This strand addresses the significant research challenge area of electrical engineering to support the delivery of the UK government’s aim of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and future energy security. Our research benefits from the Tony Davies High voltage Laboratory (TDHVL), a world-leading research centre for dielectric materials, insulation systems, high voltage phenomena and renewables integration. Research towards the all-electric future includes:
The latter increases the need for intelligent wide-area condition monitoring to provide prognostic information about network health and to ensure security of supply.
Increasing the distributed intelligence of the network presents challenges in terms of system control and for providing cyber secure communications that support real-time data (load and thermal rating) that can compensate for a sudden loss of a generator and reduce the likelihood of loss of supply.
Decarbonisation of transport, in particular all-electric aircraft and electrification of marine transport also present significant opportunities.
The replacement of hydrocarbon-based solid and liquid insulation systems with sustainable alternatives is another active area of research within TDHVL, for which we have an international reputation (see case study below).
This includes research in lower-power electronics operation, low energy materials and processing methods (e.g., solution processing), and systems assembly that can enable sustainable electronics development. In the area of sustainable electronics development we research the optimisation of device and systems design for low power/low voltage operation, complementing ECS expertise in power supplies (for example energy harvesting and storage), and the Electronics and Electrical Engineering systems research area.
Printed electronics is a low-energy-consuming additive manufacturing process, which exploits ECS expertise and facilities access, for example to our cleanroom and Printed Electronics and Materials laboratory.
Significant opportunities also exist in the development and application of sustainable, environmentally-friendly electronic materials in device manufacture and packaging. For example biodegradable or recyclable 2D materials and non-toxic perovskites.
I work in the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, specialising in the development of bio-based materials for renewable generation technologies like wind and solar energy. My research emphasises sustainability, focusing on replacing traditional but environmentally harmful petroleum-based materials, with eco-friendly alternatives. Recently, I have explored the dielectric properties of modified polymer composite, a crucial factor in enhancing the efficiency of electrical insulation materials in power systems.
The innovation in this approach lies in the diverse range of bio-based resources, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials. This research is essential for advancing new technologies in the renewable energy sector, where sustainable and efficient materials are critical for long-term viability. My findings have been presented at conferences and published in high-impact journals.
The significance of my research is its contribution to the development of more sustainable, bio-based materials, which are expected to play a key role in the renewable energy industry. They help reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and minimize environmental impact. My work at the intersection of material science and sustainability highlights the importance of developing advanced technologies that are also environmentally responsible.