Renewable energy systems have much in common. Generally, they 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. Similarly, in solar photovoltaics (PV), energy yields are dependent on the analysis of the solar radiation (sunlight), the type of semiconductor or photon converter that generates electrons, the design of arrays and the balance of system to supply power to the grid. In addition, converter-converter interactions are important in renewable energy studies to understand and predict energy yields.

In the urban environment, building related energy generation and energy conservation are vital for carbon emission reduction. Urban energy generation / conversion technologies are generally microgeneration systems such as solar photovoltaics (PV), micro wind turbines, micro combined heat and power (µCHP) and ground source heat pumps. These systems can have a multifunctional design approach as for example in the case of semitransparent PV elements that act as weather barrier whilst providing shading and daylighting in addition to their function of generating electricity.

Understanding the relationship between occupant behaviour and energy demand is important within the urban environment to develop appropriate strategies for both new buildings and for the refurbishment of existing buildings. Furthermore, the interaction of occupant behaviour with renewable energy systems needs to be studied to achieve low carbon buildings and cities.

The Sustainable Energy Research Group seeks to address the sustainable energy challenge across a range of scales and approaches. This encompasses diverse topics such as resource assessment of MW scale wet renewables, performance trials of micro-wind turbines, thin film photovoltaic development and assessment of the impact of climate change on future office space performance. Each project looks at one or more aspects of the resource, converter and end user chain and how they interact. Details on individual projects can be accessed via the links on the right hand side of this screen. A detailed overview of the group's research by themes is given by the topics in the main menu on the left hand side of this screen.

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• Solar Photovoltaics
• Marine Energy
• Built Environment
• Microgeneration
• Hydropower
• Pollution Control