World-leading research on a range of novel materials for energy technologies, including hydrogen storage materials, nano-tubes for PV applications, nano-structured membranes, and catalysts for fuel cells. Research is supported by excellent characterisation facilities and a wide network of international collaborations.
The research in fossil energy and carbon capture and storage has expanded enormously over the past few years and encompasses a number of key projects and initiatives, including the Engineering Doctoral Centre (EngD) in Efficient Fossil Energy Technologies; EPSRC, E.ON and China grants on C02 capture technologies and projects on oil exploration and recovery. Research involves extensive collaboration with industry and with internationally leading research centres, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Southeast, Tsinghai and Zhejiang Universities.
How we design and build the sustainable homes of the future and how we adapt existing buildings to become better energy savers are the major challenges in construction. The faculty undertakes high-quality, strategic and applied research related to building services and energy conservation including the flagship Creative Energy Homes Project -six homes constructed on University Park designed to various degrees of innovation and flexibility to allow the testing of different aspects of modern methods of construction. A showcase of innovative state-of-the-art energy efficient homes of the future.
Research activities commonly have a connection with the automotive, aero or power generation industry. Areas of research broadly include:
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the performance and technology of reciprocating engines, turbomachinery and motors
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flow visualisation, flow control and drag reduction
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CFD models, applications and mathematical techniques.
The group enjoys close links with industry. Sponsors and collaborators include, for example, Airbus, Ford, Jaguar and Rolls- Royce.