Small scale systems

Presentations

The small scale systems research projects were presented as a group in one single session. You can download a PDF of the combined presentations.

Projects

A Whole Energy Solution for the Sustainable Independent Provision of Solar-Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (S-CCHP) to Domestic Households

Student: Jonathan Werner
Supervisor(s): Dr Christos Markides (Department of Chemical Engineering), Professor Erich Muller (Department of Chemical Engineering), Dr Robert Edwards (Solar Polar)
Poster: #33 Download PDF

In recent decades, the uptake of technologies that harness solar energy to provide heat and power in small residences and larger commercial buildings has increased markedly. At these scales, the potential to use solar-thermal collectors to provide power, water heating and additionally cooling can have significant advantages, especially where rooftop is limited and grid connection is not possible. The aim of this project is to develop a model of an absorption refrigerator that will then be implemented as the cooling part in the whole-system model. This model can then be used to explore the potential performance of various component designs and system configurations in a selected domestic or commercial setting.

Smart charging of electric vehicles: a multi-objective optimisation approach

Student: Krit Vichaiwatanapanich
Supervisor(s): Dr Salvador Acha (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering), Gonzalo Bustos-Turu (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering), Dr Koen van Dam (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering)
Poster:
#34 Download PDF

Business models is one of the mechanisms that could help the electric automobile industry advance EV uptake. However, sustainable business models are not yet prevalent in the market. Especially in the area of charging infrastructure, which is very difficult to overcome due to the famous analogy - “chicken and egg”. This project investigates existing EV business models of charging infrastructure, evaluates the financial performance of the business models, and identifies the key factors in the strategy that contribute to the success of sustainable charging infrastructure.

Mitigating the impacts of electric vehicles on the electricity network through the use of smart charging strategies

Student: Paul Plessiez
Supervisor(s): Dr Salvador Acha (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering), Gonzalo Bustos-Turu (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering), Dr Koen van Dam (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering)
Poster:
#35 Download PDF

The integration of electric vehicles into the transport and energy sectors is a highly challenging issue. In particular, the charging of these vehicles represents an additional load that can have negative impacts on the stability and the reliability of electricity grids. The aim of this project is to study how smart charging approaches can manage the demand represented by this additional load and reduce its effects on a distribution network. The performance of various coordinated charging strategies will be evaluated in order to identify the most efficient schemes.

Analysis and Operation of Ground Source Heat Pumps coupled with Refrigeration Systems in UK Supermarkets

Student: Pietro Dalpane
Supervisor(s): Dr Salvador Acha (Department of Chemical Engineering)
Poster:
#36 Download PDF

In a scenario moving towards a decarbonisation of the heating system in compliance with the UK 2050 targets, ground source heat pumps (GSHP) are regarded as a promising technology capable of having a significant impact. Especially for food retailers, heat pumps can be seen as a very attractive investment. Through a conscientious configuration design, the large amount of heat rejected by refrigerators can be reutilised to increase the efficiency of GSHP, which can evenly spread the heat in the building at low energy consumption. This project, based on the Imperial College - Sainsbury’s partnership, analyses the performance of this innovative system from both an economic and a thermodynamic perspective.

Analysis of Rural Electricity Demand Growth in Rwanda

Student: Rishab Krishna Shrestha
Supervisor(s): Professor Jenny Nelson (Department of Physics), Lukas Lukoschek (MeshPower), Phillip Sandwell (Department of Physics)
Poster: #37 Download PDF

Electricity uptake of previously un-electrified areas are poorly understood primarily due to alack of accurate demand data. Mesh power, a solar mini grid company providing electricity in rural Rwanda and India, has been recording accurate time of use demand data for various types of residential and non-residential users. This project examines this data set to better understand how short run electricity demand evolves for different users in such rural areas. This understanding can help concerned stakeholders choose the proper supply option and make a sound business case to provide electricity to 1.3 billion people who are yet to have access to electricity.