Institute of Energy – (Ph.D.)

The Institute of Energy has expertise in energy supply, conventional and renewable generation systems, electricity transmission and distribution, as well as the demand-side and efficient utilization of energy. The expertise of institute staff allows not only in-depth investigation of particular aspects of energy technologies, but also assessment of energy systems and evaluation of their costs and benefits.

Research staff undertake internationallycompetitive research of high impact, in all aspects of low carbon energy supply and utillisation.

The Institute of Energy is an innovative grouping that engages with industry globally. The National Grid is a strategic partner to the Institute, and a framework agreement is in place for EADS on the Airbus project. In the file of Energy, Waste and the Environment, for example, our academics have worked with major industrial companies such as GKN, Shell, QinetiQ, and HM Naval Dockyards.

Industrial partners contribute to our teaching on energy as external lecturers and provide important up-to-date insights and industrial contacts for our students. Recent examples include AREVA; Atkins; Cogent; and Garrad Hassan.

Key areas of research are:

* Grid Integration of Renewable Energy Sources
* Smart Grids
* Energy Assessment and Modelling
* Energy Inrastructure
* Low Carbon Heat and Power Generation
* Energy, Risk and Environmental Management
* Alternative Transport Fuels and Technologies
* Complex Fluid and Thermal Systems
* Thermoelectrical Materials and Heat Recovery
* Insulation Sysytems
* Power Systems Transients, Overvoltage Protection and Electrical Compact Earthing Systems
* Earthing and Probablistic Risk Assessment of Electrical Systems
* Power Magnetics

The Institute possesses the latest in large scale facilities to enable it to respond to the global needs of energy research including a Power System Simulator (PSS), a unique facility which can be used to gain knowledge-based learning and skills-based training in all aspects of electrical power systems, a well-equipped high voltage laboratory with several transformers (up to 300kV); dc supplies (up to 100kV); impulse generators (up to 400kV or 20kA); a pollution test chamber with IEC507 power supply and a sun ageing chamber; and an inclines-plane text facility.

In addition, there is a well-equipped outdoor test site, state-of-the-art thermal and electrical property characterisation systems, and a range of experimental facilities which are utilised to complement modelling studies, including combustion bombs, environmental chambers and extensive environmental analysis laboratories. A large scale Gas Turbine Research Centre, situated off-site, also forms part of the Institute.