an order of magnitude below the true technological potential. The bottleneck in current systems lies with the conductive and convective parasitic heat losses. Should these losses be eliminated, radiatively cooled surfaces would be freed up to equilibrate at refrigeration temperatures. To accomplish this task, advanced thermal engineering solutions will be developed, inspired by cutting-edge vacuum insulation, aerogel, nanophotonic and organic electronic encapsulation technologies. As they stand however, none of these technologies are directly compatible with radiative cooling. As such, every single component has to be radically rethought and meticulously redesigned, creating in the process a breakthrough new technology termed the Radiatively Cooled - Vacuum Insulation Panel (RC-VIP). By fully exploiting this platform technology, literally any cooling "hungry" sector can be targeted for decarbonization: the built and transport environments, data-centres, food coldchains, cooling in industrial and life-science applications, and so on
GRN: UKRI786
Period: 01/07/2025 to 01/07/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
Offshore energy systems are expected to play a vital role in the UK’s transition to net-zero. These systems – which will comprise offshore electricity and hydrogen production, multi-vector energy networks, and energy conversion systems – will need to be inherently resilient while also enhancing the resilience of the onshore systems to which they connect. However, whilst there are tools and methods for studying the reliability and resilience of individual components of the offshore energy system, there is a lack of integrated tools which can assess the resilience of the whole offshore energy system and account for crucial interdependencies. Fortunately, by adapting existing research on energy system resilience and multi-vector energy networks, our proposal can address this gap without the need for new fundamental research. The ResTOrES project will develop, test, and demonstrate a prototype resilience assessment toolkit for offshore energy systems. The toolkit will enable the quantification of resilience in terms of appropriate metrics during both standard operation and extreme events. The ResTOrES toolkit will make use of high-resolution climate model outputs to ensure that weather impacts can be appropriately represented within the extreme events for both a present day and future climate. The energy-climate data previously developed by the project team includes projections from multiple climate models including state-of-the-art data from the UK climate projections (UKCP18). A case study will be used to test and demonstrate the toolkit. This will focus on the North Sea, which will be connected to an existing multi-vector onshore network model of the North of Tyne region. The resilience of the offshore energy system, whose design will be informed by project stakeholders and proposed offshore developments, will be assessed as will the impact on the resilience of the onshore energy system. Different interventions to enhance will be tested and their impact on resilience will be quantified using new resilience metrics developed within the project. The value of taking a systems approach will also be quantified by comparing resilience from a whole system perspective with the current, siloed approach in which projects are considered in isolation. The case study systems and scenarios will give us the capability to test the prototype toolkit, refine it, and demonstrate its capabilities. At the end point of the project we aim to bring the toolkit to a level of maturity which can be passed on to a project partner for implementation as a product or service.
GRN: UKRI341
Period: 02/07/2025 to 19/02/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
Power transformers play a crucial role in electric power transmission and distribution systems, being both expensive and strategically important. Their prolonged efficient operation is essential to prevent long-term power outages. With tens of thousands of transformers worldwide approaching the end of their typical 30-40 year lifespan, the question of recycling becomes significant. Remarkably, around 95% of a power transformer's materials could potentially be recycled. Recognizing the importance of a circular economy, the European Commission adopted a Circular Economy plan in 2020, aiming to shift from a linear "take, make, dispose" model to a circular one where waste becomes a new resource. While the initial focus was on energy efficiency in transformers, the impact of materials is not negligible. The upcoming revision of the eco-design regulation for transformers in 2023 will introduce new requirements on material efficiency. The proposed project will develop research on transformer retrofilling with alternative or recycled insulating liquids. This technique is based on the replacement of the mineral oil of a transformer in service with a biodegradable and less-flammable fluid. The procedure would lead to safer and more environmentally friendly transformers and could allow the application of higher loads, deferring the replacement of equipment in service. However, the technique has not been sufficiently studied, it is needed to evaluate the impact of retrofilling on the operation of the transformer and to assess its economic and technical feasibility. Project's researchers have applied the circular economy concept to power transformers in various ways during project definition: a) Evaluating the efficient use of materials throughout a transformer's life cycle (renewable or re-refined oils instead of conventional oils) b) Lifetime extension through dielectric and thermal design review and guidance on operation and maintenance
GRN: EP/U536714/1
Period: 01/07/2025 to 30/06/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
Context, place and cluster: The 2022 Science and Innovation Audit (SIA)1 for the Liverpool City Region (LCR) highlights Net Zero and Maritime as an emerging regional capability, with net zero being an area in which the LCR Combined Authority (CA) has stated its ambition to grow an innovation cluster. The LCR hosts one of the UK's largest maritime clusters, encompassing shipping and ports; renewable energy generation; and international freight logistics. LCR is the gateway of a nascent green shipping corridor linking the Irish sea and cross-Atlantic routes, which from political and economic perspectives, are of national strategic importance. The two principal LCR HEIs (LJMU and UoL), have been working in close collaboration with a community of industrial and policy partners, whose expertise spans the breadth of the maritime net zero sector through multiple real-world projects in the region (e.g., Bibby's world-first large electric ship2). Challenges: The LCR has the advanced innovation infrastructure (e.g., Innovation Board, SIA, Innovation Prospectus1 3) and a strong innovation asset base with market-defined comparative advantages (e.g., Port and Manchester Ship Canal). 1) What is lacking currently is an established interlinking framework necessary to underpin a fully-functional innovation ecosystem that can facilitate strong, productive and sustainable collaborations between academic, civic and business actors. 2) Also lacking is an approach to defining the best pathway for research impact to accelerate maritime decarbonisation in a currently 'hard to abate' sector which falls outside the LCRCA's Net Zero by 2040 pledge. MaLaMi aims to realise the co-creation and impact acceleration of the applied research base, and establish the foundations for future innovation-based growth that translates new developments in research and technology into commercial applications and non-academic impact, via the following three objectives: O1) To facilitate a step change strengthening the potential functioning and subsequent impact of an established research-civic-business innovation ecosystem, focused on the translation of research through TRL3-5. O2) To facilitate diverse and novel interdisciplinary public-private research collaborations, and sustainable partnerships, that allows for the translation of fundamental research into practical solutions and implementation plans relevant to the industry. O3) To provide an environment that supports and accelerates the careers of next-generation researchers and technical specialists through responsible research and innovation (RRI) training, and opportunities to lead project streams with impact potential.
GRN: EP/Z536428/1
Period: 07/07/2025 to 06/01/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
Proposal context Ambitious net-zero targets and society's expectation for a continuous 'on-demand', clean, secure, and sustainable energy commodity necessitates a significant expansion in the UK's electrical infrastructure. The DfT's 2022 report "Taking Charge: the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure strategy" and the APC's automotive battery end-of-life value chain roadmap, published in June 2023, highlight strategic economic benefits associated with this challenge. Regional and UK-wide prosperity, allied with extending battery life provides the support needed to grow a second hand EV market to allow vehicles to be more affordable, whilst simultaneously improving environmental stewardship through improved recycling and a reduction in demand for critical raw materials, further reducing energy usage. The challenge the project addresses and how it will be applied to this: Extending battery life through tactical replacement or repair of battery cells and / or modules provides a manifold of benefits and offers new market opportunities for the transportation sector. Presently, battery designs and those sub-assembly electrical connections between cells and busbars are created using fusion or solid-state bonded processes producing non-reversible joints; i.e., separation of joints is a destructive activity if they are to be replaced, repaired or recycled. Mechanical methods have been investigated and used for early designs, but these are vulnerable to 'efficiency drop-off' triggered by 'resistance ageing', resulting from thermal and corrosive activities between the connection interfaces and loosening of connections caused by random vibrations. The University of Sheffield, Heriot-Watt University and the University of the West of Scotland will develop a sustainable manufacturing process for battery applications, enabling assembly, non-destructive disassembly and reassembly between electrical connections to achieve full recovery of the cells and busbars. Our EPSRC funding request brings together expertise from across multifarious engineering disciplines: surface engineering and flow dynamics; materials science; joining; AI; and tooling design. We will utilise outputs from previous EPSRC funding projects; e.g., 'NASCENT' to accelerate capability to produce a reversible solution.
GRN: UKRI783
Period: 21/07/2025 to 21/07/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
This project aims to showcase the commercial viability of our novel algae-based carbon capture and utilisation technology (ACCU), to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial-led scale-up and implementation. Our technology utilises surplus renewable electricity to convert industrial CO2 emissions into valuable products, ranging from high-value food supplements to natural pigments or biofertilisers. Unlike conventional algae systems, our process employs an innovative two-stage approach for CO2 capture and algae cultivation, to balance out fluctuations in CO2 production and uptake (based on availability of light/electricity), as well as simplifying photobioreactor operation and facilitating CO2 transport to offsite locations. In addition to capturing carbon, our technology could be seamlessly integrated with other plant operations to fulfil secondary functions such as wastewater treatment and polishing, biogas upgrading into biomethane, or balancing out national grid fluctuations. Our technology could play a particularly important role for capturing and utilising emissions from small-to medium size emitters, which lack access to CO2 networks and are mostly excluded from national carbon capture strategies. These less energy intensive, dispersed sites account for 17.1 MtCO2e year-1, or 24% of total industrial emissions, requiring the urgent development of alternative carbon abatement solutions to meet the UKs Net Zero targets (2021 Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy). In addition, the algae product could be used to replace fossil carbon inputs to the agricultural, chemical or energy sectors, to enable a fair transition to Net Zero. Having already successfully demonstrated the operation of the technology under laboratory conditions, this proposed project seeks to test and evaluate the process under industrially relevant conditions. Working closely with our strategic project partners, representing CO2 emitters from different industries, we will identify and select potential target products which maximise value for their business, mimic site-specific conditions in our laboratories and explore opportunities for further integration with their existing processes. Findings will be summarised in the form of implementation case studies to illustrate the potential adaptation of ACCU within the context of the three industries represented by our partners. These case studies will be shared with funders, business users and policy makers to inform and educate on the potential benefits, gaps and barriers of implementing ACCU within different settings. Based on this work, we will select one of the partners for on-site trials using a bespoke prototype unit compatible with their existing operations. Leveraging digital twin technology, we will optimise system performance to maximise volumetric productivity and conversion of captured carbon into algae biomass and valuable products. At the same time, we will develop forward-looking tools that empower businesses to identify viable commercial pathways to accelerate the adoption of algae-based carbon capture and utilisation technologies. Ultimately, the project will deliver a clear and robust business case to support further industry-led implementation and scale-up via Innovate UK or equivalent funding channels
GRN: UKRI1489
Period: 01/06/2025 to 01/06/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
This proposal offers a new low-cost technology for powering communications and energy applications in space namely, cadmium telluride-based photovoltaic (PV) on ultra-thin glass. Space PV is expected to experience a rapid increase in demand, the European Space Agency has forecast a PV production requirement of at least 10 GWp/year by 2035. Currently, global space PV is produced at only ~1 MW/year. An example of the rapid growth in demand is seen with constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink, providing global communications coverage and consisting of many thousands of individual satellites each of which are powered by PV. The project will target a step-change in cadmium telluride-based PV AM0 cell efficiency with unparalleled radiation stability. This will deliver a cost-effective and supremely lightweight technology capable of meeting the scale-up challenges for powering communications and energy applications in space. The project will address fundamental challenges aimed at advancing the technology towards validation in the laboratory environment. Targeting high specific power, crucial to reduce launch cost and number of launches for emerging space applications, by increasing AM0 efficiency and reducing the cell mass. Use proton and electron irradiation studies to prove that cadmium telluride-based PV’s will lead to much longer operational lifetimes compared with existing space PV technologies. Develop passive optical coatings for anti-reflection and simultaneously control emissivity and PV temperature. Develop a comprehensive techno-economic manufacturing cost analysis, testing the prediction of a two-order of magnitude reduction in £/Wp compared to current space PV products. Identify routes to manufacturing the cadmium telluride-based PV and determine its volume/time potential to meet the demands of the growing space PV market. The outcomes of this research will feed into the vibrant renewable energy sector and are an excellent fit with the EPSRC research theme, Energy and Decarbonisation. Within this theme, there is a clear focus on thin films, flexible PV, and the utilisation of new materials. The timeliness and need of this proposal are supported by a recent multi-million-pound investment made by the UK Government to jump start its ambition to use solar energy generated in space, part of the flagship £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio
GRN: UKRI568
Period: 02/06/2025 to 02/06/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
In order to meet the UK's net-zero goals, new energy storage technologies that can store enough energy for large transport applications on land, air and sea will be required. The lithium-ion batteries that have revolutionised the EV market lack the gravimetric energy density needed for such high-energy applications. Lithium-sulfur batteries exploit redox reactions on sulfur-based positive electrodes, rather than the metal oxide found in lithium-ion batteries, offering drastic enhancements in energy density and potentially game-changing progress in electrified transportation. The most pressing challenge is to extend the cycle life to the thousands of cycles needed in transport applications. In current systems the lithium metal electrode reacts with dissolved sulfur species found in the liquid electrolyte resulting in degradation and hindering long-term cycling of the battery. Gelion has pioneered the quasi-solid-state lithium-sulfur battery, which contains a high concentration electrolyte that forces the sulfur and its intermediates into the solid-state, significantly improving the battery performance by preventing sulfur loss from the electrode. However, the reaction between the lithium metal and the cell components remains problematic for long term use and cycle life does not meet requirements for large transportation applications. The University of Nottingham and Gelion have co-developed this proposal to tackle this problem by developing hybrid electrolyte cells. This ambitious target can only be met through the synergistic collaboration of our teams. In the hybrid electrolyte cell, lithium metal is protected from reacting with the cell components by coating it with a solid electrolyte, which is in turn separated from the positive electrode by the high concentration electrolytes used in the quasi-solid-state lithium-sulfur battery. Degradation reactions between the solid and liquid electrolytes are expected, and these will be studied using fundamental chemical and electrochemical methods to understand the mechanism of these unknown reactions and determine how they impact the electrochemical properties of the cell. The impact of these degradation processes on cell performance will be determined and mitigation strategies will be employed, such as the addition of protective coatings onto the surface of the solid electrolytes to stabilize the solid-liquid interface. We aim to build a lab-scale prototype cell that can achieve hundreds of cycles with high capacity retention. The programme will yield significant new intellectual property which will be captured through close collaboration between the academic and industrial partners for exploitation and commercialization of the quasi-solid-state lithium-sulfur battery within the UK
GRN: EP/U536878/1
Period: 01/05/2025 to 30/04/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Geothermal technology epitomises the challenges of effective interfacing between engineering, physical and natural sciences. A geothermal facility involves inducing heat flow through two thermal resistances in series. For shallow and deep closed-loop systems, one thermal resistance is represented by the geothermal borehole and its infrastructure (casing, grout/cement, heat exchangers and transfer fluid), which can be specified and engineered with high precision. The other thermal resistance is the ground itself, whose properties are variable and controlled by nature. Heat transfer fluid does not have direct hydraulic contact with the surrounding formation, only transferring heat through conduction, thus reducing geological and reservoir risk. In predicting the performance of a geothermal system, the variability of natural properties must be characterised empirically. Modelling techniques must be employed that propagate uncertainty to outcomes (i.e., available thermal power) in a transparent and statistically defensible manner. The important thermal properties in conduction-dominated settings for subsurface heat extraction and storage are thermal conductivity, volumetric heat capacity and internal heat production. However, databases of rock thermo-physical properties for geothermal engineers are limited and often do not specify measurement conditions. Furthermore, the various multi-scale datasets require mutual calibration against each other and empirical analysis of their relationships. Government funded studies have therefore recommended systematic data acquisition and compilation. All participating nations in this proposal have large ambitions for geothermal technology and share fundamental similarities: i) continuous shared geological "terrane" from Northern Ireland, through Scotland to Norway in the form of the Caledonian orogenic belt, ii) extensive areas of "hard rock" lithology: exposure is good and representative intact rock samples of uniform size can readily be retrieved and tested, and iii) generation of large quantities of renewable electricity that can be used in geothermal heat pumps (GHP). Caledonian rocks have high geothermal potential due to their high thermal conductivities and radiogenic heat production values. The THERMOCAL vision is to carry out a systematic measurement programme - with unified sampling and analytical methodologies - of lithologies in the Caledonian terrane and underlying Precambrian basement across northern UK and Norway. Bespoke modelling of closed-loop systems will allow Investigation on the impact of data on real-world geothermal engineering applications, such as GHPs - both shallow and deep. This will result in: i) a public, representative and quality-assured database of the thermal and radiogenic properties of lithologies of the Caledonian orogenic belt, ii) improved quality assurance for the determination of these properties via interlaboratory ring testing and method harmonisation, iii) the comparison between different types of data, and iv) calibrated modelling approaches to representatively incorporate uncertainty in rock properties into engineering heat transfer models of geothermal infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the de-risking of further geothermal developments. These outcomes will benefit geothermal engineers designing future sustainable geothermal systems, and households who require efficient and reliable clean heat. The outputs will also be of importance to fields including: underground energy storage, underground structures (e.g., tunnels) and storage of thermogenic wastes, while the gamma spectrometry data may provide background for evaluation of potential national uranium and thorium reserves
GRN: UKRI1237
Period: 01/06/2025 to 01/06/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
This project brings together leading researchers from the UK and Germany to develop the scientific understanding needed to create a new generation of memory-devices characterised by very low energy consumption and switching times of one trillionth of a second. This requires the development of new devices capable of operating at corresponding frequencies called terahertz (THz - 1012 Hz) i.e. thousand times faster than that used in current data communication and processing standards. Such very short pulses of electro-magnetic radiation are among the shortest stimuli available in science and technology and are made from light particles, photons, whose energies naturally match those of elementary quantum magnets, called “spins”. The THz excitation of the spins (THz spintronics) will be strong enough to induce switching of the spin orientation, representing the elementary act of writing a bit of information. As THz photons exactly match the excitation energy, this represents the optimally energy efficient switching regime, avoiding the localised heating that plagues current energy assisted data storage schemes. The key idea behind the project is to develop THz spintronics both as broadband THz emitters and as a technology capable of switching the magnetic state of a data storage element. The emitters will generate very strong pulses of THz radiation using emitters based on ultrathin layers of magnetic and non-magnetic metals. By exciting this system with an extremely short laser pulse (50 quadrillionths of a second), a transport of spins can be generated in the magnetic layer, which travels into the non-magnetic layer, resulting in the generation of an ultrashort burst of the electric current and the emission of a THz pulse. We will focus and concentrate this THz emission with an antenna onto another magnet, to switch a nanoscale magnetic bit. Our studies are expected to deliver unprecedented insights into the physics of light-magnetism interactions on extreme time and length scales while laying the fundament for the data storage technology of the future. The project is expected to cement an enduring collaboration with the bilateral partners providing a framework for new directions in the field of THz technology and ultrafast magnetism and spintronics
GRN: UKRI638
Period: 16/06/2025 to 16/06/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
Context Transportation accounts for 1/5th of global CO2 emissions from energy and about 20% of that could be reduced through lightweighting of metallic components. A promising strategy to achieve that is to use net-shape manufacturing processes—such as additive manufacturing (AM)—to re-design parts with optimised geometry and to employ low density materials, such as aluminium (Al) alloys. The main problem with this strategy, however, is that Al parts made by AM exhibit sub-optimal properties, which hinder their certification and use in safety-critical applications, such as in aviation. The connection enabled by this project This project will promote collaborative work between the University of Cambridge (UoC) and the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) as part of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to devise scalable AM processes for lightweight Al structures that are of interest to their industrial members, such as Airbus. The project will capitalize on the microstructure control strategies developed by the UoC research group, which will be applied to an alloy system selected by the MTC and which will be scaled up for technology validation (TRL4-6). As such, this project aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application and—by working with Airbus—to promote the adoption of AM for sustainable aviation. The challenge addressed Laser-based AM processes typically yield builds with heterogeneous microstructure and anisotropic properties. This is due to the variable and directional thermal flux experienced by the material during AM. As a result, AM parts must undergo involved and costly heat treatments aimed at homogenising their microstructure to bring their properties within specifications. This additional hurdle hampers the adoption of AM by the industry, offsetting the potential of this technology for lightweighting and thus for reducing carbon emissions in transportation. Aims and objectives This project will directly address the above challenge. Focusing on a special Al alloy—called Aheadd® CP1 (developed by Constellium)—which has been designed specifically for laser-based AM, the research team will demonstrate the ability to make samples and miniaturized parts with controlled microstructure and mechanical properties (including yield stress, impact energy, and fracture toughness), which are within the specifications set by Airbus. The work will consist of two consecutive steps: i) inducing microstructures that can be homogenised via traditional heat treatments, thus streamlining the production of Al parts by AM, and ii) producing parts that exhibit the desired, homogeneous microstructure in their as-built condition, and thus require no additional heat treatment whatsoever. Potential applications and benefits The direct beneficiary of the work is Airbus. The company has great interest in using AM technology to optimise the geometry of Al parts used in aircraft. However, the involved and costly post-processing required to certify parts has offset the adoption of AM significantly so far. One potential application of this project outcomes is in the manufacturing of topology-optimised, high-strength landing gears in civil aircraft. The project will also benefit the team at UoC, who will be able to translate their materials processing strategies and microstructure designs from the lab to real-world applications
GRN: UKRI562
Period: 01/04/2025 to 01/04/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
The UK Government has set out ambitious net zero target by 2050. Though battery electric vehicles (BEV) can achieve zero carbon emissions locally, there are concerns around high capital cost, limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, weight, size, and durability of batteries. In particular, they are not suited for heavy vehicles, marine vessels and aviation, as well as non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) for agriculture, mining and construction. To achieve the ambitious net zero targets, alternative net-zero technologies need to be researched, developed, and implemented. The need for green fuels is widely accepted for such applications, with policy efforts in this direction driven by both national and international organisations, for mitigating climate change as well as building energy security. Among green fuels, hydrogen (H2) is recognised by the IEA as the most appropriate energy storage and energy carrier for long-term energy storage and transport. Therefore, many countries, including UK, Europe, US, and Japan, have been exploring the potential of hydrogen and have taken steps towards developing a hydrogen economy. The UK plans to meet an estimated 2035% of its energy needs through hydrogen. As a zero-carbon fuel, hydrogen can be used in combustion engines. Over the last few years, significant interest and effort have been invested in demonstrating the use of hydrogen in combustion engines for various applications. This Prosperity Partnership provides excellent opportunity to further collaborations between Brunel, AIE and MAHLE Powertrain on developing dedicated ultra-high efficiency and zero emission hydrogen engines. The proposed collaboration will make use of the comprehensive experimental and modelling facilities and capabilities for hydrogen combustion engine research at Brunel University London. It will build on the existing successful collaborations between the University and the two industrial partners. Through this partnership, Brunel will further strengthen its research capacity and capability on hydrogen engines, and deliver social and economic impact by transferring the knowledge into product development and commercialisation by AIE and MAHLE Powertrain. The partnership is of key strategic important to AIE and MAHLE Powertrain, and enables them keep technological advantage against their competitors for sustainable market growth. The proposed collaboration will enable AIE to develop demonstrable H2 rotary engine technology that is now being requested by potential customers and provide MAHLE Powertrain with the analytical tools for their engineering consultancy business. Additionally, the Prosperity Partnership will enable the transfer of advanced material and engineering technologies from automotive piston engines by MAHLE Powertrain to the development of advanced rotary engines by AIE. Furthermore, the prosperity partnership will help to train the next generation of engineers who will be essential for the development ofzero-carbon engine technologies by the industrial partners and beyond. Through the close collaborations between Brunel, AIE and MAHLE Powertrain, the developed hydrogen combustion engines will decarbonise vehicles, marine vessels, NRMM and aircrafts at a much lower cost basis and the energy supply infrastructure scales with the existing established supply chain, enabling a faster and more sustainable transition towards net zero
