Our research seeks to address the sustainable energy challenge across a range of scales and approaches.
Renewable energy systems rely on a knowledge and understanding of the resource, the converter technology and the balance of system. This applies equally to the optimisation of converters and their energy yields, whether they are derived from tidal currents, waves, wind or solar radiation.
For example, in the study of energy yields from tidal currents and waves, one needs to understand the resource that can be utilised by the energy converters as well as the device layout within a site. Furthermore, one needs to study the design of the mechanical/electrical interface (balance of system) that will deliver electrical power to the grid. Read more...
The Sustainable Energy Research Group is conducting research on climate change issues by assessing future climate impacts in particular in terms of the future performance of buildings... Read more
With rising fuel prices and incentives to reduce carbon emissions, microgeneration has gained in importance. Microgeneration refers to small scale systems that generate electricity and/or heat for domestic dwellings. Some systems have been commercially available for some time, for example solar thermal collectors that provide hot water and photovoltaic panels that generate electricity. A change in energy policy and recent developments in technology have prompted the emergence of micro-scale wind turbines and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Micro generation is seen as a bold step towards decentralising power generation, reducing fuel poverty... Read more
The people behind Sustainable Energy at Southampton
Key facts
Microgeneration refers to small scale systems generating domestic electricity and heat. Some systems are already commercially available, e.g. solar thermal collectors for hot water and photovoltaic panels for electricity.
Changing energy policy and developments in technology have prompted the emergence of micro-scale wind turbines and combined heat and power (CHP) systems.
Micro generation is seen as a bold step. It decentralises power generation, reduces fuel poverty and increases the % of power generated from renewable or low carbon sources.