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Biography
My research and teaching experience span the field of energy efficient and sustainable technologies with a particular focus on applications in built environment. I completed my Doctorate degree from the University of Manchester, UK ,in 1996 and then I worked as a researcher in academia and industry for over four years. In 2000, I joined the University of Nottingham where I worked on a number of research projects funded by industry and government research councils. These include design, simulation and testing thermal performance of passive and active heating and cooling systems including co- and tri-generation systems, adsorption and absorption systems, evaporative cooling systems, heat pumps, and other advanced heat transfer enabling technologies. Currently, I am a lecturer of sustainable energy technology and a member of Buildings, Energy and Environment (BEE) Research Group. I completed the supervision of over 10 PhD thesis and currently supervise 6 PhD students at various stages of their research projects. I published a number of Journal papers, book chapters and conference papers. I am also named the inventor on 6 UK and International Patents.
Buildings, Energy and Environment Research Group.
Expertise Summary
My professional expertise encompasses design, modeling and experimentation of energy efficient systems and allied enabling technologies. These include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, heat recovery (HVAC) technologies, heat transfer enabling technologies (heat pipes, heat and mass exchangers), small scale heat and power generation systems. I have also extensive experience in the use of various computer tools/ software packages such as Matlab, Flow3D, FluidFlow and EnergyPro for technical and economic feasibility assessment of low carbon technologies.
Teaching Summary
My teaching experience spans over 13 years both at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. my main teaching interests are in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Technologies with particular focus on Built… read more
Research Summary
My research interests are centred on energy efficient and sustainable technologies with a focus on application in the built environment.
- Design, Modeling, and testing of Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) Systems
- Design, modeling and testing of adsorption heating/cooling
- Evaporative cooling systems
- Heat pump system
- Heat Recovery systems
- Solar hot water systems
- Design, Modeling, and testing of small scale power generation systems
- Thermoelectric generators
- Micro-CHP systems
3. Other heat and mass Transfer enabling technologies
- Heat pipes
- Porous media for evaporative cooling system
Selected Publications
MICHELE TUNZI, RABAH BOUKHANOUF, HONGWEI LI, SVEND SVENDSEN and ANTON IANAKIEV, 2018. Improving thermal performance of existing UK district heating: A case for temperature optimization Energy and Buildings. 158, 1576–1585 RABAH BOUKHANOUF, ABDULRAHMAN ALHARBI, HATEM G IBRAHIM, OMAR AMER and MARK WORALL, 2017. Computer modelling and experimental investigation of building
integrated sub-wet bulb temperature evaporative cooling system Applied Thermal Engineering. 115, 201–211 MICHELE TUNZI, DORTE SKAARUP ØSTERGAARD, SVEND SVENDSEN, RABAH BOUKHANOUF and EDWARD COOPER, 2016. Method to investigate and plan the application of low temperature district heating to existing hydraulic radiator systems in existing buildings International Journal Energy. 113, Pages 413-421
Past Research
Examples of Research projects:
1) Low temperature community heat networks (LTHN)
Context:
Decarbonising the heat sector is central to the UK and EU countries energy policy agenda in mitigating climate change effects and working towards a carbon neutral society. The aim of the work is to identify the optimum supply and return temperatures to operate DH networks and heating systems in buildings. An alternative methodology was developed to investigate and plan the implementation of low temperature district heating (LTDH) in existing buildings with traditional high temperature radiators.
http://www.theade.co.uk/news/ade-news/brightest-and-best-recognised-at-the-decentralised-energy-awards
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378778817328360
2) Regenerative Evaporative Cooling
Context:
Energy consumption for thermal comfort in buildings in hot and dry climates make up to 50% (rising to 70% in typical mid-afternoon) of total demand for power. This market is traditionally served by vapour compression systems, which are energy intensive and the energy performance affected by elevated ambient temperatures. Inevitably, at peak load demand, electricity grids reliability is affected, putting strenuous financial strains to increase power generation spare capacity. In addition, conventional air conditioning systems contribute directly and indirectly to emission of global warming causing greenhouse gases and carry health risks such as allergies and asthma for building occupants
The aim of this study is to develop a new configuration of heat pipe based indirect evaporative cooling system. The basic mechanical design is centred on the regenerative configuration of IEC system which integrates porous ceramic tubes as wetting media materials and tubular heat pipes in a compact modular heat and mass transfer exchanger (HPHMX).
Both experimental and theoretical results show that the system can be an energy efficient alternative for traditional vapour compression systems. an overall coefficient of performance of (COP) of 6-17 was achieved while water consumption rate reduced.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.06.004
3) Solid desiccant air dehumidification
Context:
Thermal comfort in buildings is greatly affected with air relative humidity. In conventional vapour compression air conditioning systems, air moisture content is reduced through the process of air dehumidification by cooling it below its saturation temperature before reheating it, an energy intensive strategy.
the aim of this work is to develop a novel and compact design of an air dehumidification system. the system uses enhanced heat and mass transfer processes by limiting the heat of adsorption during the adsorption cycle. A mathematical model for complex heat and mass transfer processes have been developed and validated experimentally.
4) Low Temperature FPSE for power generation / water pumping in remote locations of developing countries.
Context:
Abstract
Approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide do not have access to electricity [World Bank]. Most of them live in rural regions in developing countries which lacked access to grid electricity.
Grid extension programmes, though expensive, and the use of solar home systems have helped to bring the number of people without access to electricity down significantly. this project uses a FPSE that converts solar energy into mechanical power to drive an electric generator for power generation or a water pump for irrigation. The research project involved design, modeling and testing a prototype units under controlled solar radiation conditions.
Future Research
Some of the most challenging issues facing the the built environment is reducing energy consumption in buildings particularly for the provision of space heat and cooling energy. As building standards of thermal buildings envelope become more stringent for new and refurbished buildings, current practices of high temperature heating systems may require a complete rethink, particularly in densely populated cities.
- Research focus: A multi-vector energy systems could integrate low temperature heat sources (e.g., renewable sources and waste heat from industrial processes), thermal storage (e.g., damping excess renewable power) and battery storage in the form of heat and power networks linking and creating energy sustainable communities.
In countries of the world with high temperature climates, it is increasingly recognized that current air conditioning systems are not sustainable and more environmentally benign and novel cooling techniques are required to reduce the huge demand for power.
- Research focus: Passive and low carbon cooling systems with novel materials.
I have also keen interests in research and the development of allied thermal management solutions and process in buildings.
I welcome enquiries from potential PhD candidates from Home, EU and international countries who are interested in the following research areas: Energy efficient and sustainable technologies with a focus on application in the built environment; passive and active heating and cooling systems; adsorption and absorption systems; heat pumps; low carbon technologies; heat recovery (HVAC) technologies.