GRN: EP/Z536167/1
Period: 01/06/2025 to 31/05/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
High speed data communication underpins many important facets of modern life. High speed internet, online learning, high-definition video streaming, cloud computing, video conferencing, online gaming, artificial intelligence and the inner works of computers themselves all rely on the ability to transfer vast quantities of data at high speed. With the continuous introduction of increasing advanced and data hungry applications, the demand for bandwidth has grown relentlessly and is set to continue into the future. As data transmission rates increase so does power consumption and in some cases can dominate the power usage of the entire computing system. The growth of power use in the ICT industry is a major global concern with predictions showing that it could account for 20% of electricity usage worldwide and emit up to 5.5% of the world's carbon emissions by 2025. To support the growth in data demands it is of paramount importance that data communication technology is able to keep pace whilst minimising power use. Communication links are continuously being converted from working in the electrical domain to the optical domain since much more data can be transmitted optically with lower power consumption. The conversion is moving to progressively shorter links as the available technology becomes more cost effective and electrical bandiwdth limits are reached. Silicon photonic technology has been a key enabler of the conversion particularly in the data centre application space since the technology allows production of integrated photonics transceiver chips in a reliable, low-cost CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) manner. Within the optical transmission link the process of converting electrical data into an optical format typically dominates power consumption. It is performed either by using an external optical modulator or by directly modulating the laser and for shorter optical links to be viable, their power usage must be reduced. For example, after almost two decades of research the performance of the silicon based optical modulator has manged to reach 100Gbaud with 1 pj/bit power consumption (including drive and tuning power), but power requirements for off chip and on chip links are ~100fJ/bit and 10fJ/bit respectively. For silicon photonic data transmission technology to meet these stringent energy and bandwidth requirements the hybrid integration of materials with stronger electro-optic effects onto silicon is essential as this will allow vast reductions in power consumption. In this proposal, we apply an advanced geometrically defined crystal growth process, tunnel epitaxy, to grow III-V semiconductors onto silicon photonic chips for use in a new-generation of optical modulation technology. The approach offers unique advantages in terms of footprint, yield, material quality and the ability to laterally grade doping levels during the growth process allowing precise optimisation of the trade-off between device bandwidth and optical loss. Combining the strength of the silicon photonics expertise at Southampton and the III-V on Si manufacturing at Cardiff, we will design and fabricate both external optical modulators and directly modulated light sources with state-of-the-art performance, targeting both short and ultra-short data reach applications. We will produce devices with 100Gbaud transmission with order of magnitude improvement in drive power which will enable the next generation of ultra short links to be viable. The developed technology will positively impact a large range of applications providing wide reaching societal and economic benefits
GRN: EP/Z536192/1
Period: 01/07/2025 to 30/06/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
Luminescent mechanoresponsive materials could display an immediate change in optical behaviour, by switching colour or emission intensity as they experience a mechanical stimulus, such as applied pressure, shear stress, tensile/compressive deformation, high-rate impact, cracking and fracture. These 'smart' materials have attracted considerable interests, because such mechano-fluoro-chromic (MFC) systems can be capitalised for a vast range of advanced technological applications. For exemplar: in non-contact optical imaging of pressure distributions over aerospace and hydrodynamic surfaces; structural health monitoring of buildings and bridges; non-invasive fatigue inspection of engineering components; tamper-proof security packaging; and mechanosensory in soft robotics. Pressure-sensitive paints (PSP) used in today's aerodynamics sector for surface pressure imaging have certain limitations, particularly luminescence quenching ('turn-off' emission), poor photostability, and temperature sensitivity. These intrinsic characteristics of current PSPs are hindering effective implementation in innovative technologies elucidated above. To address these challenges, the vision of this proposal is to design and engineer new 'turn-on' type MFC materials with an attractive combination of properties: high fluorescent quantum yield, large Stokes shift, excellent photostability, tuneable reversibility, ratiometric emission and long lifetime. That will require unconventional development of bespoke composite systems, by integrating aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and metal-organic framework (MOF) materials. Going further, to construct tuneable architectures and bespoke functions, we will engineer polymer-based composite fibres incorporating AIE-MOFs. Our pilot studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the general concepts underpinning the proposed materials engineering strategy. Efficient AIE-based PSPs with turn-on luminescence will be a game changer in the field. The high signal-to-noise ratio and improved resistance against photodegradation or other environmental factors will enable, robust pressure mapping in diverse flow environments, extending to stress visualisation in experimental solid mechanics subject to a wide range of strain rates encountered in different engineering applications. More broadly, the research outcomes stand to benefit the academia, the industry, and the general public through the generation of new materials information to realise future design and implementation of more resilient structural multiphysics, clean energy and transportation systems
22/10/2025
4 new projects added
GRN: UKRI1500
Period: 01/06/2025 to 01/04/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
To meet the UK’s 2030 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission target we need to reduce GHG emissions by nearly 5%/year, three times the 1.5%/year reduction rate achieved since 1990. Previous reductions have come mainly from decarbonising the power sector and offshoring heavy industry, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to deliver further substantial GHG reductions. The UK is at a watershed moment where future reductions will have to be delivered differently from the past. It is simply not possible to rely on the policy of ‘electrifying everything and provide zero carbon electricity’ without also considering systems of production and consumption. This requires broader consideration of how to align patterns of production and consumption with climate targets that can deliver short term goals (by 2030) and reduce risks in the long-term (by 2050). Whilst the carbon intensity of the economy is high (79% of UK energy demand is provided by fossil fuels), there is a critical role for energy demand reduction and material efficiency measures. At the same time, the transformation of production and consumption needs to be socially just. On the production side, this will require managing the transformation of labour markets and skills provision to protect workers in affected sectors. On the consumption side, monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits associated with the transition need to be distributed fairly. A socially just transformation of production and consumption systems in line with climate targets is a complex systems problem that requires a detailed investigation into the intersecting and intertwined economic, social and political realities. Our comprehensive approach encompasses the economic, political, and social systems within which production value chains and consumption patterns evolve, and will support the development of a just, prosperous, sustainable, and resilient transition pathway to net zero. We plan to work with stakeholders to develop co-created pathways of consumption and production futures that are climate compatible. We will develop new transferable analytical frameworks for the inclusion of consumption and production measures in energy and climate policy, and we will provide much needed tools for UK industry to understand their production value chains. Our dynamic research programme will focus on actionable insights and ensure real-world impact, working with government departments, institutions, and the private sector to develop impactful test cases and demonstrate the effectiveness of systems approaches. We will develop practical business models which are fit for a net zero transition, including metrics and toolkits to measure business performance and reductions in material consumption. We will explore how changes to consumption could feasibly be implemented at each level of government, from national to local, including developing a new analytical framework for policy and political change to ensure that policies are fair, effective, and inclusive. Finally, we will evaluate the societal, political, and economic systems upon which the delivery of the UK’s transition to net zero depends. Our research programme will create a series of benefits; it will equip Government with the necessary knowledge and approaches to address unsustainable consumption patterns and carbon intensive supply chains; it will equip organisations with the evidence and knowledge to understand the carbon implications of their supply chains; and it will evaluate societal, political, and economic systems in order to cement systems approaches which can realise the UK’s transition to net zero
GRN: EP/U536921/1
Period: 01/04/2025 to 31/03/2029
Funding Source: EPSRC
This Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) aims to incorporate university research strengths in offshore wind engineering into the Forth and Tay region to address challenges in the areas of design and manufacture of fixed and floating wind systems, the development of a workforce, and the delivery of large offshore energy infrastructure projects. The Lead Civic Partner Forth & Tay Offshore (FTO) is a place-based supply chain cluster, established to drive the growth and implementation of offshore renewable energy on the east coast of Scotland. It's vision for 2030 is for the region to address the timely opportunity to become home to a thriving, comprehensive, internationally competitive offshore energy supply chain serving local, national and international projects. This proposal has been co-designed with FTO via a rigorous consultation process, to identify the needs where the region can benefit most from the expertise of the university partners, and where partners outside the consortium can be involved to augment this expertise further. This PBIAA aims to establish the partnership mechanism, then accelerate and grow the impact of academic research into the cluster, particularly in the areas of offshore and geotechnical engineering, manufacturing, operations and maintenance as well as the environmental and social aspects of offshore wind. It has a number of objectives (see Table 1) and activities (see Table 2)
GRN: UKRI1679
Period: 01/06/2025 to 01/06/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
A major contributor to anthropogenic carbon emissions are separation processes in industry, which account for 10–15% of global energy consumption. This is mainly attributable to the tremendous amount of heat needed for the liquid-to-gas phase changes required during classical industrial operations used in the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, such as evaporation and distillation. These are used to recover and purify the organic solvents in which many chemical reactions are carried out. As the pharmaceutical industry makes the transition to net zero, there is a need for alternatives to evaporation and distillation to recycle solvents. Membranes are physical barriers that can be used to selectively permeate some molecules in a liquid, while retaining others. The great advantage of membrane separation is that there is no need to boil the liquid to separate its components – everything can be done in the liquid phase. This is why membrane reverse osmosis has become the predominant technique for seawater recovery by desalination – it uses a great deal less energy than evaporation. We have recently developed at a small-scale, a whole new range of polymer membranes with excellent selectivity between solutes present in organic solvents. These membranes are fabricated by dissolving a polymer in an (often toxic) organic solvent, and then we make them chemically stable by crosslinking them by through immersion in another (this time hot) organic solvent with a crosslinker, which joins the polymer chains and stops them degrading. Using this approach, we can make membranes that filter out solutes bigger than about 250 daltons. This is suitable for separating big and small solutes in solution but is not sufficient to filter all solutes from a solvent and enable it to be recycled. The production of membranes also creates environmental burdens, and so it is important that we make sure that any waste created in making membranes, and in end-of-life disposal, is a lot less than the waste avoided by using the membranes. The objectives of this research programme are: (i) to develop a simulation and modelling framework that enables us to evaluate the overall environmental burdens involved in making, using and disposing of a membrane to establish where the main burdens are, so we can reduce/eliminate them; (ii) we will seek to develop new, sustainable processes for membrane manufacture, completely eliminating the use of organic solvents in membrane crosslinking and replacing toxic solvents used in membrane fabrication by green, biobased alternatives; (iii) to discover membrane surface treatments that can prolong membrane lifetime and so improve overall environmental performance; (iv) we will develop ways of employing these membranes for complex molecular separations in pharmaceutical manufacturing, if necessary, using multiple membrane steps to achieve challenging goals with minimal energy inputs; (v) we will further study how these new approaches based on membranes can usher in the use of green solvents for the pharmaceutical processes. If we achieve (i)-(v), we will then turn attention to a stretch objective, new membranes based on bio-derived or recycled polymers. Our research will be guided and shaped by collaboration with our industrial partners Merck, Exactmer, and AstraZeneca who bring expertise and challenges from membrane manufacturing, green solvent utilisation, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Ultimately our goal is to enable manufacturing of medicines with a significantly reduced environmental burden, contributing towards sustainable growth in the UK
GRN: EP/Z536295/1
Period: 01/07/2025 to 30/06/2030
Funding Source: EPSRC
The world energy council has highlighted energy efficiency and renewable energies as the most prominent action priorities which would deliver the highest impact and least uncertainty to the energy trilemma (security, sustainability, accessibility). The UK Govs ambitious target to deploy low-carbon resources for 95% of the energy generation by 2030, and both on and offshore wind expected to become the backbone of electricity generation, electric generator deployment will dramatically increase together with energy and CO2 emissions associated with the increased raw material usage. In addition, electric motors consume 50% of all global energy generation and this is also bound to increase as demand from cross-sectorial electrification increases to achieve the targeted 2030 CO2 emissions reductions. The systems that these motors drive are however typically very inefficient and contribute to a significant amount of energy wasted. All applications using a rotating electrical motor or generator can benefit significantly from variable (optimal) speed operation by employing a Variable Speed Drive (VSD). VSDs utilise electronic components such as Power Semiconductor devices, arranged in a Power Converter, together with control devices such as micro controllers to generate the desired Voltage and Frequency to drive the rotating machine at the desired speed. Variable speed operation yields significant energy savings since it allows the energy delivered (speed) to be tailored and adjusted exactly to the application requirement, eliminating wastage. Despite the clear advantages however, installation costs, together with complex heavy cabling which connect the VSD to the rotating machine remain the main barriers to a much more widespread uptake of VSDs in industrial applications. The physical combination of the power converter and the electric motor into one unit, in an integrated motor drive (IMD) solution, immediately eliminates many of the barriers to adoption. Expensive and bulky cabling and connectors are removed together with environmentally controlled cabinets/rooms for the power converter. This enables higher power density, lower costs of installation and intrinsically higher reliability due to lower part count. Moreover, a further reduction in energy consumption at the manufacturing stage is achieved with a significant, overall reduction in material usage. By considering a multi-disciplinary approach, this program will focus on removing the technological barriers which make fully integrated motor drives the answer to the problem of achieving, more sustainable electricity generation, more efficient and lower weight industrial and transport applications and dramatically reduced CO2 emissions for manufacture. Our ambition is to investigate and deliver innovative technological solutions that reduce energy wastage and minimise life cycle impacts: in manufacture by reducing the quantity of material used; through life by increasing electrical system efficiency and dramatically improving power to weight and power to volume ratios; at end of life by facilitating recycling through material reduction together with increased service life. Together, our innovations will result in a step increase in energy efficiency and reductions in environmental impact- accelerating the route to Net Zero and long-term sustainability
22/09/2025
1 new projects added
GRN: NIA2_NGET0073
Period: 01/09/2024 to 28/02/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
n alignment with National Grid Electricity Transmissions (NGETs) objectives of achieving net-zero construction, we aim to evaluate the suitability of polymer concretes as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete for NGETs construction operations, appraise their readiness for construction trials, and support NGET in undertaking some of the required trials to demonstrate these materials suitability. Two distinct stages are proposed, separated by a decision gate to give NGET control as the project progresses. During the initial stage, a review of polymer concrete material technology is undertaken to allow for the identification of use cases; the evaluation of the potential benefits, opportunities, risks, and constraints; and to assess the materials readiness for construction trials. In the second stage, we will support a series of construction trials.
17/09/2025
52 new projects added
GRN: EP/V006819/1
Period: 01/02/2021 to 31/08/2022
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/W010798/1
Period: 26/01/2022 to 25/07/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/V037749/1
Period: 01/12/2021 to 31/08/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/T013990/1
Period: 01/09/2020 to 31/08/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
CReDo+ will develop the Climate Resilience Demonstrator into the Climate Resilience Decision Optimiser digital twin and data sharing platform, enhancing resilience investment planning and reporting. The project will scale the CReDo technology across the electricity and gas sectors to understand infrastructure interdependencies and cascading risk from extreme weather including flooding, extreme heat, and strong winds. Tools will be developed to encode tacit subject matter expert knowledge into new asset risk models, with a risk modelling framework to cascade asset failures through individual networks, between networks, and across sectors including water and telecoms. This will build whole system climate resilience.
GRN: EP/X011569/1
Period: 03/04/2023 to 31/03/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/V040227/1
Period: 06/10/2021 to 05/04/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
As Britain warms due to climate change, electrification of heat will mean increasing customer access to Space Cooling (SC) leading to increased summer peak demands. In current distribution network planning cooling demand is currently poorly accounted for and based on limited, high-level modelling. Additionally, cooling's potential to provide flexibility during periods of network stress has not been considered.
CoolDown will explore the impact of cooling on network capacity by producing improved uptake and demand projections as well as developing novel commercial arrangements to incentivise and unlock SC flexibility, reducing network reinforcement requirements and optimising value for customers.
GRN: EP/W025280/1
Period: 01/10/2022 to 30/09/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
Cross-Vector Energy Hubs can leverage the flexibility of both Electrical and Gas technologies to support the electricity system and release grid capacity via coordination of these parallel energy vectors. The project builds and demonstrates a planning and simulation toolset that evaluates the Cross-Vector Energy Hub, allowing both DNOs and prospective Energy Hub developers/owners to simulate the coordination of electrical and gas technology components. The toolset models the control of device portfolios as configured by user, quantifying the value of constraint-limitation and feasible device coordination (technical), which can then feed into assessment of the commercial value for such coordination (economic).
GRN: EP/V026127/1
Period: 01/10/2021 to 30/09/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/W027747/1
Period: 01/09/2022 to 20/12/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
Today, the vessels, docks, and ports operating on the Thames run mostly on fossil fuels, but this is changing as the rivers economy decarbonises. There is limited understanding how this shift will affect the electricity network.
Working together with stakeholders across marine and energy industry, we will map out the future of maritime transport in the central Thames area and explore the potential benefits of Boat to Grid (B2G) charging. The outcomes will shape a whole system planning framework for our waterways, offering insights for decarbonisation and electrification that can be replicated across Great Britain.
GRN: EP/X027384/1
Period: 01/07/2023 to 30/06/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Our project addresses the challenges of transitioning to a predominantly electrified energy system from a multi-vector system reliant on gas and diesel. We propose using electrified thermal storage solutions, such as phase change materials and thermochemical storage, to enhance grid stability and provide backup during supply disruptions. This approach ensures reliable heating for vulnerable customers while offering additional benefits like cost savings, reduced peak demand, and improved heat and grid flexibility. By actively managing heat storage based on grid signals, the project supports decarbonisation efforts and explores market opportunities for integrating thermal storage into the future energy landscape.
GRN: EP/X012840/1
Period: 01/07/2023 to 30/06/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Energy efficiency retrofits rolled out by Local Authorities (LAs) and Social Housing Providers (SHPs), such as home insulation and storage heating, represent an opportunity to procure flexibility from disadvantaged households that are typically not able to participate in flexibility markets.
Flex Direct aims to develop a new way to procure this type of flexibility by Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The project is developing novel commercial models and coordinated market approaches to enable LAs and SHPs to operate in direct contract with DSOs. This will incentivise use of energy efficiency in flexibility markets and facilitate participation of hard-to-reach customers at scale.
GRN: EP/W003686/1
Period: 10/01/2022 to 09/01/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/W003694/1
Period: 10/01/2022 to 09/05/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
Fractal Flow (FF) aims to enhance real-time data access and network visibility for DNOs and NGESO. It will improve the
utilisation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and promote low-carbon technologies (LCTs). Following a successful
Discovery Phase, the Alpha Phase will involve key stakeholders and new partners to develop a data analytics demonstrator and
solution architecture, preparing for Beta developments.
Additionally, FF will provide clear visibility of fractal flow to unlock capacity, offer clearer status visibility, and explore the
integration of powerful machine learning analysis and targeted data exchange across grid supply points.
GRN: EP/W003732/1
Period: 01/04/2022 to 31/05/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
The project will explore how fuel cell micro-Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems can provide UPS functionality for individual homes as well as support to other nearby homes which depend on direct electrification to provide heat, power and mobility.
Fuel cell technology can generate at efficiencies equivalent to the highest efficiency central generation plant even at micro-generation level. Its location within the LV network further ensures that system losses are minimised, byproduct heat can be utilised, and local balancing is more easily achieved. This results in increased resilience and lower operating costs for consumers and the energy system.
GRN: EP/X011836/1
Period: 01/04/2023 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/V053183/1
Period: 01/01/2022 to 30/09/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/T009233/1
Period: 24/09/2020 to 23/03/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
The GeoGrid project explores the use of Geothermal Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) to store renewable electricity as heat with Leeds University as a trial site. LDES offers a cost-effective, scalable solution that will reduce constraint on the electricity networks. By storing off-peak electricity and discharging it during peak demand periods, LDES can lower curtailment costs, reduce network congestion, and enhance grid resilience. GeoGrid will assess the commercial potential of geothermal energy storage for both the trial site and nationally across GB to provide insights regarding its wider deployment, benefiting consumers with low-cost heat while supporting decarbonization and energy security.
GRN: EP/T00939X/1
Period: 01/10/2020 to 30/09/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/V027735/1
Period: 23/06/2022 to 22/03/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/V027840/1
Period: 01/07/2022 to 30/09/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
Offshore wind energy is pivotal for the UK's net zero grid ambitions, increasingly, cable failures pose financial and reliability challenges for new and existing projects. New, innovative condition monitoring can improve the commissioning and operation of offshore cables to mitigate the risk of failure and overcome the limitations of existing techniques (e.g. maximum cable length). In this project, we will research state-of-the-art monitoring techniques, including for temperature, vibration and integrity of electrical insulation. The aim is to create an integrated monitoring system, aiding network operators in decision-making for a more flexible grid and robust commissioning practices.
GRN: EP/T006382/1
Period: 01/04/2020 to 30/04/2023
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/W000954/1
Period: 01/03/2022 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Heat pumps are essential for reducing the UK's building emissions, but their widespread use could strain local electricity networks. HeatNet will demonstrate how coordinating heat pump operations with advanced algorithms can address these challenges. HeatNet will develop innovative machine-learning tools to manage heat pump power loads to help regulate voltage drops at the grid edge and ensure customer warmth. Our aim is to develop an independent service to accelerate the electrification of heat with new strategies that improve voltage quality and network reliability.
