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Wave Energy

The group has long been associated with both generic and applied research into extracting power from waves. Our recent research involvement with the SUPERGEN consortium of marine energy research institutes is but the most recent endeavour spanning 30 years of research. Our research has also involved the development of a wide range of devices, from inception to scaled testing in our excellent tank facilities. This section describes the wave-energy research currently in progress in the group.

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Tidal Energy

Research is concentrating on a niche area of high-lift vertical axis tidal stream devices for tidal stream energy generation operating within a shallow resource. These devices will offer significantly lower costs during manufacture, and installation without the need for excessive infrastructure. Readers will find useful information regarding the basic priciples of generating electricty from tidal streams. LUREG is also involved with numerous regional tidal barrage proposals.

Hydro Power

your image alt text Work is in progress on the exploitation of hydro power by converting the water pressure into air pressure, which allows the use of much smaller, less-expensive turbines running in air. These turn much faster than the water turbines that would otherwise be used, so eliminating the need for a step-up gearbox to drive the generator. The system under development uses siphons, bridging the weir or barrage. The aeration of the water makes the system attractive for use in water treatment plants. Other projects include the Hydro Resource model project, which looks at the economic and technical issues of hydro sites in the N-W region.

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Fluid Machinery

See Fluid Machinery Group for details.

Associated Areas

Energy policy and efficiency

The group has experience in a variety of energy efficiency and monitoring projects.

Biodiesel

Working with a local company and LPDU, LUREG have conducted a number of small projects into biodiesel plants.

Relevant work across campus

Sustainable energy Group

Based in the Lancaster Environment Centre, this group has broad interests in sustainable energy. More.