Design and prototyping of interface technologies for integrated renewable energy systems (MELENDIU16SCI50)

Background: Climate change and depletion of fossil fuels require our society to search for alternative renewable energies [1]. Some of the renewable energy resources are intermittent, which means sun does not shine continuously and wind does not blow on demand, but we all expect to get sufficient energy for our daily lives. To increase reliability there is a growing interest in developing Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (IRES), which rely on multiple generation technologies [2].

We propose to combine solar, water desalination and biomass conversion technologies for the simultaneous production of electricity, biofuel and potable water. The product water will be used for irrigation, which is itself necessary to grow the biomass used within the system for the production of power. This power will be employed to run the desalination system. Joining these 3 components, a positive feedback loop will be created - irrigation increases crop yield and biofuel production, which in turn increases power and hence water production. The goal is to ensure autonomous water, power and biofuel production without any fossil fuels or expensive/inefficient energy storage systems.

One potential biomass conversion technology is the generation of biogas from energy/food crop residues. However, this biogas typically comprises 40% CO2 and other trace compounds, so it needs to be upgraded before being used in power generation systems. Unfortunately, the gas upgrading can be very energy intensive, thus reducing the overall feedback gain. Consequently, the aim of this PhD studentship is to model the full IRES and the upgrading technology, formulate different designs and develop CFD techniques for assessment and optimization. In addition, the student will be intimately involved in full-cycle prototype development.