GRN: EP/W000997/1
Period: 14/02/2022 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/Y004450/1
Period: 01/05/2023 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/Y004841/1
Period: 01/05/2023 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/Y004930/1
Period: 01/05/2023 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
The HyScale Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) project aims to demonstrate how an LOHC system can be used for capturing, storing and releasing hydrogen into a gas network, to manage long-duration storage requirements. The use of LOHCs connected to an electrolyser and a hydrogen gas network, will enable it to run flexibly and take advantage of low electricity prices. This will reduce the cost of producing hydrogen for consumers, accelerating the uptake of hydrogen for industrial off takers, power generation and domestic heating. LOHC systems may play an important role in providing storage flexibility where geological storage is not available.
GRN: EP/W03526X/1
Period: 01/06/2023 to 31/05/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
The scale of investment required to leverage Great Britain abundant offshore wind resource and decarbonise its economy by 2050 and power system by 2035 is vast. Developing the infrastructure connecting these resources to consumers, whether electricity or hydrogen, is expensive, technically complex, creates system operability challenges and can be disruptive to local communities.
This project seeks to explore and develop an open-source standard framework and accompanying capabilities to assess the impact of taking a cross-energy vector approach and co-locating assets offshore -- with a view to addressing parts of the challenges mentioned above and ultimately reducing costs to consumers.
GRN: EP/W035596/1
Period: 21/08/2023 to 20/08/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Resilience is increasingly important as customers rely more on electricity for heat and transportation, with greatest value in rural locations that have a heightened risk of outage. Proliferation of Low Carbon Technologies across LV and HV systems present opportunities, if coordinated appropriately, for delivery of resilience services that maintain customer supply during unplanned grid outages. Previous projects have demonstrated separate approaches via LV-connected and HV-connected resilient DERs. Coordination of such solutions can enhance the value case of resilience. The project will compare and contrast technologies and optimise hybrid applications of the two approaches to deliver cost-effective resilience to customers.
GRN: EP/X024067/1
Period: 01/08/2023 to 31/07/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/V038222/1
Period: 01/10/2021 to 30/09/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/V038249/1
Period: 01/10/2021 to 30/09/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
The prime motivation in the development of anion-exchange membrane-(AEM)-based fuel cells (AEMFC) and alkaline water electrolysers (AEM-AWE), that use (generate electricity) and produce sustainable hydrogen respectively, is the potential to minimise the use of precious metal electrocatalysts (cf. proton-exchange membrane equivalents); this will reduce costs and lead to systems involving only earth abundant elements (ensures sustainability). Additionally, AEM-AWEs use low-concentration aqueous-alkali or pure-water feeds (cf. traditional non-AEM alkaline water electrolysers), eliminating the need to handle large quantities of highly caustic solution (that comes with significant environmental implications related to leakage and disposal). The AEMFCs will initially be targeted in the backup power stationary sector (including for telecoms) to replace diesel generators with the added consumer convenience of reduced noise and local emissions of pollutants: the current diesel generation market supplies 200 GW of global power demand (valued at £9B in 2015). The global hydrogen electrolyser market is estimated to register a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% between 2018-28 (market expected to reach US$426.3M by 2028), with application in the transport segment expected to grow at a significant pace in Western Europe ("Hydrogen Electrolyzer Market: Alkaline Electrolyzer Expected to Remain Dominant Product Type Through 2028: Global Industry Analysis 2013-17 and Opportunity Assessment 2018-28", Future market insights report, 2019). The applicants are world-leaders in the development of alkaline polymer electrolyte materials (membranes and powdered forms, the latter for use in electrode manufacture), especially radiation-grafted types. Mechanically robust, alkali stable, and high performance (high conductivity, high water transport) materials have been demonstrated for use in both AEMFCs and AEM-AWEs (temperatures up to 80 degC). The recent improvements in alkali stability means that oxidative-radical degradation mechanisms become relatively significant and now need to be a research focus. The focus of this project is to develop two classes of AEM with further enhanced chemical stabilities (both alkali and radical-oxidative), but where mechanical, ion-transport and water transport properties are not sacrificed: (1) next generation radiation-grafted AEMs (RG-AEM) and (2) new dimensionally-stable, mechanically-strong pore-filled AEMs (PF-AEM). Firstly, the focus will be on the co-incorporation of vinyl-phenolic components into RG-AEMs, where such covalently-bound phenolic components can act as radical traps to enhance radical-oxidative stabilities. Secondly, our prior RG-AEM research has also identified several new advanced monomers (such as the 3-vinylbenzyl chloride) that can form RG-AEMs with enhanced alkali stabilities but, unfortunately, poor ion conductivities and water transport properties (as such monomers cannot be made to radiation-graft at adequate levels, due to the crude radical-based nature of such grafting). Hence, these advanced monomers will be used to make PF-AEMs, which can be fabricated using alternative polymerisation methods (e.g. cationic or advanced controlled-radical polymerisation). Thirdly, co-incorporation of vinyl-phenolic monomers will also be possible with these new PF-AEMs to produce materials with maximised chemical and mechanical stabilities. The RG-AEMs and PF-AEMs will be evaluated in both AEMFCs and AEM-AWEs, to maximise the commercialisation opportunities. This will heavily involve our industrial project partners: AFC Energy (Dunsfold, Surrey) will assist with translating the materials developments into pilot scale AEMFC demonstrator systems, using their fuel cell component integration knowhow and IP (for the backup power sector). PV3 Technologies (Cornwall) will assist with AEM-AWE developments by materials exchange and evaluation and scale-up of AEM-AWE technology in their facilities
GRN: EP/V040510/1
Period: 04/10/2021 to 03/10/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/W034506/1
Period: 01/04/2023 to 31/08/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/T022442/1
Period: 01/10/2020 to 30/09/2023
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: ENA_10061361
Period: 01/09/2024 to 01/03/2028
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: ENA_10130943
Period: 01/10/2024 to 01/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: NPG_SIF_R3A-Cross-Vector-Hub
Period: 01/10/2024 to 01/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: ENA_10131749
Period: 01/10/2024 to 01/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: ENA_10145456
Period: 01/01/2025 to 01/06/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: ENA_10131748
Period: 01/11/2024 to 01/05/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: NPG_SIF_R3A-FractalFlow
Period: 01/10/2024 to 01/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: NPG_SIF_014
Period: 01/10/2024 to 01/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: ENA_10145740
Period: 01/01/2025 to 01/07/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: 10103531;NGET/HIRE/SIFWSPFAR/R
Period: 01/03/2024 to 01/06/2024
Funding Source: Ofgem
It will expand on the learnings from discovery phase which reviewed the current/future regulations developing future-proof recommendations for replacing SF6 by assessing the techno-economic performance of different intervention options.
SF6 leakage rates will be analysed to identify the most suitable interventions. Alternative low carbon SF6 disposal methods will be explored with laboratory-scale testing. Site handling of SF6-alternatives especially the gas-blends and complexity with mixture-ratio tolerance will be investigated.
The outcomes of the project will be to increase knowledge of the different intervention options, reduce any risks associated with the large-scale demonstration in the beta phase and key recommendations for industry.
GRN: ENA_10132187
Period: 01/10/2024 to 01/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
SHIELD is a bold new initiative aimed at making the Net Zero transition accessible to low-income residents of social housing and other tenures who cannot afford Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs). SHIELD utilises innovative solutions, including distributed data centres for heating, PV and battery storage to intelligently balance supply and demand. This innovative approach to decarbonisation seeks to address the debilitating issues faced by those who live in fuel poverty, helping to reduce both the upfront and running costs of consumers heating and energy. SHIELD provides a path to decarbonisation for all, which would otherwise be out of reach.
GRN: ENA_10131782
Period: 01/10/2024 to 01/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: ENA_10131011
Period: 01/11/2024 to 01/05/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: NPG_SIF_013
Period: 01/12/2024 to 01/09/2028
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: OFGEM10084569
Period: 01/10/2023 to 01/04/2024
Funding Source: Ofgem
Hydrogen is carbon-free, so does not produce CO2 emissions when burned. This means hydrogen has the potential to be used for long-term renewable energy storage, or for transportation where energy-density demands cannot be met by battery technology. Burning hydrogen lean (with an excess of oxidiser) can improve efficiency and reduce NOx emissions, but introduces flame instabilities because of the thermodiffusive properties of such a small molecule. These thermodiffusive instabilities are exaggerated by turbulence-flame interactions, which results in significant uncertainty in turbulent flame speed, structure and stabilisation. The proposed simulations will provide a lab-scale numerical twin to experimental turbulent lean premixed hydrogen flames that will be conducted in parallel. The joint experimental-numerical approach will enhance understanding of the fundamental flame physics of hydrogen, and enable development of engineering flame modelling approaches specifically for hydrogen, which can be used to design novel hydrogen combustors with high efficiency and low emissions
GRN: ENA_10127935
Period: 01/12/2024 to 01/01/2029
Funding Source: Ofgem
Gaining consent from third party landowners to install, maintain, and upgrade network equipment is a challenge for network operators. When a customer wants to connect to the network or operational works are required, delays in securing consent from landowners is a barrier, causing frustration to all.
Wayl-ease seeks to create a transparent, secure platform for consents and link network operators and landowners via an automated self-service, online engagement and digital payment platform. By creating a novel data-led process to give customers visibility of consents, Wayl-ease will facilitate improved planning, faster network transformation and more informed customers.
GRN: ENA_10132411
Period: 01/10/2024 to 01/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
Physical climate risks will affect existing infrastructure in the next decades. The nature and scale of risks will become more uncertain over longer time scales.
WELLNESS sets out to provide core evidence and a coherent approach to resilience standards, assessment, and quantitative metrics that can inform the decision-making process of electricity network stakeholders. The intent is to fairly and transparently to value the resilience contribution from different resources with a multi-energy background on a level playing field. This therefore can provide means and tools for network owners and operators to justify their resilience-orientated investments in front of the regulator.
GRN: NGET/Whole Energy System Resil
Period: 01/10/2023 to 01/04/2024
Funding Source: Ofgem
Lighting and displays form essential parts of our daily lives and consume approximately 20% of the electricity used worldwide. It has been shown that lights visible from space at night time are an effective measure of a country's economic development, while energy capture through the development of materials that absorb more sunlight is at the heart of attempts to reduce our reliance upon unsustainable fuel sources.
In the context of generating light, Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are a rapidly expanding technology which are highly appealing owing to their potential high energy efficiency and ability to be printed roll-to-roll on a plastic substrate. However, in terms of efficiency, initial attempts to implement OLEDs based upon purely organic materials were restricted by the type of excited state which emits the light. Indeed, upon electrical excitation 25% of the emitting molecules are in emissive singlet excited state, whilst 75% are in non-emissive triplet excited states. However, conventional organic materials cannot emit from the triplet excited states.
The proposal consists of developing a new class of OLEDs that exploits thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). Here a triplet state is thermally activated to become iso-energetic with a singlet excited state, enabling efficient rISC into a radiative singlet manifold. One of the major challenges that must be overcome in TADF materials is that the use of pure-organic materials means that the often weak spin-orbit coupling between the singlet and triplet states can lead to rISC rates that extend into the millisecond range. This causes poor roll-off in device efficiency at higher current densities. However, through a new conceptual design of TADF molecules, we have shown that it is possible to achieve both a reverse intersystem crossing (rISC) rate > 1E7 s-1 and a unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), a combination previously considered untenable.
In this proposal we will combine detailed synthetic, computational and photophysical studies to develop approaches for exploiting steric hindrance and non-covalent interactions to exert finer conformational control of the excited state dynamics to enhance functional properties. This is performed in conjunction with detailed studies to establish a deeper understanding of the excited states and their geometries formed by charge recombination. This proposal will deliver new understanding about the emission processes in TADF OLEDs and how to enhance the rISC rate to beyond 1E8 s-1 whilst retaining PLQY ~ 1. Achieving these outcomes will have a major disruptive impact on the OLED industry and ensure that the UK remains in the lucrative OLED materials supply chain.
10/09/2025
26 new projects added
GRN: EP/T021144/1
Period: 01/03/2021 to 31/07/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
Whenever air flows over a commercial aircraft or a high-speed train, a thin layer of turbulence is generated close to the surface of the vehicle. This region of so-called wall-turbulence generates a resistive force known as skin-friction drag which is responsible for more than half of the vehicle's energy consumption. Taming the turbulence in this region reduces the skin-friction drag force, which in turn reduces the vehicle's energy consumption and thereby reduces transport emissions, leading to economic savings and wider health and environmental benefits through improved air quality. To place this into context, just a 3% reduction in the turbulent skin-friction drag force experienced by a single long-range commercial aircraft would save 1.2M in jet fuel per aircraft per year and prevent the annual release of 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. There are currently around 23,600 aircraft in active service around the world. Active wall-turbulence control is seen as a key upstream technology currently at very low technology readiness level that has the potential to deliver a step change in vehicle performance. Yet despite this significance and well over 50 years of research, the complexity of wall-turbulence has prevented the realisation of any functional and economical fluid-flow control strategies which can reduce the turbulent skin-friction drag forces of industrial air flows of interest.
The EnAble project aims to develop, implement and exploit machine intelligence paradigms to enable a new approach to wall-turbulence control. This new form of intelligent fluid-flow control will be used to develop practical wall-turbulence control strategies that can rapidly and autonomously optimise the aerodynamic surface with minimal power input whilst being adaptive to changes in flow speed. This new capability will open up the opportunity to discover new ways to tame wall-turbulence and exploit the latest drag reduction mechanisms to generate significant levels of turbulent skin-friction drag reduction.
GRN: EP/X014606/1
Period: 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
We propose the first facility in the UK for electron diffraction (ED). A significant fraction of structures - by some estimates (Palatinus, 2021) 10% of all crystalline compounds - are beyond solution by X-ray diffraction (XRD). New approaches and technology in ED now bring them within reach, particularly with the recent arrival of dedicated electron diffractometers. There is intense national and international interest in the new science that these machines enable. We will establish and develop this nascent technology, supporting a national effort by working with potential user communities to build activity, understand scientific coverage and establish demand. We propose a dual-centre approach, based on ED expertise and technique development at UoW, combined with UoS experience in providing the National Crystallography Service (NCS) NRF
GRN: EP/X028984/1
Period: 01/09/2023 to 28/02/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
Air conditioning (AC) is one of the major energy systems applied globally with a market size of around 80 billion per annum. Current AC technologies require large amounts of electrical or thermal energy, accounting for 20% global electricity consumption and resulting in 1,100 mega-tons of carbon emission.
The project aims to establish a scientific foundation for a pioneering, near-zero-carbon and all-climate-adaptive AC system. Compared to existing AC technologies (i.e. mechanical vapour compression, absorption, and adsorption types), the new AC system leads to over 80%-90% energy bills saving, and near-zero carbon emission. Unlike existing evaporative cooling AC systems which only suit arid climates, the new AC will be all-climate-adaptive.
Novelties of the research lie in: (1) The best performing sorption, diffusion, air-tight and light-absorptive materials will be identified and/or refined; (2) A unique sorption/desorption bed comprising an air-flow-interactive sorption layer and a light-absorptive desorption layer will be developed; (3) A bespoke natural light harvesting configuration to deliver a controlled light radiation into the desorption layer surface; (4) The latest Fractal theory in the first attempt to a multi-medium/sized porous block instead of the traditional single medium/sized porous block; (5) A unique multiple-scale light simulation model, which integrate a non-sequential ray tracing method for simulating the macro-scale light and a finite-difference time-domain method for simulating the light-moisture interaction on the porous desorption surface; (6) A novel 'life-cycle-cooling-cost' oriented optimisation method.
The project research programme includes: (1) Screening, refinement, characterisation and selection of the sorption/desorption materials, and determination of the composition/combination methods of the selected materials; (2) Establishment of the theoretical foundation for the light collection/transmission/distribution and light-moisture interaction and conduction of associated computer simulation modelling; (3) Establishment of the theoretical foundation and computer models for moisture adsorption, permeation, diffusion and vaporisation within the porous 'moisture-breathing' bed, and optimisation of the structure of the 'moisture-breathing' bed; (4) Optimisation of the integrated operation between the light-driven 'moisture-breathing' bed and dew point air cooler using the 'life-cycle-cooling-cost' oriented method; and investigation of the AC's building integration approach; and (5) Construction/testing of the AC prototype (including microbial hazard control) and validation/refinement of the integrated AC computer model.
The proposed research will be carried out by a cross-university and multi-disciplinary team comprising Prof. Xudong Zhao of UHULL who is the world-class academic specialised in heating, cooling, renewable energy and energy efficiency, Prof. Semali Perera of Bath who is a leading scientist specialised in porous sorption/desorption materials, Prof. Barry Crittenden who is a Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering specialising in adsorption and membranes, Dr Carmelo Herdes who is specialized in molecular simulations, experiments and characterization of sorption/desorption materials and molecular transport with industrial relevance, Prof. Brad Gilbon of UHULL who is an internationally recognised optical scientist, Prof. Jeanette Rotchell of UHULL who is a leading scientist specialised in environmental biology, Dr. Xiaoli Ma of UHULL who has expertise in renewable energy and dew point cooling, and Dr. Zishang Zhu of UHULL who is specialised in integrating renewable energy system into buildings. The project team will be supported by FIVE UK industrial/governmental organisations.
GRN: EP/V026925/1
Period: 01/09/2021 to 07/01/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Radioactivity is all around us but it is usually dispersed such that it poses little risk to human health. However, past industrial activities associated with nuclear weapons production, the manufacture of fuel for nuclear power stations and the management of radioactive waste from these activities have resulted in a significant number of highly contaminated facilities. The level of contamination can be so great that people cannot enter because the radiation level is too high. Further, because we do not understand the long-term risks associated with low-level radiation exposures, entry to place contaminated less is often discouraged to minimise any risk that there might be. Matters are complicated further because difficulty getting inside complicates our ability to understand exactly what needs to be done to make these places safe.
Some of these facilities are not safe because they are old and were not designed to last this long. It is important to make them safe now to ensure radioactivity does not get out, and because the longer this takes the more difficult and expensive it becomes as new problems arise. However, this will take a long time to complete: at Sellafield, the time needed to complete this is forecast to be 120 years. This means that if they are not dealt with effectively now, these problems will fall to future generations; hence, from an ethical standpoint, the imperative is to prevent this by action now.
One way to understand these radiological hazards is to send in a robot. Great advances have been made in this regard as a result of recent research, done in part by the people leading this proposal. However, simply transporting a radiation detector into a place and trying to determine where it detects the most radiation does not work for two important reasons: Firstly, radioactivity in these places is often dispersed, meaning that it is not concentrated in one place that might be dealt with easily and quickly. Instead, contamination arises from leaks, splashes, tide marks in vessels and it migrates into porous materials, yielding a 3D distribution in space. Radiation detector systems and imagers have difficulty with this because they often provide an assessment from a particular perspective that may not tell us everything we need to know. Secondly, contaminated places are often cluttered with process equipment, detritus and construction materials. These can cause the radiation to scatter and also absorb it. This influences the 'picture' and can influence how much radioactivity is thought to be present.
With a human 'in the loop' - in the space with the contamination - they could improvise by moving to different vantage points, moving debris out of the way and by inferring what is involved from what they see. This not being possible, the use of a commercial robotic platform constitutes a way by which this might be replicated. For example, by assessments from a number of complementary vantage points and fusing the data obtained from this variety of perspectives. However, it is important to maintain human oversight of these operations by driving the robot rather than affording it full autonomy in case difficulties arise in recovering it etc. This raises the question: How can we interpret robot-derived information from a variety of perspectives, from a cluttered space contaminated with dispersed radioactivity, to help us understand what hazards may exist, quickly and effectively?
GRN: EP/X019683/1
Period: 01/09/2023 to 28/02/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
It is well established that long-term exposure to aircraft and wind turbine noise is responsible for many physiological and psychological effects. According to the recent studies, noise not only creates a nuisance by affecting amenity, quality of life, productivity, and learning, but it also increases the risk of hospital admissions and mortality due to strokes, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization estimated in 2011 that up to 1.6 million healthy life years are lost annually in the western European countries because of exposure to high levels of noise. The noise is also acknowledged by governments as a limit to both airline fleet growth, acceptability of Urban Air Mobility, operation and expansion of wind turbines, with direct consequences to the UK economy.
With regards to aerodynamic noise, aerofoil noise is perhaps one of the most important sources of noise in many applications. While aerofoils are designed to achieve maximum aerodynamic performance by operating at high angles of attack, they become inevitably more susceptible to flow separation and stall due to changing inflow conditions (gusts, wind shear, wake interaction). Separation and stall can lead to a drastic reduction in aerodynamic performance and significantly increased aerodynamic noise. In applications involving rotating blades, the near-stall operation of blades, when subjected to highly dynamic inflows, gives rise to an even more complex phenomenon, known as dynamic stall. While the very recent research into the aerodynamics of dynamic stall has shown the complexity of the problem, the understanding of dynamic stall noise generation has remained stagnant due to long-standing challenges in experimental, numerical and analytical methods.
This collaborative project, which includes contributions from strong industrial and academic advisory boards, aims to develop new understanding of dynamic stall flow and noise and develop techniques to control dynamic stall noise. The team will make use of the state-of-the-art experimental rigs, dedicated to aeroacoustics of dynamic stall and GPU-accelerated high-fidelity CFD tools to generate unprecedented amount of flow and noise data for pitching aerofoils over a wide range of operating conditions (flow velocity, pitching frequency/amplitude, etc.). The data will then be used to identify flow mechanisms that contribute to the different aerofoil noise sources at high angles of attack, including aerofoil unsteady loading and flow quadrupole sources, and detailed categorisation of dynamic stall regimes. A set of new frequency- and time-domain analytical tools will also be developed for the prediction of dynamic stall noise at different dynamic stall regimes, informed by high-fidelity experimental and numerical datasets. This project will bring about a step change in our understanding of noise from pitching aerofoils over a wide range of operations and pave the way to more accurate noise predictions and development of potential noise mitigation strategies.
GRN: EP/X011674/1
Period: 03/01/2023 to 02/07/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
Distributed optical fibre sensors can map measurements along an optical fibre, and are commercially deployed for the measurement of physical parameters such as temperature, strain and acoustic emission. They are used to monitor large structures such as pipelines, wind turbines, oil and gas wells, underground electricity cables, and geological sites used for carbon capture and storage. The fibre can be installed along or around the structure, and measurements read by a single interrogator box connected at one end. A large number of sensing sections can be monitored, e.g. every 1 m along a 100m - 1km length. The ability to map measurements in space and over time provides a rich source of information that has revolutionised the understanding and operation of large engineering structures.
