Device Development
The research and development of novel devices across a wide range of energy-related applications including:
- energy storage
- solar photovoltaic and thermal technologies
- grid integration
- multi-functional facades
- system control
Examples:
- the development of new PV plasmonic-based downshifting to increase efficiencies by up to 60%
- power quality controllers for wind farm grid integration
- phase change material storage devices for office and retail applications
Systems Modelling
The development and validation of models of energy systems for simulating new designs, optimization and scenario analysis. Models may consider energy flows, emissions or economic performances and range in scale from international energy networks to nano-materials.
Examples:
- techno-economic models of the Irish-GB electricity network for assessing bulk energy storage scenarios
- absorption-emission energy models of hybrid solar-biomass thermo-photovoltaic systems
- models of energy savings for domestic dwellings and building stocks
Economics and Policy
Assessing the social, environmental and economic impacts of new devices and systems using:
- financial and economic modelling
- behavioural analysis
- environmental life cycle assessment
Outputs inform enterprise business models and decisions, public policy and regulatory compliance.
Examples:
- decision models of energy efficiency purchasing by homeowners
- financial assessment and optimisation of energy project investments
- environmental life cycle assessment of energy products, services and policies