Wind Power

Our research ranges from wind turbine multi-disciplinary design to advanced aerodynamic analyses through the deployment of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technologies based on high-performance computing (HPC).

We develop and use numerical technologies for the analysis and design of horizontal and vertical axis turbines, or more recently, oscillating wing hydrokinetic turbines.

Wind Turbines require a relativly flat land, they should also be in an area where they can predominatly face the oncoming wind. The minimum speed required for a wind turbine to generate power is 2ms^-1, however it should exceed 6-8ms^-1. Power cannot be generated if the wind was to exceed 20ms^-1.

Solar Power

We carry out fundamental research on the development of low-cost high-efficiency solar cells and solar thermal applications. For example, enhanced light harvesting structures for improved photoexcitation in silicon solar cells, and photon management techniques for better sunlight capture and concentration.

Solar cells generate power through the absorption of photons, to increase efficiency, the panels should face due south in the northern hemisphere and North in the Southern Hemisphere.

Positioning them on a gradient will also allow them to face the sun directly. Obviously, cloud cover reduces efficiency of the solar cells.

Water Energy

Wave Energy

We have a long track record of research into extracting power from waves and have developed a wide range of devices, from inception to scaled testing in our excellent wave tank facilities. We are currently investigating the potential of multi-axis wave energy converters that could improve power capture for a new generation of devices.

To harness the energy in waves, generators should be placed on long stright beach fronts, in the direction of the prevailing wind. to harness wave energy, generators must be within the surf and close if not on the surface of the water.

Tidal Energy

Our research focuses on devices for tidal stream energy generation. One of our latest projects is investigating multi-element high-lift devices. These will offer significantly improved operational performance, augmenting the overall energy yield in both spring and neap tidal cycles. We are also involved with a number of regional tidal barrage proposals.

The tides rise and fall twice daily, generators harnessing the tidal energy can be placed underwater.