Distributed measurement is not currently available for chemical parameters. Our vision is to develop a new distributed sensor that can detect, locate and quantify gas concentrations along the length of an optical fibre. The sensor will combine the performance advantages of laser spectroscopic measurement of gas with the rich information content of distributed sensing.
The process industries have well-established sensors for detection of potentially explosive hydrocarbons, including methane. For conventional point-by-point sensing, the UK Health and Safety Executive recommends that there should be no more than 5m between each sensor. If applied across an entire site, this would require thousands of sensors, therefore coverage is limited to safety-critical areas. Challenges include routine calibration, maintenance and replacement of sensors in difficult to access areas.
Methane has a greenhouse warming potential of 32x that of carbon dioxide over a 100 year period. As the main constituent of natural gas and biogas, and a product of anaerobic processes within landfill sites and wastewater treatment, methane emission is an ongoing and significant problem. Reduction of fugitive methane leaks from industrial sites is recognised as an early target to reduce greenhouse emissions, but this requires a step change in measurement coverage. Site surveys can miss episodic leaks; to minimise emission requires a permanently available solution. The current generation of point sensors can miss fugitive leaks, which can originate from all over a site and be large enough to require mitigation, but may be below the detection threshold of existing flammable gas sensors. Many fugitive leaks are only detectable within a few metres downwind of the source, therefore an impractically large number of point sensors would be required for full site coverage.
Currently available alternatives include passive thermal imaging of gas leaks, which has quantification / fail safety issues and requires a clear line of sight, and acoustic emission sensors, which can only find high-pressure leaks and are difficult to use in noisy environments. Site perimeter sensing using open-path optical (usually laser) beams can work well, but requires a clear line of sight and provides limited information on leak location.
A new strategy is needed to complement these measures. Distributed optical fibre gas sensors have the potential to address the above issues; because gas can be measured along the sensor's entire length, with no significant gaps, leaks are less likely to be missed. Recent technology developments make a distributed gas sensor an enticing possibility. The Cranfield team has developed a novel interrogation instrument for gas detection in multiple sensing regions along a fibre, with high sensitivity. Southampton researchers have developed new hollow core fibres (HCFs); by drilling tiny side holes along the fibre length so that gas can enter the core, light can detect its presence. Together, we aim to develop a working demonstrator that can be field tested on simulated gas leaks.
GRN: EP/X012158/1
Period: 01/08/2023 to 31/07/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
Superconductivity is a decrease of the electrical resistivity to zero, in certain materials and at sufficiently low temperature. It is widely employed for high-power applications and extreme magnetic fields - for example, in MRI/NMR machines in healthcare, in high-output wind turbines, and in magnetically-levitated high-speed trains. The global superconductor market is currently estimated at over 5.5B, and is expected to double by the next decade. Superconductivity is a remarkable manifestation of quantum mechanics on large length scales, and underpins some of the most exciting technological possibilities. One of them is the emerging field of quantum computation, in which the most promising prototypes are based on solid-state superconducting chips.
However, superconductivity is a delicate state: it requires low temperatures, and limits on the ambient magnetic field. Many known materials with robust superconductivity have difficult mechanical properties. There is therefore enormous scope for optimisation of superconducting materials, with huge technological and economic benefits. The most promising candidates for a more practical high-temperature superconductor are the so-called "unconventional" superconductors, in which strong and complex correlations between many electrons induce particularly robust superconductivity. They may ultimately provide a route to room-temperature superconductivity. However, our ability to control high-temperature superconductivity has remained severely limited. One of the main challenges is complexity: the strong interactions among electrons often cause them to order in other ways, such as into ribbons of charge known as charge density waves. Of the many structures that strongly-interacting electrons can form, it is unclear which are related to the superconductivity.
GRN: EP/X012557/1
Period: 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
Superconductivity is a decrease of the electrical resistivity to zero, in certain materials and at sufficiently low temperature. It is widely employed for high-power applications and extreme magnetic fields - for example, in MRI/NMR machines in healthcare, in high-output wind turbines, and in magnetically-levitated high-speed trains. The global superconductor market is currently estimated at over 5.5B, and is expected to double by the next decade. Superconductivity is a remarkable manifestation of quantum mechanics on large length scales, and underpins some of the most exciting technological possibilities. One of them is the emerging field of quantum computation, in which the most promising prototypes are based on solid-state superconducting chips.
However, superconductivity is a delicate state: it requires low temperatures, and limits on the ambient magnetic field. Many known materials with robust superconductivity have difficult mechanical properties. There is therefore enormous scope for optimisation of superconducting materials, with huge technological and economic benefits. The most promising candidates for a more practical high-temperature superconductor are the so-called "unconventional" superconductors, in which strong and complex correlations between many electrons induce particularly robust superconductivity. They may ultimately provide a route to room-temperature superconductivity. However, our ability to control high-temperature superconductivity has remained severely limited. One of the main challenges is complexity: the strong interactions among electrons often cause them to order in other ways, such as into ribbons of charge known as charge density waves. Of the many structures that strongly-interacting electrons can form, it is unclear which are related to the superconductivity.
GRN: EP/W034956/1
Period: 01/12/2022 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
These days, everyone expects to be able to access mobile data wherever they go. This means that an enormous amount of information must be transmitted wirelessly, typically using radio waves. To keep everyone's information moving quickly, separately and privately, requires many distinct channels at different radio frequencies, and increasingly there just aren't enough different frequencies to fulfil all our data needs.
One solution to this problem is to transmit data on other types of electromagnetic waves, not just radio waves. Light waves are a very good option, because different colours (or wavelengths) of light can make up lots of extra channels so that a large amount of extra data can be transmitted. In such an optical wireless communication systems, data is transmitted via changes to the intensity of the light. For fast data transfer, it's thus important to be able to turn the light source used for data transmission on and off very quickly, ideally more than a billion times per second. Most standard light sources are much slower than this, but tiny light emitting diodes (LEDs), known as microLEDs, only a few tens of micrometres across, offer both the required fast switching and excellent energy efficiencies.
LEDs are already widely used in lighting. Unfortunately, for these devices, which are based on gallium nitride (GaN), the very nature of how the atoms are arranged in the material (the crystal structure) makes it difficult to achieve fast switching across the whole visible wavelength range. This limits the number of communication channels that could be opened up, because there aren't any fast-switching devices available at some wavelengths. However, the applicants in this proposal have developed a way to grow GaN in an alternative crystal structure, known as the cubic (or zincblende) structure, which can overcome the inherent limitations of the usual hexagonal (or wurtzite) structure. LEDs based on zincblende GaN are in their infancy, but evidence is building that they can be used to make fast switching microLEDs right across the visible spectrum.
To make this vision a reality, many aspects of the material need to be optimised. We need to understand how defects (or mistakes) in the crystal affect not only the switching speed, but also the efficiency of the microLED and the colour purity of the emitted light. (Colour purity is important because if the LED emits a whole range of colours, it becomes difficult to use it to create many separate information channels, each at a distinct colour). If defects in the crystal cause problems with any of these aspects, we need to change the way we make the materials, to either reduce the defect density or to make the LED more robust to the presence of defects.
We also need to optimise the way the microLED is designed. LED materials are deposited as many layers of different chemical makeup, and each layer needs to have the right thickness and composition, and to be laid down under exactly the right conditions of temperature and pressure, to ensure it has optimum properties.
GRN: EP/W03557X/1
Period: 01/10/2022 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
These days, everyone expects to be able to access mobile data wherever they go. This means that an enormous amount of information must be transmitted wirelessly, typically using radio waves. To keep everyone's information moving quickly, separately and privately, requires many distinct channels at different radio frequencies, and increasingly there just aren't enough different frequencies to fulfil all our data needs.
One solution to this problem is to transmit data on other types of electromagnetic waves, not just radio waves. Light waves are a very good option, because different colours (or wavelengths) of light can make up lots of extra channels so that a large amount of extra data can be transmitted. In such an optical wireless communication systems, data is transmitted via changes to the intensity of the light. For fast data transfer, it's thus important to be able to turn the light source used for data transmission on and off very quickly, ideally more than a billion times per second. Most standard light sources are much slower than this, but tiny light emitting diodes (LEDs), known as microLEDs, only a few tens of micrometres across, offer both the required fast switching and excellent energy efficiencies.
LEDs are already widely used in lighting. Unfortunately, for these devices, which are based on gallium nitride (GaN), the very nature of how the atoms are arranged in the material (the crystal structure) makes it difficult to achieve fast switching across the whole visible wavelength range. This limits the number of communication channels that could be opened up, because there aren't any fast-switching devices available at some wavelengths. However, the applicants in this proposal have developed a way to grow GaN in an alternative crystal structure, known as the cubic (or zincblende) structure, which can overcome the inherent limitations of the usual hexagonal (or wurtzite) structure. LEDs based on zincblende GaN are in their infancy, but evidence is building that they can be used to make fast switching microLEDs right across the visible spectrum.
To make this vision a reality, many aspects of the material need to be optimised. We need to understand how defects (or mistakes) in the crystal affect not only the switching speed, but also the efficiency of the microLED and the colour purity of the emitted light. (Colour purity is important because if the LED emits a whole range of colours, it becomes difficult to use it to create many separate information channels, each at a distinct colour). If defects in the crystal cause problems with any of these aspects, we need to change the way we make the materials, to either reduce the defect density or to make the LED more robust to the presence of defects.
We also need to optimise the way the microLED is designed. LED materials are deposited as many layers of different chemical makeup, and each layer needs to have the right thickness and composition, and to be laid down under exactly the right conditions of temperature and pressure, to ensure it has optimum properties.
GRN: EP/V010166/1
Period: 28/06/2021 to 27/06/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
The world is witnessing rapid urbanisation, where a large percentage of its population is expected to live within urban environments - circa 70% - by 2050 (1). The main solution to urban immigration has been to construct tall buildings (TBs), which allow for a high-density population (and commercial activities) to reside in the hearts of our cities. However, recent years have witnessed increasing concerns regarding public health and wellbeing in dense urban environments. For instance, it is known that the urban heat island effect, where urban areas are typically some degrees hotter than the surrounding rural areas, can contribute to death rates during heatwaves (2). To exacerbate these issues, as recognised by the London Plan (3), ''some climate change is inevitable..." and this is likely to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and the consequent urban health risks. The current COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted the importance of predicting pathogen dispersion and of efficient indoor/outdoor ventilation in urban areas (4). It is, therefore, in the public interest to build healthy and sustainable urban environments by ensuring that air quality, transport of pollutant emissions, and the microclimate within cities (e.g. winds, temperatures, pollutant concentrations, and anthropogenic heat) do not reach unsustainable levels from poor urban development planning and lack of strategic directions. Recent initiatives are now promoting research on urban environmental health and sustainability (e.g. Public Health England's project Healthy-Polis).
Despite the likely effects of the proliferation of tall structures in exacerbating some of the problems discussed above, current weather and air quality models do not cater for TBs and their long-lasting effects on the winds and temperature fields within urban neighbourhoods. This mostly relates to the dominant small scales of the phenomena under examination, in contrast to the spatial resolution that these models typically achieve (i.e. of the order of hundreds of metres) within the constraints of state-of-the-art computer power, resource availability, and turnaround time. On the other hand, the spatial resolution of computational fluid dynamics methods used in academia is much higher i.e. appropriate to resolve the presence of these urban towers. However, these research simulations often lack much of the physics needed to adequately capture real environmental flows (e.g. atmospheric conditions, heat exchange), and are generally run over much smaller domains. Hence, there is a dual need for more realistic detailed simulations and better parametrisations for larger-scale operational models, with the former informing development of the latter.
References
(1) Revision of World Urbanization Prospect (2018). DESA, UN.
(2) Vardoulakis et al. (2016). Environmental Health 15, S30.
(3) The London Plan (2017). Greater London Authority.
(4) ECDC Tech. Report (2020). European Centre forDisease Prevention and Control.
GRN: EP/V010514/1
Period: 15/06/2021 to 14/06/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
The world is witnessing rapid urbanisation, where a large percentage of its population is expected to live within urban environments - circa 70% - by 2050 (1). The main solution to urban immigration has been to construct tall buildings (TBs), which allow for a high-density population (and commercial activities) to reside in the hearts of our cities. However, recent years have witnessed increasing concerns regarding public health and wellbeing in dense urban environments. For instance, it is known that the urban heat island effect, where urban areas are typically some degrees hotter than the surrounding rural areas, can contribute to death rates during heatwaves (2). To exacerbate these issues, as recognised by the London Plan (3), ''some climate change is inevitable..." and this is likely to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and the consequent urban health risks. The current COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted the importance of predicting pathogen dispersion and of efficient indoor/outdoor ventilation in urban areas (4). It is, therefore, in the public interest to build healthy and sustainable urban environments by ensuring that air quality, transport of pollutant emissions, and the microclimate within cities (e.g. winds, temperatures, pollutant concentrations, and anthropogenic heat) do not reach unsustainable levels from poor urban development planning and lack of strategic directions. Recent initiatives are now promoting research on urban environmental health and sustainability (e.g. Public Health England's project Healthy-Polis).
Despite the likely effects of the proliferation of tall structures in exacerbating some of the problems discussed above, current weather and air quality models do not cater for TBs and their long-lasting effects on the winds and temperature fields within urban neighbourhoods. This mostly relates to the dominant small scales of the phenomena under examination, in contrast to the spatial resolution that these models typically achieve (i.e. of the order of hundreds of metres) within the constraints of state-of-the-art computer power, resource availability, and turnaround time. On the other hand, the spatial resolution of computational fluid dynamics methods used in academia is much higher i.e. appropriate to resolve the presence of these urban towers. However, these research simulations often lack much of the physics needed to adequately capture real environmental flows (e.g. atmospheric conditions, heat exchange), and are generally run over much smaller domains. Hence, there is a dual need for more realistic detailed simulations and better parametrisations for larger-scale operational models, with the former informing development of the latter.
References
(1) Revision of World Urbanization Prospect (2018). DESA, UN.
(2) Vardoulakis et al. (2016). Environmental Health 15, S30.
(3) The London Plan (2017). Greater London Authority.
(4) ECDC Tech. Report (2020). European Centre forDisease Prevention and Control.
GRN: EP/W033550/1
Period: 01/07/2023 to 31/12/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Understanding of turbulent flow characteristics over porous media is central for unravelling the physics underlying the natural phenomena (e.g., soil evaporation, forest and urban canopies, bird feathers and river beds) as well as man-made technologies including energy storage, flow/noise control, electronics cooling, packed bed nuclear reactors and metal foam heat exchangers. In these natural and engineering applications, a step change in the fundamental understanding of turbulent flow and heat transfer in composite porous-fluid systems, which consists of a fluid-saturated porous medium and a flow passing over it, is crucial for characterisation and diagnostic analysis of such systems. Flow and thermal characteristics of the composite systems depends heavily on the interaction between the external flow, downstream wake, and the fluid flow in the porous media.
Despite the clear relevance and wide-ranging impact of this problem in nature and engineering, there is a clear lack of fundamental understanding of the flow and thermal characteristics of turbulent flow in composite porous-fluid systems, and the models that relate the exchange of the flow and thermal properties between the porous region and the external fluid passing over it. In particular, the characterisation of the velocity and thermal boundary layers over the porous media, understanding the mechanisms governing flow passage through porous media, possible flow leakage and its interaction with the wake flow, as well as their relationship with the geometric characteristics of porous media, have remained major scientific challenges. This highlights the clear need for a systematic fundamental study aimed at understanding the flow and thermal characteristics of turbulent flow over realistic porous media and the relationship between the properties of porous substrate, the flow within the porous media and the structure of turbulent flow over and past the porous region.
In this ambitious collaborative project, we combine the computational and modelling expertise at the University of Manchester and Southampton with the experimental expertise at the University of Bristol, to gain fundamental understanding of the turbulent boundary layer, flow leakage and downstream wake on the flow and thermal characteristics of fluid-saturated porous media. This will be used to establish evidence-based interface flow and thermal models, representing the exchange of flow properties between two regions through the interface. These models will then be used to develop a design tool based on the volume-averaged approach, which is a popular low-cost engineering approach for studying transport in porous media, for real-scale applications where the pore-scale analysis in computationally prohibitive.
GRN: EP/W009692/1
Period: 01/07/2023 to 30/06/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Offshore wind energy is becoming a major electricity provider with future expansion in deep water. Floating platforms can access water depths typically greater than 30 m, but have the disadvantage of platform motions due to combined waves and time varying thrust from turbine motion. Platform stabilisation is critically important for improving performance, reducing downtime and enabling safe access. Lost electrical output alone for a proposed 15 MW machine can be 20k per day at today's prices. Moreover, misalignment of the turbine axis with wind direction due to yaw and pitch causes power loss and undesirable blade stresses. In addition to pitch and surge in the wave direction, roll and yaw cross wave may occur due to multi-directional wave fields. Thus this project has two distinct aims both impacting on through life cost: Aim 1: to optimally minimise platform motion during power production by integrated (holistic) preview control of wave and wind effects on platform and turbines. A key reliability goal is to ensure acceleration at the nacelle due to pitch and surge is less than the recommended 0.2-0.3g, and to minimise damaging electrical surges and fatigue of structural components. Aim 2: to absolutely minimise platform motion for safe maintenance during personnel and material transfers by boat or helicopter and minimise debilitating motion effects on personnel during maintenance work. The illustrative case employed is the popular semi-sub floater concept which has comparatively shallow draft and simple deployment. Platform stabilisation will be achieved by combining: (i) pumped tank control between semi-sub columns to minimise pitch and roll as employed in ships, (ii) blade pitch control, already used in wind turbine control and (iii) yaw control for alignment with the wind direction. This multi-objective non-causal control problem requires future knowledge of both wave and wind forcing functions to achieve optimality.
GRN: EP/W009706/1
Period: 30/06/2023 to 29/06/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Offshore wind energy is becoming a major electricity provider with future expansion in deep water. Floating platforms can access water depths typically greater than 30 m, but have the disadvantage of platform motions due to combined waves and time varying thrust from turbine motion. Platform stabilisation is critically important for improving performance, reducing downtime and enabling safe access. Lost electrical output alone for a proposed 15 MW machine can be 20k per day at today's prices. Moreover, misalignment of the turbine axis with wind direction due to yaw and pitch causes power loss and undesirable blade stresses. In addition to pitch and surge in the wave direction, roll and yaw cross wave may occur due to multi-directional wave fields. Thus this project has two distinct aims both impacting on through life cost: Aim 1: to optimally minimise platform motion during power production by integrated (holistic) preview control of wave and wind effects on platform and turbines. A key reliability goal is to ensure acceleration at the nacelle due to pitch and surge is less than the recommended 0.2-0.3g, and to minimise damaging electrical surges and fatigue of structural components. Aim 2: to absolutely minimise platform motion for safe maintenance during personnel and material transfers by boat or helicopter and minimise debilitating motion effects on personnel during maintenance work. The illustrative case employed is the popular semi-sub floater concept which has comparatively shallow draft and simple deployment. Platform stabilisation will be achieved by combining: (i) pumped tank control between semi-sub columns to minimise pitch and roll as employed in ships, (ii) blade pitch control, already used in wind turbine control and (iii) yaw control for alignment with the wind direction. This multi-objective non-causal control problem requires future knowledge of both wave and wind forcing functions to achieve optimality.
GRN: EP/W009854/1
Period: 01/07/2023 to 30/06/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Offshore wind energy is becoming a major electricity provider with future expansion in deep water. Floating platforms can access water depths typically greater than 30 m, but have the disadvantage of platform motions due to combined waves and time varying thrust from turbine motion. Platform stabilisation is critically important for improving performance, reducing downtime and enabling safe access. Lost electrical output alone for a proposed 15 MW machine can be 20k per day at today's prices. Moreover, misalignment of the turbine axis with wind direction due to yaw and pitch causes power loss and undesirable blade stresses. In addition to pitch and surge in the wave direction, roll and yaw cross wave may occur due to multi-directional wave fields. Thus this project has two distinct aims both impacting on through life cost: Aim 1: to optimally minimise platform motion during power production by integrated (holistic) preview control of wave and wind effects on platform and turbines. A key reliability goal is to ensure acceleration at the nacelle due to pitch and surge is less than the recommended 0.2-0.3g, and to minimise damaging electrical surges and fatigue of structural components. Aim 2: to absolutely minimise platform motion for safe maintenance during personnel and material transfers by boat or helicopter and minimise debilitating motion effects on personnel during maintenance work. The illustrative case employed is the popular semi-sub floater concept which has comparatively shallow draft and simple deployment. Platform stabilisation will be achieved by combining: (i) pumped tank control between semi-sub columns to minimise pitch and roll as employed in ships, (ii) blade pitch control, already used in wind turbine control and (iii) yaw control for alignment with the wind direction. This multi-objective non-causal control problem requires future knowledge of both wave and wind forcing functions to achieve optimality.
GRN: EP/T028416/1
Period: 21/01/2021 to 30/04/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
Ammonia synthesis by the Haber Bosch Process is a large scale reaction of major importance since it forms the basis of synthetic fertiliser production, with ca 85% of the ammonia produced being used to feed crops. It has been estimated that the fertiliser produced via the Haber Bosch Process sustains 40% of the current global population. This reaction is becoming more and more important as demand for food increases along with population growth. As operated currently, which involves large scale chemical plants operating at high reaction pressures and temperatures employing hydrogen feedstocks generated from fossil fuel sources, the Haber Bosch Process is responsible for the consumption of 1-2% of manmade energy and it also results in about 1.6% of the manmade CO2 released to the atmosphere. The aim of this research is to discover and develop new catalysts which can operate in smaller reactors on a local scale such that fertilisers can be prepared close to their point of use. This will cut down on the CO2 footprint of the process since it would be possible to use feedstocks which are non-fossil fuel based and are derived from renewable energy sources such as wind power and also it would negate the requirement for transportation of fertiliser over long distances. The development of such smaller localised ammonia production units, which could be started up and shut down quickly, would require more active catalysts able to work at lower pressures than those currently employed. In this work we are using a combination of computer modelling and experiments to develop such new catalysts. The new localised sustainable ammonia production capabilities which would result from success in this area would also have impact on the growing interest in using ammonia as a fuel to replace the CO2 producing fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel currently employed.
GRN: EP/T02853X/1
Period: 20/07/2021 to 31/10/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
Ammonia synthesis by the Haber Bosch Process is a large scale reaction of major importance since it forms the basis of synthetic fertiliser production, with ca 85% of the ammonia produced being used to feed crops. It has been estimated that the fertiliser produced via the Haber Bosch Process sustains 40% of the current global population. This reaction is becoming more and more important as demand for food increases along with population growth. As operated currently, which involves large scale chemical plants operating at high reaction pressures and temperatures employing hydrogen feedstocks generated from fossil fuel sources, the Haber Bosch Process is responsible for the consumption of 1-2% of manmade energy and it also results in about 1.6% of the manmade CO2 released to the atmosphere. The aim of this research is to discover and develop new catalysts which can operate in smaller reactors on a local scale such that fertilisers can be prepared close to their point of use. This will cut down on the CO2 footprint of the process since it would be possible to use feedstocks which are non-fossil fuel based and are derived from renewable energy sources such as wind power and also it would negate the requirement for transportation of fertiliser over long distances. The development of such smaller localised ammonia production units, which could be started up and shut down quickly, would require more active catalysts able to work at lower pressures than those currently employed. In this work we are using a combination of computer modelling and experiments to develop such new catalysts. The new localised sustainable ammonia production capabilities which would result from success in this area would also have impact on the growing interest in using ammonia as a fuel to replace the CO2 producing fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel currently employed.
GRN: EP/T028629/1
Period: 20/07/2021 to 19/07/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
Ammonia synthesis by the Haber Bosch Process is a large scale reaction of major importance since it forms the basis of synthetic fertiliser production, with ca 85% of the ammonia produced being used to feed crops. It has been estimated that the fertiliser produced via the Haber Bosch Process sustains 40% of the current global population. This reaction is becoming more and more important as demand for food increases along with population growth. As operated currently, which involves large scale chemical plants operating at high reaction pressures and temperatures employing hydrogen feedstocks generated from fossil fuel sources, the Haber Bosch Process is responsible for the consumption of 1-2% of manmade energy and it also results in about 1.6% of the manmade CO2 released to the atmosphere. The aim of this research is to discover and develop new catalysts which can operate in smaller reactors on a local scale such that fertilisers can be prepared close to their point of use. This will cut down on the CO2 footprint of the process since it would be possible to use feedstocks which are non-fossil fuel based and are derived from renewable energy sources such as wind power and also it would negate the requirement for transportation of fertiliser over long distances. The development of such smaller localised ammonia production units, which could be started up and shut down quickly, would require more active catalysts able to work at lower pressures than those currently employed. In this work we are using a combination of computer modelling and experiments to develop such new catalysts. The new localised sustainable ammonia production capabilities which would result from success in this area would also have impact on the growing interest in using ammonia as a fuel to replace the CO2 producing fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel currently employed.
GRN: EP/V006924/1
Period: 01/04/2021 to 31/12/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
Introducing porosity onto an aerofoil has been shown to have a significant influence on the boundary layer and provide significant reductions in its noise radiation. This proposal describes a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at understanding and exploiting the interactions between porous aerofoils and the boundary layers developing over them for the purpose of optimising noise reductions without compromising aerodynamic performance. The use of adaptive manufacturing technology will be investigated for providing the optimum porosity at different operating conditions.
GRN: EP/V006886/1
Period: 01/02/2021 to 31/07/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
Introducing porosity onto an aerofoil has been shown to have a significant influence on the boundary layer and provide significant reductions in its noise radiation. This proposal describes a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at understanding and exploiting the interactions between porous aerofoils and the boundary layers developing over them for the purpose of optimising noise reductions without compromising aerodynamic performance. The use of adaptive manufacturing technology will be investigated for providing the optimum porosity at different operating conditions.
GRN: EP/V007149/1
Period: 01/04/2021 to 30/11/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
The final phase of the proposed project aims at combining the outcomes of all the previous technical WPs to produce a prototype aerofoil featuring integrated porous inserts that are able to deliver a substantial reduction in radiated noise without producing significant degradations in aerodynamic efficiency. The aero-acoustics benefits of the newly developed technology will be demonstrated at industrially relevant Reynolds numbers O(106) over a wide range of angles of attack. Further demonstration efforts will continuously be pursued in partnership with the industrial partners to raise our adaptive porous aerofoil concept to higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This work package will be led by the University of Nottingham in close collaboration of all project partners. The first task will seek to obtain a complete set of aero-acoustics and aerodynamic measurements on the baseline aerofoil as a benchmark database. In the second task an aerofoil that includes the optimised porous sections developed in the previous WPs will be manufactured. Comprehensive acoustic and aerodynamic measurements will be made to demonstrate its capability. Further tests on the baseline and porous aerofoils at TU Cottbus (Germany) will be made to provide further insight into the aero-acoustic performance. A detailed comparison between the controlled and uncontrolled wing will be the ultimate deliverable of the project
GRN: EP/W001284/1
Period: 01/04/2022 to 04/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
In many areas, ranging from aerodynamics to combustion and thermo-acoustics, design optimisation problems have been traditionally solved using a combination of steady Reynolds-Averaged-Navier-Stokes (RANS) solvers for flow prediction and adjoint methods for sensitivity analysis. However, when scale-resolving turbulent flow simulations are employed for flow prediction, existing adjoint algorithms diverge and therefore do not provide useful sensitivities. This is due to the chaotic nature of turbulence that produces exponentially diverging trajectories in phase space, a phenomenon popularly known as the `butterfly effect', which leads to unphysically large sensitivities. Trends in computing resources suggest that unsteady turbulent flow simulations will take an increasingly larger role in the future, gradually replacing RANS-based methods. This will improve the ability to predict unsteady phenomena in complex flows, but will leave a large gap in the design cycle, because existing adjoint methods for design and optimisation cannot be applied.
At the start of the previous decade, however, a paradigm-shifting approach for sensitivity analysis suitable for chaotic dynamics was proposed, which is based on the Shadowing Lemma, a fundamental result of dynamical systems theory. Shadowing-based adjoint methods prevent the exponential divergence of trajectories and can therefore provide accurate and realistic sensitivities in chaotic systems. This advance holds the unique potential to transform the engineering design practice as well as to accelerate fundamental turbulence research. However, existing implementations developed for generic chaotic systems, scale very poorly with Reynolds numbers, preventing their application for practical engineering flows. In addition, turbulent flows governed by the Navier-Stokes equations often violate fundamental assumptions utilised to prove the convergence of current shadowing-based algorithms and the relevance of these advances to turbulent fluid systems at present remains questionable.
The ambition of this project is to break these challenges and develop the next-generation of tools that will enable researchers and practitioners to tackle design problems using scale-resolving simulations for flow prediction and optimisation. To this end, the project will leverage the expertise and track record of the groups at Imperial College London and University of Southampton. We plan to develop new shadowing-based adjoint algorithms that exploit structural properties of turbulent flows and therefore scale to real-world problems. The combination of recently developed turbulence analysis tools that allow for a compact description of the underlying dynamics together with shadowing-based sensitivity analysis is largely unexplored, yet it carries the potential to provide paradigm-shifting advances.
To demonstrate the potential of the newly developed tools, two optimisation problems in wall-bounded flows will be considered, namely flow reconstruction using data assimilation in transitional boundary layers and design of optimal heterogeneous compliant coatings for turbulent friction drag reduction in pressure-driven flows. These flows display a wide range of flow mechanisms and instabilities that are relevant to a variety of engineering applications. The expectation is that synthesising the insight obtained from these applications will pave the path to real-world design applications.
GRN: EP/X019578/1
Period: 01/08/2023 to 31/12/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Decarbonising the transport sector is a top priority worldwide. The difficult-to-decarbonise transport applications (including mainly shipping, road freight and aviation) emit more than 50% CO2 of the entire transport sector. Among efforts on developing low-emission fuels, liquid synthetic fuels that can massively reduce pollutant emissions are drawing increasing attention, as they can be integrated into the current transportation system using existing infrastructure and combusted in existing engines (such as diesel engines for optimal fuel economy) with minor adjustments as drop-in fuels. Liquid synthetic fuels such as oxymethylene ethers (OMEx, which possess liquid properties similar to diesel when x=3-5) can be produced from a range of waste feedstocks and biomass, thereby avoiding new fossil carbon from entering the supply chain. OMEx can also be produced as an electrofuel (or e-fuel), thereby used as a sustainable energy carrier. However, due to the lack of complete knowledge of the physicochemical properties associated with the fuel composition variability, i.e. variation in the oligomer length (the x value of OMEx) and the composition variation of OMEx-diesel blends in real engine environment, there are challenges in utilising OMEx in practical engines, mainly in engine and its operation adjustments for optimal performance and minimal pollutant emissions. To address the technical issues of OMEx utilisation, accurate information on physicochemical properties and pollutant emissions of the synthetic fuels over the engine operational ranges is mandatory, but this is not readily available.
GRN: EP/X033120/1
Period: 01/10/2023 to 31/03/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
The Wind2DC project will develop co-designed mechanical and electrical novel power take off systems for offshore wind-turbines that will these wind-turbines to be directly connected to a medium voltage dc (MVDC) collector system, as opposed to the ac collector systems that are current used. This will help exploit the full potential of offshore floating wind by: (1) reducing system costs, (2) Increasing the feasible size of offshore wind-farms, and (3) alleviate expected issues with dynamic cabling that will arise in floating wind-turbines. This supports the UK commitment to Net Zero by 2050 by enabling access to a large fraction of the estimated 4 TW of energy that is accessible from offshore wind. The project is strongly supported by industry, including Siemens Energy, Clas-SiC, JDR Cables, SSE Renewables.
Floating Offshore Wind Turbine technology has the potential to unlock wind resources in offshore areas in which it is unfeasible to use conventional fixed-bottom turbine structures. This would provide a significant increase in exploitable offshore wind resources, with higher capacity factors than onshore or fixed-bottom offshore wind resources. The European floating wind resource has been estimated at 4 TW, a large share of which is located off Scotland and the south-west of England.
To date, all offshore wind-farms have utilised ac electrical collection systems (in which the voltages and currents oscillate) to gather the power from each wind-turbine in the farm together before it is transmitted back onshore. In wind-farms close to shore, this transmission is also done using an ac system. in wind-farms that are far offshore the power is usually converted to dc (in which the voltages and currents are steady values) and transmitted back onshore through a High Voltage dc (HVDC) transmission line. Such systems require power-electronic converters to change the power from the wind-farm between ac and dc on both ends of the HVDC line. The advantage of dc systems is that the amount of conductors within the transmission cables is substantially reduced and, unlike ac transmission systems, there is no feasible limit on the length of the transmission system.
Floating offshore wind-turbines devices require dynamic collection network cabling that can withstand the movement of the floating offshore wind-turbine platforms. In waters deeper than 100m it is difficult to fix the array cables to the seabed, leading to proposals in which the entire cable collection network is also floated. For such propositions a move to a Medium Voltage DC collection (MVDC) network, rather than a conventional ac collection network, would bring substantial benefits in reducing the weight of the cables themselves, as well as increasing their flexibility due to the reduction in conductor sizes need for a given power rating when moving from ac to dc. One of the main barriers to realising these MVDC collection networks is the unavailability of wind-turbine power-take off systems that are compatible with a high-power MVDC network voltages (expected to be in the region of 100 kilovolts plus).
The Wind2DC project will focus on developing light-weight efficient power take off systems for Offshore Wind Turbines, providing a direct MVDC transmission compatible voltage output from each offshore wind-turbine, addressing the issue of cost-effective collection architectures, and enabling large scale offshore wind-turbines arrays with floating dynamic cabling. To do this the project will exploit novel generator, generator interface converter and dc-dc converter designs, with a focus on collaborative co-design of each of these aspects between the university teams that make up the project. To achieve this the researchers will exploit the potential next-generation wide bandgap semiconductors, which offer substantially increased voltage ratings as well as reduced switching losses, and novel modular electrical generator designs.
GRN: EP/T02240X/1
Period: 01/10/2020 to 30/09/2023
Funding Source: EPSRC
Lighting and displays form essential parts of our daily lives and consume approximately 20% of the electricity used worldwide. It has been shown that lights visible from space at night time are an effective measure of a country's economic development, while energy capture through the development of materials that absorb more sunlight is at the heart of attempts to reduce our reliance upon unsustainable fuel sources.
In the context of generating light, Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are a rapidly expanding technology which are highly appealing owing to their potential high energy efficiency and ability to be printed roll-to-roll on a plastic substrate. However, in terms of efficiency, initial attempts to implement OLEDs based upon purely organic materials were restricted by the type of excited state which emits the light. Indeed, upon electrical excitation 25% of the emitting molecules are in emissive singlet excited state, whilst 75% are in non-emissive triplet excited states. However, conventional organic materials cannot emit from the triplet excited states.
The proposal consists of developing a new class of OLEDs that exploits thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). Here a triplet state is thermally activated to become iso-energetic with a singlet excited state, enabling efficient rISC into a radiative singlet manifold. One of the major challenges that must be overcome in TADF materials is that the use of pure-organic materials means that the often weak spin-orbit coupling between the singlet and triplet states can lead to rISC rates that extend into the millisecond range. This causes poor roll-off in device efficiency at higher current densities. However, through a new conceptual design of TADF molecules, we have shown that it is possible to achieve both a reverse intersystem crossing (rISC) rate > 1E7 s-1 and a unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), a combination previously considered untenable.
In this proposal we will combine detailed synthetic, computational and photophysical studies to develop approaches for exploiting steric hindrance and non-covalent interactions to exert finer conformational control of the excited state dynamics to enhance functional properties. This is performed in conjunction with detailed studies to establish a deeper understanding of the excited states and their geometries formed by charge recombination. This proposal will deliver new understanding about the emission processes in TADF OLEDs and how to enhance the rISC rate to beyond 1E8 s-1 whilst retaining PLQY ~ 1. Achieving these outcomes will have a major disruptive impact on the OLED industry and ensure that the UK remains in the lucrative OLED materials supply chain.
13/08/2025
37 new projects added
GRN: EP/T008687/2
Period: 02/11/2021 to 31/12/2022
Funding Source: EPSRC
The global cost of corrosion-related damage is estimated to be 1.9tn annually (3.4% of GDP) and corrosion costs the UK ~80bn per annum. Hydrogen-associated stress corrosion embrittlement is an important class of environmental degradation. Titanium alloys were until the late 60s considered immune to stress corrosion embrittlement by reacting with water vapour, but subsequent experience has falsified this hypothesis. Therefore, substantial industrial and safety benefit to the UK can be obtained if H-associated degradation in Ti alloys can be understood and mitigated by material design. Because of its ubiquity in the world, hydrogen related cracking is a grand challenge in materials science; from ceramics to perovskite solar cells H-associated degradation mechanisms are critical to the in-service viability of many materials, including metals. Our strategy will be to provide H-tolerance to a material, either by limiting the ingress of embrittling species or by providing traps within the material, where such species can be somehow deactivated.
Hydrogen is highly mobile and therefore can concentrate and embrittle critical micro- and nano-scopic features in materials, this can happen over the course of minutes or hours. A main challenge however has been the detection of H inside metallic systems. Lacking an electron shell to excite, H cannot be measured in electron microscopy and vacuum systems often contain H, and so even mass spectrometry techniques struggle to sensitively measure H in a sample. Therefore, our understanding of how hydrogen leads to cracking in different materials systems is much more limited than we might like to concede. We will develop new methods for atomic-scale experimental measurements to identify where Hydrogen locates within a material. Small samples will be prepared and handled at cryogenic temperatures to limit H mobility and elemental "atom-by-atom" mapping will be conducted to understand how the mobility of H changes by trapping at different material phases, interfaces and crystal defects.
Some Ti alloys are more resistant to Hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion than others, but the physical mechanisms behind are not well understood. For instance, highly pure titanium is nearly immune to H, but its corrosion performance drastically changes if small impurities are present; some elements, such as Fe, are known to reduce corrosion performance, whereas others, including Mo and Pd, dramatically improve corrosion. We will then carefully examine the effect of typical alloy additions on the cracking propensity using bend tests under H exposure in alloys with different compositions. Detailed microscopic inspection at several length-scales will be conducted to understand the mechanisms of H-induced failure.
The prediction of H mobility and H-related damage in engineering alloys is complicated, as these materials contain several phases, crystal defects and alloying elements, which all influence H behaviour. With so manyinteracting effects, the use of physically-faithful models and simulations will be vital to disentangling them fully from each other. Therefore, we will develop new computational models for hydrogen diffusion within a material to elucidate how different features affect local H transport and trapping. In addition, we will adopt and improve micro-mechanics modelling techniques, via incorporating equations for the newly-unravelled embrittlement mechanisms in Ti, and compare the mechanical performance of H-containing alloys against their H-free version. Based on these outcomes, we will develop optimal material guidelines for the alloy and process designer, highlighting what phase/alloy combinations are more resistant against H-induced failure. In addition, optimal materials will be designed, manufactured and tested in order to provide final validation of our concepts.
GRN: EP/V003283/1
Period: 06/04/2021 to 23/02/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
The presence of walls alters the thermo-chemical and fluid-dynamical processes associated with turbulent premixed flames. The increasing demands for light-weight combustors make flame-wall interactions (FWI) inevitable, which influence the cooling load, thermal efficiency and pollutant emission in these applications. However, this aspect has not yet been sufficiently analysed in the existing turbulent reacting flow literature because of the challenge this poses for both experimental and numerical investigations in terms of spatial and temporal resolutions among others. Therefore, a thorough physical understanding of the FWI mechanism is necessary to develop and design more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly combustion devices.
GRN: EP/W032732/1
Period: 01/12/2022 to 31/05/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
Earlier this year, the UK government in keeping with many other nations laid out its hydrogen strategy plan. This equates to a target of 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production by 2030. Presently, the most common production route for hydrogen is steam methane reformation. Hydrogen can also be produced through electrolysis of which there are four main types; alkaline, PEM, Anion exchange membranes and solid oxide. The Anion exchange membrane is currently <5000 hours life span and the solid oxide electrolyser has a stack capital cost that exceeds 1500/kWe. The alkaline electrolyser is cheaper at a stack cost of 200/kWe and the PEM is close to 300/kWe. The total cost including balance of plant is closer to 700-1000/kWe including rectifiers, H2 purification, water supply and purification and cooling. Most units are manufactured at around 1MW, however, there are plans for a 20MW trial unit.
The government has also pledged to move to 100% renewable energy and therefore to meet the technical requirements around electricity grid stability including meeting winter peak at times of low wind, additional capacity renewable generation needs to be installed. Instead of curtailing a wind farm due to grid based operational constraints, the energy produced as part of this can be used to produce hydrogen at minimal extra operating cost. The cost of the hydrogen therefore depends on the capital costs of the technology, storage and transport. If there is ample free electricity, for which there is little other use, then the efficiency of the hydrogen producing is less of an issue than its cost.
This proposal looks at using an alternative and complimentary technology to electrolysers to achieve this; the battolyser. A battolyser is a battery/electrolyser combined and is based on aqueous flow battery technology. Because it is pre-designed for battery functionality too, the electrodes may be more stable than those in an electrolyser. Flow batteries are being designed in scales of up to 100MW, 500MWh compared to Electrolysers at a planned 20MW and therefore there is good potential to scale up battolyser technology quickly once it passes early stage TRL hurdles. Additional advantages of a battolyser include the use of low hazard chemicals and the higher availability of materials used in manufacture. There is also additional potential to link into existing recycling facilities helping with long term sustainability planning.
As the battolyser is a single device which can produce both electricity and hydrogen it has the potential to be more economically viable than an electrolyser because of the multiple value streams.
This project will research the potential of a battolyser to produce low cost green hydrogen. The project aims to show that this is both financially viable and technically possible by modelling, prototyping and characterising a green hydrogen producing battolyser in conjunction with an offshore wind farm. The team based at the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technologies (CREST) at Loughborough University will be joined by wind farm experts from Strathclyde University and partner companies FibreTech, Arenko and SSE to complete this research into zero emission hydrogen.
GRN: EP/X012344/1
Period: 01/04/2023 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are solution processable, have high efficiencies and promise low cost renewable electricity. Unfortunately, the widespread application of PSCs is being held back by their poor long-term stability. Their established rivals, crystalline-silicon solar cells, offer a 25 year operational lifetime. However, high efficiency PSCs are operationally stable for less than 6 months. Perovskites have very low mechanical toughness due to the intrinsically low energy required to separate perovskite crystals. Solar cell operation lifetime increases with mechanical toughness and we aim to exploit this relationship to greatly enhance the stability of high efficiency PSCs.
GRN: EP/X038289/1
Period: 01/12/2023 to 31/08/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
The aim of the CaFiAx project is to minimise the mass of railway axles using CFRP to reduce track damage and train CO2 emissions.
Heavy weight trains cause high CO2 emissions and track damage. The trend, however, is towards increasing rail vehicle weight, requiring greater energy for propulsion and more intense loading on the rails. The 2 bogies of a rail vehicle account for 41% of the total train mass (~40 tonnes). Two wheelsets (1 axle/2 wheels) are mounted in each bogie frame. Importantly, the wheelset (~1000 kg) is in direct contact with the rail. Gaps and irregularities in the rail (or flats on the wheel) initiate impact damage, like hammering, as the wheels roll across the track surface.
In Europe, more than EUR25 B/yr is spent maintaining and renewing the 220,000 km of track infrastructure. Within the UK, Network Rail (GB Railways) maintains 20,000 miles of track and requires the Train Operating Companies to pay track access charges. The heavier the train, the higher the charge. Network Rail recognise the maintenance savings possible from a lightweight wheelset and offer their technical support to the project (Network Rail Letter of Support (LoS)). Additionally, infrastructure repairs cause track closures, passenger delays and greater road congestion.
Few attempts have been made to lightweight the wheelset. Best practice for steel axle lightweighting is to bore the centre. Lucchini RS, an international wheelset manufacturer, report a mass of 200 kg for a bored railway axle. Further mass reductions are possible only by using a lower density material. The CaFiAx project introduces a CFRP railway axle that is at least 65% lighter than steel. Changing the axles on the Class 220 Voyager fleet (34 off, 4 car configuration) from steel to CFRP would save the Train Operator over 5.6 M/yr in track access charges alone.
A CFRP tube is made by rolling CF-epoxy "prepreg" fabric around a cylindrical mandrel. Each layer (60+ for a railway axle) is a ply of between 0.25 to 0.50 mm thick. The ply comprises carbon fibres typically oriented at 0 deg (parallel), +/-45 or 90 deg (perpendicular) to the axis of the tube. Once cured, the plies can no longer be separated and become a composite laminate. The fibre directions control the axle stiffness and dynamic properties. Notably, a CF-epoxy laminate has ~3.5 times the specific fatigue strength of steel and titanium while being 75% and 60% less dense than steel and titanium, respectively.
Success of the CaFiAx project relies on fulfilment of 4 objectives:
- Objective 1: Create TALON, a computational tool for the design optimisation of tubular composite axles and shafts.
- Objective 2: Produce a dataset of fatigue strength properties for CFRP tubes under 4-point reverse bending conditions.
- Objective 3: Produce a dataset of bond strength properties for joining metallic collars to CFRP tubes.
- Objective 4: Produce a full-scale finite element model of a mass optimised, CFRP railway axle using TALON synergistically with a commercial finite element analysis software package (Abaqus).
CaFiAx addresses the fundamental needs of a rotating shaft: strength requirements are met through design (Objectives 1, 2 and 4) and elements attachment is achieved for power transmission (Objective 3). These essential requirements must be met before addressing higher order needs such as impact, rough handling, dynamic behaviour, cost, manufacture, alternate materials and others.
The EU recognise the need for a lightweight wheelset. They proposed and funded, NEXTGEAR: WP3-Wheelset of the Future (NEXTGEAR: 881803). Continued Horizon Europe funding is expected. Importantly, the CaFiAx project team provided all concepts and the structural composite design to NEXTGEAR and are well placed for further, UK exploitation. Lucchini, a NEXTGEAR partner, realise this and support CaFiAx (Lucchini LoS), as do Rolls-Royce who see application opportunities for aeroengine gearboxes (Rolls-Royce LoS).
GRN: EP/W006308/1
Period: 06/04/2022 to 30/04/2023
Funding Source: EPSRC
Power electronic modules (PEMs) and higher-level systems play an increasingly important role in adjustable-speed drives, unified power quality correction, utility interfaces with renewable energy resources, energy storage systems, electric or hybrid electric vehicles and more electric ship/aircraft. The power electronic technologies provide compact and high-efficient solutions to power conversion but deployment of power electronic modules in such applications comes with challenges for their reliable and safe operation.
This project aims to address four key challenges which the power electronics manufactures, and PEM end-users continue to face:
Challenge 1: No in-line and non-destructive inspection methods for PEM package quality and internal integrity assessment (wire bonds, die attachment and encapsulant) embedded within the production line.
Challenge 2: No comprehensive PEM data on design-quality-reliability characteristics, no processes for chartreisation and test data integration and management, and for data modelling and analysis.
Challenge 3: No advanced capabilities for accurate assessment of PEM deployment risks and for lifetime management.
Challenge 4: No or limited data is fed back from end-users to PEM designers/manufacturers, no application-informed design and manufacturing quality.
The project seeks to develop a digitalised Data Analytics and Analysis Platform (DAAP) for PEMs. The following novel and beyond current state-of-art developments in the project address the above stated challenges:
1) Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) with real-time data acquisition capability. A novel technique for NDT using LF-OCT imaging will be enhanced and optimised to provide quality data for individual PEMs. The proposed NDT method can quantitatively measure the mechanical deformation of gel-encapsulated bonding wires down to nanometer level. It can capture an entire cross-sectional image without any mechanical scanning, providing novel capability of running in-line with the packaging process.
2) Quality Predictions using AI and Machine Learning (ML): Research on integration and use of multiple data formats and sources, including standard datasets of electrical parameter test measurements, image data from in-line LF-OCT, and off-line X-ray and other imaging techniques, will be undertaken. The integrated data will underpin the accurate and automated quality evaluation of each individual PEM by enabling the development of ML and Deep Learning models. The modelling capability will enable packaging quality evaluations based on comprehensive sets of design and packaging process attributes.
3) Reliability Predictions. Current state-of-art in design-reliability and in-service degradation modelling for PEMs will be advanced through the proposed inclusion of manufacturing quality characteristics and design attributes in the reliability predictions. This will result in enhanced knowledge and more accurate, quality-informed reliability modelling and insights into the relations between design, quality and reliability by analytics of manufacturing and end-user data.
4) Data-Modelling-Optimisation Capabilities' Integration. The proposed integration (DAAP) of data, information exchange, and different modelling capabilities with multi-objective optimisation methods will be a novel development. The proposed optimisation routines will provide new capabilities for power semiconductor packaging design (e.g. module architecture, materials, interconnect solutions, application-specific reliability performance, etc.) and optimal process control on the manufacturing line.
GRN: EP/W006308/2
Period: 01/05/2023 to 05/10/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
Power electronic modules (PEMs) and higher-level systems play an increasingly important role in adjustable-speed drives, unified power quality correction, utility interfaces with renewable energy resources, energy storage systems, electric or hybrid electric vehicles and more electric ship/aircraft. The power electronic technologies provide compact and high-efficient solutions to power conversion but deployment of power electronic modules in such applications comes with challenges for their reliable and safe operation.
This project aims to address four key challenges which the power electronics manufactures, and PEM end-users continue to face:
Challenge 1: No in-line and non-destructive inspection methods for PEM package quality and internal integrity assessment (wire bonds, die attachment and encapsulant) embedded within the production line.
Challenge 2: No comprehensive PEM data on design-quality-reliability characteristics, no processes for chartreisation and test data integration and management, and for data modelling and analysis.
Challenge 3: No advanced capabilities for accurate assessment of PEM deployment risks and for lifetime management.
Challenge 4: No or limited data is fed back from end-users to PEM designers/manufacturers, no application-informed design and manufacturing quality.
The project seeks to develop a digitalised Data Analytics and Analysis Platform (DAAP) for PEMs. The following novel and beyond current state-of-art developments in the project address the above stated challenges:
1) Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) with real-time data acquisition capability. A novel technique for NDT using LF-OCT imaging will be enhanced and optimised to provide quality data for individual PEMs. The proposed NDT method can quantitatively measure the mechanical deformation of gel-encapsulated bonding wires down to nanometer level. It can capture an entire cross-sectional image without any mechanical scanning, providing novel capability of running in-line with the packaging process.
2) Quality Predictions using AI and Machine Learning (ML): Research on integration and use of multiple data formats and sources, including standard datasets of electrical parameter test measurements, image data from in-line LF-OCT, and off-line X-ray and other imaging techniques, will be undertaken. The integrated data will underpin the accurate and automated quality evaluation of each individual PEM by enabling the development of ML and Deep Learning models. The modelling capability will enable packaging quality evaluations based on comprehensive sets of design and packaging process attributes.
3) Reliability Predictions. Current state-of-art in design-reliability and in-service degradation modelling for PEMs will be advanced through the proposed inclusion of manufacturing quality characteristics and design attributes in the reliability predictions. This will result in enhanced knowledge and more accurate, quality-informed reliability modelling and insights into the relations between design, quality and reliability by analytics of manufacturing and end-user data.
4) Data-Modelling-Optimisation Capabilities' Integration. The proposed integration (DAAP) of data, information exchange, and different modelling capabilities with multi-objective optimisation methods will be a novel development. The proposed optimisation routines will provide new capabilities for power semiconductor packaging design (e.g. module architecture, materials, interconnect solutions, application-specific reliability performance, etc.) and optimal process control on the manufacturing line.
GRN: EP/W006405/1
Period: 01/04/2022 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
Power electronic modules (PEMs) and higher-level systems play an increasingly important role in adjustable-speed drives, unified power quality correction, utility interfaces with renewable energy resources, energy storage systems, electric or hybrid electric vehicles and more electric ship/aircraft. The power electronic technologies provide compact and high-efficient solutions to power conversion but deployment of power electronic modules in such applications comes with challenges for their reliable and safe operation.
This project aims to address four key challenges which the power electronics manufactures, and PEM end-users continue to face:
Challenge 1: No in-line and non-destructive inspection methods for PEM package quality and internal integrity assessment (wire bonds, die attachment and encapsulant) embedded within the production line.
Challenge 2: No comprehensive PEM data on design-quality-reliability characteristics, no processes for chartreisation and test data integration and management, and for data modelling and analysis.
Challenge 3: No advanced capabilities for accurate assessment of PEM deployment risks and for lifetime management.
Challenge 4: No or limited data is fed back from end-users to PEM designers/manufacturers, no application-informed design and manufacturing quality.
The project seeks to develop a digitalised Data Analytics and Analysis Platform (DAAP) for PEMs. The following novel and beyond current state-of-art developments in the project address the above stated challenges:
1) Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) with real-time data acquisition capability. A novel technique for NDT using LF-OCT imaging will be enhanced and optimised to provide quality data for individual PEMs. The proposed NDT method can quantitatively measure the mechanical deformation of gel-encapsulated bonding wires down to nanometer level. It can capture an entire cross-sectional image without any mechanical scanning, providing novel capability of running in-line with the packaging process.
2) Quality Predictions using AI and Machine Learning (ML): Research on integration and use of multiple data formats and sources, including standard datasets of electrical parameter test measurements, image data from in-line LF-OCT, and off-line X-ray and other imaging techniques, will be undertaken. The integrated data will underpin the accurate and automated quality evaluation of each individual PEM by enabling the development of ML and Deep Learning models. The modelling capability will enable packaging quality evaluations based on comprehensive sets of design and packaging process attributes.
3) Reliability Predictions. Current state-of-art in design-reliability and in-service degradation modelling for PEMs will be advanced through the proposed inclusion of manufacturing quality characteristics and design attributes in the reliability predictions. This will result in enhanced knowledge and more accurate, quality-informed reliability modelling and insights into the relations between design, quality and reliability by analytics of manufacturing and end-user data.
4) Data-Modelling-Optimisation Capabilities' Integration. The proposed integration (DAAP) of data, information exchange, and different modelling capabilities with multi-objective optimisation methods will be a novel development. The proposed optimisation routines will provide new capabilities for power semiconductor packaging design (e.g. module architecture, materials, interconnect solutions, application-specific reliability performance, etc.) and optimal process control on the manufacturing line.
GRN: EP/T027215/1
Period: 01/06/2020 to 05/04/2023
Funding Source: EPSRC
Beryllium has applications in various environments which will (or already do) expose it to radiation which will result in the accumulation of helium gas and cause the displacement of atoms from their crystal lattice sites. Beryllium will be the material facing the plasma in the ITER magnetic-confinement nuclear fusion reactor currently under construction in France and titanium beryllide is being developed for use in the "pebble bed" design concept for the tritium-breeding blanket of the DEMO power plant which will follow ITER. In high-energy accelerator research, beryllium is being considered for components in proton-driven particle sources where it will experience even higher rates of helium accumulation than in nuclear fusion environments.
GRN: EP/V027522/1
Period: 01/10/2021 to 31/12/2023
Funding Source: EPSRC
In this project we aim to develop new materials for the selective removal and long-term sequestration of radioactive Sr-90. This is of importance in Japan to help in the clean-up activities around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and in the UK to help in the clean-up of legacy waste at the Sellafield site and elsewhere. Although materials exist for removing Sr-90 from contaminated water, all have some limitations and/or high cost and therefore basic research aimed towards making new and improved materials is justified. The ideal adsorbent would be highly selective for Sr-90 in the presence of larger amounts of competitive cations (e.g. Ca, Mg, Na or K), be stable and effective over a large pH range, have a good capacity for Sr-90, be reusable, be easily made in bulk at low cost and have a simple and proven route to a safe and stable wasteform after its end of use. We target materials that have the potential to fulfil all of these criteria based on preliminary synthesis work already done in Japan (Shinshu and Tohuku Universities) with essential research in the UK supporting the characterisation and understanding of how the materials work (Diamond Light Source) and the production of wasteforms after use (University of Sheffield).
GRN: EP/T028033/1
Period: 31/08/2020 to 30/08/2023
Funding Source: EPSRC
Refrigeration is central to modern society by making hot climates habitable, preserving food, and facilitating medical scanners and quantum computing. Over a tenth of Britain's electricity is estimated to go to cooling, at a cost of over 5 billion a year, with nearly 12 million (m) people globally employed in refrigeration related industries. Cryogenic refrigeration, which provides temperatures close to absolute zero, is becoming a major industry; the research council STFC have predicted that contributions to the UK economy from cryogenic refrigeration will increase from 324m to 3300m in the decade to 2025. Solid state cooling based on caloric materials promises higher energy efficiencies than current technologies based on fluid refrigerants and do not suffer from inevitable escape of their active components as gases, such as scarce liquid helium used for cryogenic applications. Caloric refrigerants rely on a change in entropy, a measure of the universe's tendency to disorder, in response to external stimuli such as applied magnetic and electric fields or pressure. Practical caloric cooling requires new materials that exhibit the maximum change in their entropy for readily achievable external stimuli.
In magnetocalorics, the cooling process is driven by applied magnetic fields. This has advantages, including high cyclability compared to other calorics as materials do not tend to deteriorate when exposed to magnetic fields. Magnetocalorics have been known for over a century, but their use has mostly been restricted to refrigeration at ultra-low temperatures, measured in milli-kelvins, and with very large magnetic fields, limiting their application. Developing magnetocalorics that work at higher temperatures and under lower magnetic fields will enable magnetisation based cryogenic cooling to be more used much more widely.
GRN: EP/V040324/1
Period: 12/08/2021 to 11/08/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
Wave energy convertors (WECs) offer opportunities for niche (powering aquaculture and offshore stations) and grid-scale applications. However, disruptive innovation is essential to unlock the potential of wave energy, achieve step change reduction in cost of energy, and prove competitiveness against other renewable energy options. Here we investigate the opportunity to transform the development of WEC systems by utilising intelligent design concepts that exploit novel use of deformable materials. WECs based on deformable materials may offer improved performance, survivability, reliability, and reduced cost compared with steel or concrete alternatives for the following reasons:
1. To achieve a given resonant frequency, a flexible fabric device can be smaller and lighter.
2. Hydrodynamic characteristics of such a device can be modified by controlling its internal fluid pressure, enabling it to be tuned to suit incident wave conditions. These adjustments can be made by an on-board intelligent responsive system.
3. Controlled non-linear changes of geometry would enable a deformable fabric structure to accommodate or shed high loads without reaching critical stress concentrations, improving survivability and reducing installation and lifetime costs.
4. Flexibility opens up the possibility to use a range of PTOs, such as novel distributed embedded energy converters (DEECs) utilising distributed bellows action, electro active polymers, electric double layer capacitors or micro-hydraulic displacement machines.
5. A lightweight flexible structure with largely elastic polymer construction is unlikely to cause collision damage, and so is therefore a low risk option for niche applications, such as co-location with offshore wind devices.
The performance of flexible responsive systems in wave energy, their optimisation in operating conditions, and their ability to survive storm waves, will be assessed through a programme of wave basin experiments and numerical modelling of different flexible WEC concepts. Survivability is a critical hurdle for all WEC concepts as by their nature they need to respond in energetic sea states while avoiding critical stresses in extreme seas. For a flexible responsive structure, this means avoiding concentration of stress (naturally avoided by collapse/folding) or of strain (avoided by use of a distributed PTO during operational conditions).
Numerical models will be developed that account for complex interactions between wave action, deforming membrane structure, and internal fluid. The models will be informed, calibrated, and validated using results from materials testing and fundamental hydro-elastic experiments. Advantages and disadvantages of rubber-based, polyurethane and other reinforced polymer materials will be assessed in terms of manufacturing cost, join, bonding, and fatigue performance in the marine environment. The research will draw on origami theory and the technology of deployable structures to avoid problems with wrinkling, folding, or aneurysm formation, and an entirely new design may emerge through this innovative approach. We aim to demonstrate a pathway to cost reduction for flexible fabric WECs optimising for performance, structural design and manufacture for both utility scale and niche applications.
GRN: EP/Y023544/1
Period: 17/08/2023 to 16/08/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/Y023609/1
Period: 01/10/2023 to 30/09/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/Y023552/1
Period: 17/08/2023 to 16/08/2028
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/X015939/1
Period: 28/04/2023 to 23/08/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
An enormous portion of low-grade heat (<100C) exists in the form of solar heat and waste heat from residential buildings and industries. However, converting low-grade heat using a conventional solid-state thermoelectric device-based system is challenging due to poor conversion efficiencies and low cost-effectiveness. Electrochemical heat-to-electricity conversion using a thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle (TREC) redox flow battery (RFB) can be considered a promising means for securing cost-effective low-grade heat storage with a sufficiently high-power rating due to the scalability of the redox flow batteries. Despite such benefits, the record conversion efficiency of the TREC RFB is less than 6%, which is far behind its theoretical maximum, which can be over 20% at a temperature gradient of 80C. This is attributable to the electrolyte design that does not consider its thermodynamic and electrochemical characteristics, which are the key aspects of TREC-based systems.
Herein, we propose developing an efficient TREC-based RFB system through a data- and modelling-driven screening of the redox chemicals and electrolyte design and developing a scalable demonstrator. Comprehensive analytic thermoelectrochemical model studies and empirical research will be carried out under dynamic operational parameters, such as temperature, flow rate, conductivities, resistance and etc., which have been poorly studied despite their high importance in TREC design. The long-term current-voltage characteristics obtained from both lab-scale and large area multi-stack flow cells will be used for further model development (empirical constants and other dependent variables for overpotential terms) using a feedback loop scheme (i.e., inverse-modelling process).
Critical key parameters of redox couples, including but not limited to thermogalvanic (Seebeck) coefficient, reaction entropy, solubility, conductivity, reaction rate and etc., will be collected and assessed by using data collection matrix followed by a series of comprehensive theoretical and experimental screening steps. Quantitatively, through the activities outlined above, this project is aimed to deliver a TREC RFB system with a record-breaking heat-to-chemical-to-electricity conversion efficiency (>10% at 60C temperature gradient at maximum power density) which is equivalent to 70% of the Carnot limit.
This project is a challenging and ambitious interdisciplinary engineering study, requiring a broad spectrum of collaborations. Theoretical modelling with the initial screening of redox couples and prototype system development will be conducted at Heriot-Watt University, while the University of Strathclyde will prepare and characterise the fundamental characteristics of candidate redox couples. Close partnership with various external experts will also be carried out for the success of the project. Aarhus Univ. (Prof. A. Bentien's group) will support external research stay opportunities for organicchemical treatment. KIST Europe (in Saarland Univ) also will provide access to state-of-the-art multi-stack battery testing facilities and research staff support for PDRA's research stay. AES Solar Ltd. shall participate as an industrial partner, providing technical support for heat-collector design. LIND Ltd. will also support the project with access to their commercial-scale testing facilities.
Outcomes from this work will be an important milestone in both energy storage and electrochemistry areas. We envisage technological advances for efficient and durable solar energy storage that promptly meet the needs of the times for the UK's zero-emission future. In addition, more importantly, the purpose of the project meets the needs of energy security considering recent international armed conflicts in Europe. Alongside the current UK's renewable energy roadmap policy for a carbon-neutral society, this project also fits well in the EPSRC's Energy Storage portfolio.
GRN: EP/W032740/1
Period: 01/04/2022 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
EPSRC is about to launch a call for 8-12 National Fellowships in Fluid Dynamics (NFFDy). The aim of this proposal is to embed these fellowships within the UK Fluids community using the resources and structure of the existing UK Fluids Network (UKFN). The UKFN has already shown how over 1000 fluid dynamics researchers in the UK can work together across nearly 50 Special Interest Groups. The NFFDY Hub will manage two key activities to enhance the continued success of the UK Fluids Community. First, the Hub will support the NFFDy cohorts throughout their research projects so that they are embedded within the UK Fluid Dynamics community. Second the Hub will enable a significant upgrade of the facilitation and organisation of the UK Fluids Network. The Hub will thereby create a national environment that empowers the UK Fluids community to grow its global reach and leadership, respond to the UK's societal challenges, and prepare for continued research and innovation opportunities.
GRN: EP/X03853X/1
Period: 01/08/2023 to 31/07/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
In the last 10 years, quantum computing has gone mainstream - with experiments expanding out of university research labs and into industrial R&D, led by technological giants like Google, Microsoft and IBM. Under the bonnet, many of these sophisticated machines rely on superconducting circuits to store and manipulate the quantum information. The operating frequency of these devices is similar to the clock speed of modern classical CPUs - around a few GHz. This frequency, or energy, scale is much, much smaller than that associated with room temperature, and so to get rid of thermal noise and operate in the quantum regime these devices must be cooled to a few thousandths of a degree above absolute zero. While this is possible for a single processor, it is much harder to achieve over the kilometre scales required to build a quantum network.
To overcome this problem, the microwave quantum information needs to be up-converted to an optical signal that can be sent down an optical fibre, or via a satellite. The challenge is to do this efficiently without introducing additional decoherence that might destroy the fragile quantum state.
GRN: EP/T031174/1
Period: 01/01/2021 to 30/06/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
Ionic liquids (ILs), with their unique combination of properties and wealth of potential applications, have captured the imagination of a large community of scientists in recent years. Fundamental studies on ILs have led to breakthroughs in our understanding and have enabled the development of ILs that are promising candidates for use in areas such as catalysis, carbon-capture and storage (CCS), biomass processing, as electrolytes in batteries, supercapacitors and dye-sensitised solar cells and more.
This project aims to develop and utilise a wide range of experimental and computational methodologies to investigate the surface, and bulk, structure of IL mixtures that are currently poorly understood and consequently underutilised. We previously developed a novel technique that can probe liquid interfaces with direct chemical specificity, Reactive-Atom Scattering - Laser-Induced Fluorescence (RAS-LIF), and used it to detect H (or D)-containing functional groups at IL interfaces. We will extend its applicability to new chemical functionalities, in particular fluorinated species, by using high-energy Al-atoms as reactive probes of fluorinated functionality (on both cations and anions) at IL surfaces. This will be complemented by new capabilities for studying liquid surfaces by X-ray and neutron reflectivity under catalytically relevant conditions, and by bulk structure/property studies. The detailed understanding developed will lead to structure-property relationships in IL mixture systems that will be used in the final stages of the project in supported IL phase (SILP) catalysis and will support the deployment of new and bespoke functional ILs for catalysis in SILP systems. This ambitious project aims to cover the whole pipeline of IL development from preparation, to structural understanding, and then to industrially relevant applications.
GRN: EP/V035576/1
Period: 01/10/2021 to 30/09/2023
Funding Source: EPSRC
GRN: EP/V05337X/1
Period: 24/12/2021 to 23/12/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
New higher temperature, high-voltage multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are required to advance power electronics - an important technology in the energy transition to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies for power electronic equipment already provide active components that can operate at 250-300C, allowing reductions in heatsink size and equipment weight. However due to the high switching speeds of wide-bandgap devices, passive and active components must be in close proximity, demanding high temperature operation of the (passive) capacitors. In addition to applications in renewable energy distribution, there are demands for higher temperature capacitors in transport electrification where electronic equipment needs to operate at high ambient temperatures. Unfortunately existing Class II capacitors, which are all based on the perovskite crystal structure, can only operate to 125-175 C. Global research into new higher temperature capacitor materials over the past decade has failed to produce any dielectric material suitable for mass market MLCCs, now manufactured using inexpensive nickel metal internal electrodes. The obstacle has been the presence of bismuth or lead oxide in the ceramic formulation. This would cause the dielectric materials and electrodes to degrade in the high temperature, chemically reducing atmospheres used to manufacture modern MLCCs. In a shift of research direction, we have recently obtained proof-of-principle that a new type of dielectric based on the tungsten bronze crystal structure offers uniformly high permittivity (>1300 +/- 15%) over the requisite -55 to 300 C temperature range. The material is based on strontium sodium niobate (SNN) co-doped with only 1-2.5 at.% calcium, yttrium and zirconium. Although promising, the dielectric properties fall short of the exceptional performance levels required of a next generation capacitor material. For example, dielectric losses (currently 4%) exceed industrial specifications (2.5%). Unlocking the true potential of the new tungsten bronze approach is severely hindered by a lack of knowledge as to underpinning mechanisms. For example, why low levels of dopants create extremely diffuse twin temperature-dependent dielectric anomalies. In preliminary work we have demonstrated that composition-structure-property relationships for existing temperature stable dielectrics based on titanate perovskites do not apply to this new type of high-temperature dielectric. We propose to unlock the true potential of tungsten bronzes by application of new scientific understanding to overcome existing limitations. We will discover how to raise permittivity and reduce dielectric losses in doped SNN ceramics across the challenging temperature range -55 to 300 C by studying how structure (crystal, nano, micro, defect) is modified by specific dopant systems, using a combination of: electron, neutron and synchrotron diffraction; atom column resolution electron microscopy; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. First principles simulations will also assist us in interpreting experimental findings and developing structure-property models. From this framework of understanding, new compositions will be designed. Final materials selection criteria will include a range of other dielectric parameters, including dielectric breakdown strength and energy storage density. Our capacitor industry partner KEMET will help evaluate materials and conduct highly accelerated lifetime testing. The best material will be demonstrated within the project in a wide-bandgap switching cell with integrated high-voltage DC-link MLCCs. Alongside direct engagement with established company collaborations, wider benefits will be maximized by developing new activities with industry. This will be achieved in part using the resources of the University of Leeds's Research and Innovation Service, and the new Innovation and Enterprise Centre, Nexus.
GRN: EP/V053442/1
Period: 01/01/2022 to 30/06/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
New higher temperature, high-voltage multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are required to advance power electronics - an important technology in the energy transition to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies for power electronic equipment already provide active components that can operate at 250-300C, allowing reductions in heatsink size and equipment weight. However due to the high switching speeds of wide-bandgap devices, passive and active components must be in close proximity, demanding high temperature operation of the (passive) capacitors. In addition to applications in renewable energy distribution, there are demands for higher temperature capacitors in transport electrification where electronic equipment needs to operate at high ambient temperatures. Unfortunately existing Class II capacitors, which are all based on the perovskite crystal structure, can only operate to 125-175 C. Global research into new higher temperature capacitor materials over the past decade has failed to produce any dielectric material suitable for mass market MLCCs, now manufactured using inexpensive nickel metal internal electrodes. The obstacle has been the presence of bismuth or lead oxide in the ceramic formulation. This would cause the dielectric materials and electrodes to degrade in the high temperature, chemically reducing atmospheres used to manufacture modern MLCCs. In a shift of research direction, we have recently obtained proof-of-principle that a new type of dielectric based on the tungsten bronze crystal structure offers uniformly high permittivity (>1300 +/- 15%) over the requisite -55 to 300 C temperature range. The material is based on strontium sodium niobate (SNN) co-doped with only 1-2.5 at.% calcium, yttrium and zirconium. Although promising, the dielectric properties fall short of the exceptional performance levels required of a next generation capacitor material. For example, dielectric losses (currently 4%) exceed industrial specifications (2.5%). Unlocking the true potential of the new tungsten bronze approach is severely hindered by a lack of knowledge as to underpinning mechanisms. For example, why low levels of dopants create extremely diffuse twin temperature-dependent dielectric anomalies.
GRN: EP/V053701/1
Period: 01/11/2021 to 30/04/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
New higher temperature, high-voltage multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are required to advance power electronics - an important technology in the energy transition to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies for power electronic equipment already provide active components that can operate at 250-300C, allowing reductions in heatsink size and equipment weight. However due to the high switching speeds of wide-bandgap devices, passive and active components must be in close proximity, demanding high temperature operation of the (passive) capacitors. In addition to applications in renewable energy distribution, there are demands for higher temperature capacitors in transport electrification where electronic equipment needs to operate at high ambient temperatures. Unfortunately existing Class II capacitors, which are all based on the perovskite crystal structure, can only operate to 125-175 C. Global research into new higher temperature capacitor materials over the past decade has failed to produce any dielectric material suitable for mass market MLCCs, now manufactured using inexpensive nickel metal internal electrodes. The obstacle has been the presence of bismuth or lead oxide in the ceramic formulation. This would cause the dielectric materials and electrodes to degrade in the high temperature, chemically reducing atmospheres used to manufacture modern MLCCs. In a shift of research direction, we have recently obtained proof-of-principle that a new type of dielectric based on the tungsten bronze crystal structure offers uniformly high permittivity (>1300 +/- 15%) over the requisite -55 to 300 C temperature range. The material is based on strontium sodium niobate (SNN) co-doped with only 1-2.5 at.% calcium, yttrium and zirconium. Although promising, the dielectric properties fall short of the exceptional performance levels required of a next generation capacitor material. For example, dielectric losses (currently 4%) exceed industrial specifications (2.5%). Unlocking the true potential of the new tungsten bronze approach is severely hindered by a lack of knowledge as to underpinning mechanisms. For example, why low levels of dopants create extremely diffuse twin temperature-dependent dielectric anomalies. In preliminary work we have demonstrated that composition-structure-property relationships for existing temperature stable dielectrics based on titanate perovskites do not apply to this new type of high-temperature dielectric. We propose to unlock the true potential of tungsten bronzes by application of new scientific understanding to overcome existing limitations. We will discover how to raise permittivity and reduce dielectric losses in doped SNN ceramics across the challenging temperature range -55 to 300 C by studying how structure (crystal, nano, micro, defect) is modified by specific dopant systems, using a combination of: electron, neutron and synchrotron diffraction; atom column resolution electron microscopy; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. First principles simulations will also assist us in interpreting experimental findings and developing structure-property models. From this framework of understanding, new compositions will be designed. Final materials selection criteria will include a range of other dielectric parameters, including dielectric breakdown strength and energy storage density. Our capacitor industry partner KEMET will help evaluate materials and conduct highly accelerated lifetime testing. The best material will be demonstrated within the project in a wide-bandgap switching cell with integrated high-voltage DC-link MLCCs. Alongside direct engagement with established company collaborations, wider benefits will be maximized by developing new activities with industry. This will be achieved in part using the resources of the University of Leeds's Research and Innovation Service, and the new Innovation and Enterprise Centre, Nexus.
GRN: EP/X026698/1
Period: 01/09/2023 to 28/02/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
Our understanding of the structure of molecules and the nature of the chemical bond has developed in tandem with our ability to measure the characteristics of the outer (valence) electrons that control chemical bonding. A key tool in this development has been photoelectron spectroscopy, whereby a high-energy burst of light removes an electron from the molecule. By measuring the energy of the outgoing electron and the direction in which it travels, we can obtain detailed information on the arrangement of the electrons and the nuclei in the molecule.
Chemistry is very dynamic, with atoms and molecules in constant motion and chemical reactions defined by associated changes in structure and bonding. Measuring chemical dynamics in real time, from reactants to products, is challenging and requires probes capable of resolving the changes in the arrangement of the valence electrons responsible for chemical bonding. Using ultrashort pulses of light, we can make photoelectron spectroscopy measurements with sufficient time-resolution to track the dynamic changes in the molecular electronic structure during reactions.
GRN: EP/V002066/1
Period: 01/01/2021 to 31/12/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
A majority of engineering and environmental flows occur over surfaces that exhibit spatial variations in roughness and/or topography. When a turbulent wall-flow evolves over such surfaces, it may exhibit unusual physical properties, depending on the relationship between the dominant length-scales of the surface and that of the flow. Specifically, when the dominant length-scale(s) of the surface in the cross-stream direction become(s) comparable to the dominant length-scale of the flow (such as boundary layer thickness or water-depth), then the flow also exhibits large-scale spatial heterogeneity that is locked-on to the surface heterogeneity. This flow heterogeneity is expressed in the form of localised secondary currents (SCs) that often extend across the entire depth of the flow and manifest themselves as large 'time-averaged' streamwise vortices accompanied by low- and high-speed regions. This surface-induced flow heterogeneity invalidates some of the fundamental tenets of turbulent wall-flows that were developed for flows over homogeneous surfaces. Therefore, current predictive tools that rely on these tenets can neither accurately predict nor offer insights into the complex physics of flows that contain surface-induced SCs. The significant effects of surface-induced SCs have recently been recognised in at least two disparate areas: 1) Performance of engineering systems such as in-service turbine blades, bio-fouled ship hulls and flow control; and 2) Understanding of the river flow dynamics with applications in flood management, eco-hydraulics and sediment transport. Over recent years, Southampton, Aberdeen, Glasgow and UCL have invested considerable efforts in advancing both these areas. Given the burgeoning interest in this topic, it would be timely to harness the synergies between these four leading groups to develop comprehensive understanding of turbulent flows in the presence of surface-induced SCs and establish a novel transformative framework to predict such flows. This project will leverage the expertise, domain knowledge and infrastructure of four leading groups in the above-mentioned areas to bring about a paradigm shift in our approach to flows over heterogeneous surfaces that generate secondary currents. A comprehensive series of physical experiments (at Southampton & Aberdeen) and complementary numerical simulations (at Glasgow & UCL) will be performed to generate unprecedented data on surface-induced SCs. We will compare and contrast the behaviour of SCs across all four canonical wall-flows (boundary layers, open-channels, pipes and closed-channels) for the first time. The obtained data will underpin identification and validation of potential universalities (and differences) in drag mechanisms and momentum/energy transfer in these flows in the presence of surface-induced SCs. Synthesising the insights obtained from the data, a new framework leading to physics-informed semi-empirical and and theoretically-based numerical modelswill be developed to predict and optimise the influence of surface-induced SCs on turbulent wall-flows relevant to engineering/environmental applications.
GRN: EP/V002414/1
Period: 01/01/2021 to 31/12/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
A majority of engineering and environmental flows occur over surfaces that exhibit spatial variations in roughness and/or topography. When a turbulent wall-flow evolves over such surfaces, it may exhibit unusual physical properties, depending on the relationship between the dominant length-scales of the surface and that of the flow. Specifically, when the dominant length-scale(s) of the surface in the cross-stream direction become(s) comparable to the dominant length-scale of the flow (such as boundary layer thickness or water-depth), then the flow also exhibits large-scale spatial heterogeneity that is locked-on to the surface heterogeneity. This flow heterogeneity is expressed in the form of localised secondary currents (SCs) that often extend across the entire depth of the flow and manifest themselves as large 'time-averaged' streamwise vortices accompanied by low- and high-speed regions. This surface-induced flow heterogeneity invalidates some of the fundamental tenets of turbulent wall-flows that were developed for flows over homogeneous surfaces. Therefore, current predictive tools that rely on these tenets can neither accurately predict nor offer insights into the complex physics of flows that contain surface-induced SCs. The significant effects of surface-induced SCs have recently been recognised in at least two disparate areas: 1) Performance of engineering systems such as in-service turbine blades, bio-fouled ship hulls and flow control; and 2) Understanding of the river flow dynamics with applications in flood management, eco-hydraulics and sediment transport. Over recent years, Southampton, Aberdeen, Glasgow and UCL have invested considerable efforts in advancing both these areas. Given the burgeoning interest in this topic, it would be timely to harness the synergies between these four leading groups to develop comprehensive understanding of turbulent flows in the presence of surface-induced SCs and establish a novel transformative framework to predict such flows. This project will leverage the expertise, domain knowledge and infrastructure of four leading groups in the above-mentioned areas to bring about a paradigm shift in our approach to flows over heterogeneous surfaces that generate secondary currents. A comprehensive series of physical experiments (at Southampton & Aberdeen) and complementary numerical simulations (at Glasgow & UCL) will be performed to generate unprecedented data on surface-induced SCs. We will compare and contrast the behaviour of SCs across all four canonical wall-flows (boundary layers, open-channels, pipes and closed-channels) for the first time. The obtained data will underpin identification and validation of potential universalities (and differences) in drag mechanisms and momentum/energy transfer in these flows in the presence of surface-induced SCs. Synthesising the insights obtained from the data, a new framework leading to physics-informed semi-empirical and and theoretically-based numerical modelswill be developed to predict and optimise the influence of surface-induced SCs on turbulent wall-flows relevant to engineering/environmental applications.
GRN: EP/V013858/1
Period: 01/05/2021 to 30/04/2025
Funding Source: EPSRC
The Clean Growth Strategy, a core element of the UK Industrial Strategy, aims at delivering a high-tech vibrant low-carbon economy. The UK has two legally binding targets in the medium term which requires urgent drastic action,: (i) clean, smart and flexible power to deliver 80% of electricity generation by 2032 and (ii) 'net-zero' carbon emission by 2050 in every aspect of the economy. The effective integration of renewable energy sources in every sector is crucial, with solar energy playing a central role in this transformation.
A key area of expansion in the field of solar conversion to electrical energy, known as photovoltaic (PV), is the integration in building and infrastructure in highly urbanised environments. For instance, the size of the building-integrated PV industry is reaching over $2Bn in the US alone. While mature Si technologies will continue to dominate utility-scale electricity generation, system-integrated PV requires technologies based on thin-film semiconductor materials which can be deposited onto a variety of substrates. SolPV will investigate the science of manufacturing PV devices based on the two leading inorganic thin-film technologies, Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) and Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS), based on scalable solution processes.
SolPV aims at taking the performance of solution-processed CIGS and CZTS devices to power conversion efficiencies above 15% using scalable manufacturing routes and Cd-free architectures. Conventional CIGS and CZTS device architecture (commonly referred to as 'substrate') consists of soda-lime glass/Mo/absorber/CdS/i-ZnO/Al:ZnO. The SolPV strategy involves:
1- optimisation of the absorber precursor formulation to implement scalable manufacturing methods such as slot-dye and bar-coating,
2- design thermal processing strategies to achieve control crystallisation and composition of the absorber
3- interfacial engineering of the junction between the absorber layer and buffer layer, including replacement of Cd-based compounds.
The work programme is divided into two phases: Phase I - targeting high-efficiency standard substrate architectures, and Phase II - focused on Interface engineering for high-efficiency Cd-free architectures. We will combine solution-processing approaches with cutting-edge manufacturing tools such as atomic layer deposition to achieve accurate control of the semiconductor junction composition. Furthermore, we will assess the capacity of transferring these advanced manufacturing approaches to other supports such as composite materials.
To achieve the ambitious SolPV targets, three leading centres in CIGS and CZTS research are partnering with the Centre for Process Innovation Catapult to ensure that innovation is not only driven by device but also by scalable manufacturing. The consortium also includes industrial partners supporting critical areas of the work programme.
GRN: EP/V008692/1
Period: 01/08/2021 to 30/01/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
The Clean Growth Strategy, a core element of the UK Industrial Strategy, aims at delivering a high-tech vibrant low-carbon economy. The UK has two legally binding targets in the medium term which requires urgent drastic action,: (i) clean, smart and flexible power to deliver 80% of electricity generation by 2032 and (ii) 'net-zero' carbon emission by 2050 in every aspect of the economy. The effective integration of renewable energy sources in every sector is crucial, with solar energy playing a central role in this transformation.
A key area of expansion in the field of solar conversion to electrical energy, known as photovoltaic (PV), is the integration in building and infrastructure in highly urbanised environments. For instance, the size of the building-integrated PV industry is reaching over $2Bn in the US alone. While mature Si technologies will continue to dominate utility-scale electricity generation, system-integrated PV requires technologies based on thin-film semiconductor materials which can be deposited onto a variety of substrates. SolPV will investigate the science of manufacturing PV devices based on the two leading inorganic thin-film technologies, Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) and Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS), based on scalable solution processes.
SolPV aims at taking the performance of solution-processed CIGS and CZTS devices to power conversion efficiencies above 15% using scalable manufacturing routes and Cd-free architectures. Conventional CIGS and CZTS device architecture (commonly referred to as 'substrate') consists of soda-lime glass/Mo/absorber/CdS/i-ZnO/Al:ZnO. The SolPV strategy involves:
1- optimisation of the absorber precursor formulation to implement scalable manufacturing methods such as slot-dye and bar-coating,
2- design thermal processing strategies to achieve control crystallisation and composition of the absorber
3- interfacial engineering of the junction between the absorber layer and buffer layer, including replacement of Cd-based compounds.
The work programme is divided into two phases: Phase I - targeting high-efficiency standard substrate architectures, and Phase II - focused on Interface engineering for high-efficiency Cd-free architectures. We will combine solution-processing approaches with cutting-edge manufacturing tools such as atomic layer deposition to achieve accurate control of the semiconductor junction composition. Furthermore, we will assess the capacity of transferring these advanced manufacturing approaches to other supports such as composite materials.
To achieve the ambitious SolPV targets, three leading centres in CIGS and CZTS research are partnering with the Centre for Process Innovation Catapult to ensure that innovation is not only driven by device but also by scalable manufacturing. The consortium also includes industrial partners supporting critical areas of the work programme.
GRN: EP/X015351/1
Period: 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
The advancement of numerous technologies has become increasingly reliant on the ability to dissipate large quantities of heat from small areas. Current designs in power electronics, supercomputers, lasers, X-ray medical devices, nuclear fusion reactor blankets, spacecraft, and hybrid vehicle electronics, and future improvements, rely on record high heat transfer rates. This rapid increase in heat dissipation rates required by such devices has led to a transition from more traditional fan-cooled heat-sink attachments to liquid cooling techniques.
Liquid cooling techniques operating in single-phase, however, have now reached their limit being forced to run at very low inlet temperatures and exceedingly high mass flow rates, resulting in unacceptably high pressure drops and surface temperature gradients. Innovative approaches are urgently needed to overcome these significant shortcomings: one such approach is spray-cooling.
Spray-cooling uses a nozzle to break up the liquid coolant into fine droplets that impinge individually on a heated surface. 'Low'- and 'high-temperature' spray-cooling applications involve surface temperatures below and above the critical heat flux (CHF), respectively. Single-phase spray-cooling (relies on liquid sensible heat rise only) provides greater operational stability and spatially uniform heat removal than liquid cooling, reducing the likelihood of large surface thermal gradients, particularly important for fragile electronic components. Two-phase spray-cooling (relies on liquid sensible heat rise and latent heat), are superior to single-phase systems and furthermore, compared to pool/flow boiling alternative systems, offer far less resistance to vapour removal from a heated surface enabling superior drop-surface contact . In fact, the CHF increases from 1.2 MW/m2 (for water pool boiling) to 10 MW/m2 for water sprays in two-phase applications.
SANGRIA is an ambitious 3-year collaborative research programme aimed at investigating the fundamental mechanisms and transfer processes underlying spray-cooling. This project combines cutting-edge experimental techniques that furnish spatiotemporally-resolved diagnostics of the thermal, interfacial, and hydrodynamic fields, with multi-scale theory, modelling and 3-D high-fidelity numerical simulation that bridge the molecular and continuum-scales. The deep insights generated from SANGRIA will be harnessed to provide tools that are practically implementable by our industrial partners in order to maximise impact.
Industrial and academic partners will provide additional technical support and feedback during the research programme plus pathways for direct industrial impact. The industrial partners include possible users of this technology: TMD Ltd (manufacturers of electronic equipment, high heat flux devices); Oxford naNosystems (manufacturers of enhanced heat transfer surfaces); ANSYS (Software development); Siemens (Software development); Spraying Systems Co. (Nozzlemanufacturers); Syngenta (users of nozzles). LaVision offered a 15% discount on their Particle Master System. The academic partners from the University of Nottingham, Sorbonne University, Technical University of Darmstadt and Kyushu University are internationally recognised experts in single and two-phase thermal systems, including spray cooling. Participation and presentations during the HEXAG and PIN meetings will facilitate feedback and technology transfer.
GRN: EP/X015335/1
Period: 01/01/2024 to 30/09/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
The advancement of numerous technologies has become increasingly reliant on the ability to dissipate large quantities of heat from small areas. Current designs in power electronics, supercomputers, lasers, X-ray medical devices, nuclear fusion reactor blankets, spacecraft, and hybrid vehicle electronics, and future improvements, rely on record high heat transfer rates. This rapid increase in heat dissipation rates required by such devices has led to a transition from more traditional fan-cooled heat-sink attachments to liquid cooling techniques.
Liquid cooling techniques operating in single-phase, however, have now reached their limit being forced to run at very low inlet temperatures and exceedingly high mass flow rates, resulting in unacceptably high pressure drops and surface temperature gradients. Innovative approaches are urgently needed to overcome these significant shortcomings: one such approach is spray-cooling.
Spray-cooling uses a nozzle to break up the liquid coolant into fine droplets that impinge individually on a heated surface. 'Low'- and 'high-temperature' spray-cooling applications involve surface temperatures below and above the critical heat flux (CHF), respectively. Single-phase spray-cooling (relies on liquid sensible heat rise only) provides greater operational stability and spatially uniform heat removal than liquid cooling, reducing the likelihood of large surface thermal gradients, particularly important for fragile electronic components. Two-phase spray-cooling (relies on liquid sensible heat rise and latent heat), are superior to single-phase systems and furthermore, compared to pool/flow boiling alternative systems, offer far less resistance to vapour removal from a heated surface enabling superior drop-surface contact . In fact, the CHF increases from 1.2 MW/m2 (for water pool boiling) to 10 MW/m2 for water sprays in two-phase applications.
SANGRIA is an ambitious 3-year collaborative research programme aimed at investigating the fundamental mechanisms and transfer processes underlying spray-cooling. This project combines cutting-edge experimental techniques that furnish spatiotemporally-resolved diagnostics of the thermal, interfacial, and hydrodynamic fields, with multi-scale theory, modelling and 3-D high-fidelity numerical simulation that bridge the molecular and continuum-scales. The deep insights generated from SANGRIA will be harnessed to provide tools that are practically implementable by our industrial partners in order to maximise impact.
Industrial and academic partners will provide additional technical support and feedback during the research programme plus pathways for direct industrial impact. The industrial partners include possible users of this technology: TMD Ltd (manufacturers of electronic equipment, high heat flux devices); Oxford naNosystems (manufacturers of enhanced heat transfer surfaces); ANSYS (Software development); Siemens (Software development); Spraying Systems Co. (Nozzlemanufacturers); Syngenta (users of nozzles). LaVision offered a 15% discount on their Particle Master System. The academic partners from the University of Nottingham, Sorbonne University, Technical University of Darmstadt and Kyushu University are internationally recognised experts in single and two-phase thermal systems, including spray cooling. Participation and presentations during the HEXAG and PIN meetings will facilitate feedback and technology transfer.
GRN: EP/V040634/1
Period: 01/09/2021 to 31/08/2024
Funding Source: EPSRC
Marine wave energy is still less mature than wind, with perceived higher levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Various commercial initiatives have unfortunately failed and there is no convergence of design concept for waves as there is for wind and marine turbines. This is due to various reasons, principally low equipment capacity factor, low conversion efficiency, uncertain survivability and poor power quality. Wave energy converters (WECs) consist of multiple energy conversion stages and components to capture wave energy and convert it to electricity. These components across the conversion stages have interactions and constraints. Optimal operation of each single component does not imply the optimality of the whole system. Most efforts have been made to improve the performance of particular components in each stage. This cannot guarantee low-risk robust optimality of the whole system due to failure to include the effects of the couplings of dynamics and constraints between: (i) the conversion stages in hardware design, (ii) control and (iii) the constraints made by operational requirements. These issues can be tackled by device design, controller design and the integrated design of both device and controller, i.e. co-design. For example, the maximisation of energy capture from waves can result in power spikes in generators and high voltage and current values in power electronic converters, which make the components out of their optimal operational range and even cause damages. Thus this is a muti-objective multi-variable optimal design and control problem in coupled multidisciplinary domains subject to mixed-constraints and dynamics across domains of hydrodynamic, electric generator, power electronics and super-capacitor for energy storage. In this project we develop a systematic control design framework based on wave-to-wire model describing the dynamics for whole energy capture and conversion process of the WEC system to achieve an optimal balance between electricity output maximisation and power smooth. By integrating the proposed W2W optimal control into device design, we can further achieve the system-level co-design of the WEC system to find the lowest LCOE by balancing with the hardware cost, especially the cost from the power-take-off (PTO). Furthermore, we incorporate deterministic sea wave prediction (DSWP) into our controller design to approximate the Falnes non-causal optimality. DSWP can also enable the shut-down mechanism to the control framework to enlarge the safety window for WEC operation and thus further improve the energy output and reliability.
We focus on the multi-float and multi-PTO large capacity WECs because the multiple PTOs can provide extra freedom to maximise the energy output and smooth the power flow, by coordinating the PTOs. This can bring much more challenges in control and co-design compared with the benchmark point absorbers which have been studied extensively as a benchmark problem. In particular, we employa well-designed multi-float multi-PTO large capacity WEC, M4 as a case study, with the benefits of available tank-validated linear hydrodynamic designs. We then investigate the generality and transferability of the proposed control and co-design approaches using the WECs of our industrial partners.
GRN: EP/X035956/1
Period: 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Many modern technological advances are dependent upon either the development of new materials, or better control and understanding of existing materials. As materials' properties depend on their constituent nuclei and electrons, accurate modelling of their electronic structure is crucial. In principle, this should be straightforward, as the fundamental quantum mechanical equations governing their behaviour have been known for almost 100 years; however, solving these equations is extraordinarily hard. The key advance has been the development of high quality computer simulation methods for many-electron systems able to describe realistic materials, and the UK has been at the forefront of this new field since the very start. The UKCP HEC, focused on density functional theory methods, has played a fundamental part in this effort via both developing theories, software and algorithms, and exploiting these innovative tools in use cases relevant to a range of disciplines and industries.
UKCP also supports experimental communities, via computational training, RSE time and computer allocations on Tier-1 and Tier-2 HPC. The close interaction between DFT theorists, software developers and users drives innovation and expands simulation capabilities, as well as magnifying the impact of the work. The research proposed does not easily fit traditional categories of "physics", "chemistry" etc; instead, UKCP is a multidisciplinary consortium using a common theoretical foundation to advance many areas of materials-based science, with the potential for significant impact both in the short and long-term.
UKCP currently comprises 24 different nodes in physics, chemistry, materials science & engineering, with over 150 active researchers. Each node is a different University Department, represented by one key academic (a Co-I on the grant). This proposal provides computational support for a large body of research across UKCP (over 40M in already-awarded grants) with a substantial allocation of ARCHER2 and Tier-2 HPC resources plus Research Software Engineer (RSE) support. The RSE provides essential expert coding support for the principal UKCP codes (CASTEP, CONQUEST & ONETEP), develops new code features as required for some UKCP projects, and assists with training and supporting the UKCP codes' user-communities.
The innovations in this proposal enable the next generation of simulations and further widen our computational horizons. UKCP will develop new algorithms, workflows & theoretical methods to increase our simulation abilities, in terms of both new functionality and dramatically improved accuracy & speed. New algorithms include embedding machine learning methods into DFT to speed up calculations, and enabling treatment of large systems (bringing together the CASTEP & ONETEP codes into a single workflow and enabling DFT codes to be embedded in multiscale, multiphysics simulations). GPU ports and improved parallelism enable UKCP software to exploit currentand future HPC architectures effectively & with greater energy efficiency. New functionality includes NMR spectroscopy with spin-orbit coupling, so the full periodic table can be studied with high accuracy, and advances in excited state modelling, including temperature and environmental effects.
These developments enable larger, more complex systems to be studied and will make significant impacts on many areas of future technology, including LED lighting, improved wear/corrosion resistance, next generation batteries, low power electronics & spintronics, improved energy-harvesting (thermoelectric) materials, new materials for carbon capture/storage and nanoparticles for water purification. There are also areas of fundamental research, to further our understanding of basic properties of matter, such as dynamics at molecule/metal interfaces, electron interactions in solid/liquid interfaces, quantum effects in biological processes, protein-ligand binding & high-pressure hydrogen phases
GRN: EP/W021498/1
Period: 01/05/2022 to 30/04/2027
Funding Source: EPSRC
Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a key technique for understanding atomic-scale level structures and dynamics in the biological, chemical, physical and material sciences. However, despite its unique versatility and high chemical environments information content, NMR suffers from low sensitivity, due to the weak nuclear polarisation, and requires long experiment times, especially for dilute species such as those in low concentrations or intrinsically insensitive with small magnetic moments. Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation (DNP) is an emerging technology that can enhance the NMR signal intensities by up to three orders of magnitude and involves polarisation transfer from the much larger polarisation of unpaired electrons in radicals or metal ions, either implanted or inherently present in the samples, to the nearby nuclei followed by NMR detection.
The advent of commercial spectrometers for DNP Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR since 2008 has redirected research efforts away from the initial instrumentation development to more application-driven research. The pathway to success relies heavily on obtaining high signal enhancements by achieving optimal sample formulation which involves an appropriate choice of the unpaired electrons and of a suitable matrix to embed them in the sample of interest. Many pioneering applications have since emerged, demonstrating the unique potential of this novel spectroscopy method for addressing a wide variety of different research challenges ranging from energy storage materials, catalysis, drug delivery to biological molecules with tremendous potential for wider utilisation in the future.
The importance of DNP MAS NMR has been recognised in a review of the UK NMR landscape commissioned and published by the EPSRC as an NMR roadmap in 2013 (and updated in 2017) that stressed the urgent need for significant capital investment in this technology. Key recommendations were the immediate provision of the first commercial DNP MAS NMR system in the UK, that led to the funding of the Nottingham DNP MAS NMR Facility operating a 14.1 T instrument (EP/L0222524/1) in 2015, and at least two additional systems across the UK in the medium term, that triggered the submission of a business case to the EPSRC Strategic Equipment Process for a 9.4 T system by the University of Manchester in partnership with the University of Liverpool in 2020. The recommendations of the NMR roadmap were recently corroborated by a Statement of Community Need submitted in 2019 by the University of Cambridge, representing the external user group of the Nottingham Facility, which was prioritised by the EPSRC National Research Facility panel. In response to these decade-long activities, EPSRC invited the community to submit a full proposal to the Strategic Equipment Process for the provision of DNP MAS NMR spectroscopy to serve the UK science community.
Here, we propose to establish a distributed DNP MAS NMR Facility located over the three host institutions by combining the full operation of the 14.1 T Nottingham DNP MAS NMR Facility with a fraction of experimental time of the 9.4 T system at the University of Cambridge and a new 9.4 T instrument at the University of Manchester, augmented by additional capabilities for fast MAS, that, taken together, will provide the UK community with both regular access to instrumentation and world-class expertise. We will deliver on this major transformative investment in DNP MAS NMR by being able to benefit EPSRC Prosperity Outcomes, impact Research Themes and cover many Research Areas. Critical to the success and sustainability of this distributed Facility is the support of two Facility Managers with funding for operating costs coupled to one management structure with a single-entry point application procedure, strong community support and wide dissemination and outreach strategies engaging (DNP) NMR experts with the broader UK research communities.
GRN: EP/T014350/1
Period: 05/01/2020 to 04/07/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful analytical approaches for characterising molecular-level structure and dynamics. It is used by researchers in the physical and life sciences to address complex problems in systems as diverse as pharmaceuticals, battery materials, catalysis and protein complexes. Moreover, the power of solid-state NMR as an analytical technique is continually increasing in line with advances in NMR magnet technology. High magnetic fields maximise both the sensitivity and resolution of NMR spectra, meaning that more information can be obtained. In particular, the recent availability of spectrometers with magnetic fields of 23.5 T (a 1H NMR frequency of 1.0 GHz) represents a huge opportunity to study materials and biological systems in greater detail than ever before.
The importance of high-field NMR spectroscopy has been recognised by the UKRI's recent 20M investment in a UK-wide network of high magnetic field NMR facilities in 2018. This included a 8M 1.0 GHz spectrometer with the highest field in the UK for performing solid-state NMR measurements. Here, we propose to maximise the accessibility and impact of this world-leading spectrometer by combining it with the existing UK 850 MHz Solid-State NMR Facility to create a new UK High-Field Solid-State NMR National Research Facility. A range of magic angle spinning probes will be provided, from fast spinning (up to 111 kHz) facilitating proton-detected 13C and 15N experiments for the analysis of pharmaceuticals and protein complexes, to slower spinning larger volume systems that benefit the analysis of low-abundance and quadrupolar nuclei including 25Mg, 45Sc and 71Ga widely studied in materials science. In each instance, the sensitivity and resolution obtained from these samples is enhanced through their analysis at high magnetic fields.
The availability of two state-of-the-art solid-state NMR spectrometers, both with the potential to drive new developments in the field, together with a suite of specialist and custom-made NMR probes, within a single National Research Facility will allow both increased capacity and capability for UK NMR research. The combination of the 1.0 GHz spectrometer with ultrafast magic-angle spinning probes will enable experiments to be performed at the highest possible resolution and sensitivity, something which is critical for observing and correlating nuclei such as 1H, 13C and 15N in systems such as pharmaceuticals, protein complexes and plant cells. The high magnetic field is also particularly important for studying quadrupolar nuclei, which make up over one third of the periodic table and are of great importance in both materials and biological science, but suffer from additional broadening interactions that complicate their observation at low magnetic fields. At the same time, the 850 MHz spectrometer has a larger bore size so it can accommodate more specialist NMR probes e.g., high-temperatures upto 1000 K. This example is especially important for studying e.g., ion dynamics in battery and fuel cell materials or in situ reaction and crystallisation processes, where the ability to heat the sample over a wide temperature range is paramount. In addition, the 850 MHz spectrometer can accommodate more exotic NMR probe designs such as double-rotation probes for acquiring high-resolution spectra of quadrupolar nuclei.
The sustainable operation of the new Facility will based on the key factors that have enabled the success of the existing 850 MHz Facility: dedicated Facility Manager support and genuine nationwide buy-in achieved through the Facility Executive and an independent time allocation procedure. In addition, the Facility will actively engage with the UK NMR community through close interaction with the recently-established Connect NMR UK network, continuing to grow and diversify its user base beyond the NMR community through a range of outreach and engagement activities.
GRN: EP/T014911/1
Period: 02/04/2020 to 04/07/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful analytical approaches for characterising molecular-level structure and dynamics. It is used by researchers in the physical and life sciences to address complex problems in systems as diverse as pharmaceuticals, battery materials, catalysis and protein complexes. Moreover, the power of solid-state NMR as an analytical technique is continually increasing in line with advances in NMR magnet technology. High magnetic fields maximise both the sensitivity and resolution of NMR spectra, meaning that more information can be obtained. In particular, the recent availability of spectrometers with magnetic fields of 23.5 T (a 1H NMR frequency of 1.0 GHz) represents a huge opportunity to study materials and biological systems in greater detail than ever before.
The importance of high-field NMR spectroscopy has been recognised by the UKRI's recent 20M investment in a UK-wide network of high magnetic field NMR facilities in 2018. This included a 8M 1.0 GHz spectrometer with the highest field in the UK for performing solid-state NMR measurements. Here, we propose to maximise the accessibility and impact of this world-leading spectrometer by combining it with the existing UK 850 MHz Solid-State NMR Facility to create a new UK High-Field Solid-State NMR National Research Facility. A range of magic angle spinning probes will be provided, from fast spinning (up to 111 kHz) facilitating proton-detected 13C and 15N experiments for the analysis of pharmaceuticals and protein complexes, to slower spinning larger volume systems that benefit the analysis of low-abundance and quadrupolar nuclei including 25Mg, 45Sc and 71Ga widely studied in materials science. In each instance, the sensitivity and resolution obtained from these samples is enhanced through their analysis at high magnetic fields.
The availability of two state-of-the-art solid-state NMR spectrometers, both with the potential to drive new developments in the field, together with a suite of specialist and custom-made NMR probes, within a single National Research Facility will allow both increased capacity and capability for UK NMR research. The combination of the 1.0 GHz spectrometer with ultrafast magic-angle spinning probes will enable experiments to be performed at the highest possible resolution and sensitivity, something which is critical for observing and correlating nuclei such as 1H, 13C and 15N in systems such as pharmaceuticals, protein complexes and plant cells. The high magnetic field is also particularly important for studying quadrupolar nuclei, which make up over one third of the periodic table and are of great importance in both materials and biological science, but suffer from additional broadening interactions that complicate their observation at low magnetic fields. At the same time, the 850 MHz spectrometer has a larger bore size so it can accommodate more specialist NMR probes e.g., high-temperatures up to 1000 K. This example is especially important for studying e.g., ion dynamics in battery and fuel cell materials or in situ reaction and crystallisation processes, where the ability to heat the sample over a wide temperature range is paramount. In addition, the 850 MHz spectrometer can accommodate more exotic NMR probe designs such as double-rotation probes for acquiring high-resolution spectra of quadrupolar nuclei.
The sustainable operation of the new Facility will based on the key factors that have enabled the success of the existing 850 MHz Facility: dedicated Facility Manager support and genuine nationwide buy-in achieved through the Facility Executive and an independent time allocation procedure. In addition, the Facility will actively engage with the UK NMR community through close interaction with the recently-established Connect NMR UK network, continuing to grow and diversify its user base beyond the NMR community through a range of outreach and engagement activities.
GRN: EP/T01492X/1
Period: 01/04/2020 to 04/07/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful analytical approaches for characterising molecular-level structure and dynamics. It is used by researchers in the physical and life sciences to address complex problems in systems as diverse as pharmaceuticals, battery materials, catalysis and protein complexes. Moreover, the power of solid-state NMR as an analytical technique is continually increasing in line with advances in NMR magnet technology. High magnetic fields maximise both the sensitivity and resolution of NMR spectra, meaning that more information can be obtained. In particular, the recent availability of spectrometers with magnetic fields of 23.5 T (a 1H NMR frequency of 1.0 GHz) represents a huge opportunity to study materials and biological systems in greater detail than ever before.
The importance of high-field NMR spectroscopy has been recognised by the UKRI's recent 20M investment in a UK-wide network of high magnetic field NMR facilities in 2018. This included a 8M 1.0 GHz spectrometer with the highest field in the UK for performing solid-state NMR measurements. Here, we propose to maximise the accessibility and impact of this world-leading spectrometer by combining it with the existing UK 850 MHz Solid-State NMR Facility to create a new UK High-Field Solid-State NMR National Research Facility. A range of magic angle spinning probes will be provided, from fast spinning (up to 111 kHz) facilitating proton-detected 13C and 15N experiments for the analysis of pharmaceuticals and protein complexes, to slower spinning larger volume systems that benefit the analysis of low-abundance and quadrupolar nuclei including 25Mg, 45Sc and 71Ga widely studied in materials science. In each instance, the sensitivity and resolution obtained from these samples is enhanced through their analysis at high magnetic fields.
The availability of two state-of-the-art solid-state NMR spectrometers, both with the potential to drive new developments in the field, together with a suite of specialist and custom-made NMR probes, within a single National Research Facility will allow both increased capacity and capability for UK NMR research. The combination of the 1.0 GHz spectrometer with ultrafast magic-angle spinning probes will enable experiments to be performed at the highest possible resolution and sensitivity, something which is critical for observing and correlating nuclei such as 1H, 13C and 15N in systems such as pharmaceuticals, protein complexes and plant cells. The high magnetic field is also particularly important for studying quadrupolar nuclei, which make up over one third of the periodic table and are of great importance in both materials and biological science, but suffer from additional broadening interactions that complicate their observation at low magnetic fields. At the same time, the 850 MHz spectrometer has a larger bore size so it can accommodate more specialist NMR probes e.g., high-temperatures upto 1000 K. This example is especially important for studying e.g., ion dynamics in battery and fuel cell materials or in situ reaction and crystallisation processes, where the ability to heat the sample over a wide temperature range is paramount. In addition, the 850 MHz spectrometer can accommodate more exotic NMR probe designs such as double-rotation probes for acquiring high-resolution spectra of quadrupolar nuclei.
The sustainable operation of the new Facility will based on the key factors that have enabled the success of the existing 850 MHz Facility: dedicated Facility Manager support and genuine nationwide buy-in achieved through the Facility Executive and an independent time allocation procedure. In addition, the Facility will actively engage with the UK NMR community through close interaction with the recently-established Connect NMR UK network, continuing to grow and diversify its user base beyond the NMR community through a range of outreach and engagement activities.
GRN: EP/T014997/1
Period: 05/01/2020 to 04/07/2026
Funding Source: EPSRC
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful analytical approaches for characterising molecular-level structure and dynamics. It is used by researchers in the physical and life sciences to address complex problems in systems as diverse as pharmaceuticals, battery materials, catalysis and protein complexes. Moreover, the power of solid-state NMR as an analytical technique is continually increasing in line with advances in NMR magnet technology. High magnetic fields maximise both the sensitivity and resolution of NMR spectra, meaning that more information can be obtained. In particular, the recent availability of spectrometers with magnetic fields of 23.5 T (a 1H NMR frequency of 1.0 GHz) represents a huge opportunity to study materials and biological systems in greater detail than ever before.
The importance of high-field NMR spectroscopy has been recognised by the UKRI's recent 20M investment in a UK-wide network of high magnetic field NMR facilities in 2018. This included a 8M 1.0 GHz spectrometer with the highest field in the UK for performing solid-state NMR measurements. Here, we propose to maximise the accessibility and impact of this world-leading spectrometer by combining it with the existing UK 850 MHz Solid-State NMR Facility to create a new UK High-Field Solid-State NMR National Research Facility. A range of magic angle spinning probes will be provided, from fast spinning (up to 111 kHz) facilitating proton-detected 13C and 15N experiments for the analysis of pharmaceuticals and protein complexes, to slower spinning larger volume systems that benefit the analysis of low-abundance and quadrupolar nuclei including 25Mg, 45Sc and 71Ga widely studied in materials science. In each instance, the sensitivity and resolution obtained from these samples is enhanced through their analysis at high magnetic fields.
The availability of two state-of-the-art solid-state NMR spectrometers, both with the potential to drive new developments in the field, together with a suite of specialist and custom-made NMR probes, within a single National Research Facility will allow both increased capacity and capability for UK NMR research. The combination of the 1.0 GHz spectrometer with ultrafast magic-angle spinning probes will enable experiments to be performed at the highest possible resolution and sensitivity, something which is critical for observing and correlating nuclei such as 1H, 13C and 15N in systems such as pharmaceuticals, protein complexes and plant cells. The high magnetic field is also particularly important for studying quadrupolar nuclei, which make up over one third of the periodic table and are of great importance in both materials and biological science, but suffer from additional broadening interactions that complicate their observation at low magnetic fields. At the same time, the 850 MHz spectrometer has a larger bore size so it can accommodate more specialist NMR probes e.g., high-temperatures upto 1000 K. This example is especially important for studying e.g., ion dynamics in battery and fuel cell materials or in situ reaction and crystallisation processes, where the ability to heat the sample over a wide temperature range is paramount. In addition, the 850 MHz spectrometer can accommodate more exotic NMR probe designs such as double-rotation probes for acquiring high-resolution spectra of quadrupolar nuclei.
The sustainable operation of the new Facility will based on the key factors that have enabled the success of the existing 850 MHz Facility: dedicated Facility Manager support and genuine nationwide buy-in achieved through the Facility Executive and an independent time allocation procedure. In addition, the Facility will actively engage with the UK NMR community through close interaction with the recently-established Connect NMR UK network, continuing to grow and diversify its user base beyond the NMR community through a range of outreach and engagement activities.
