Solving challenges in the energy system

Second year Astrophyics report: Hubble's Law & the expansion of the universe

This report involved a mathematical analysis of the spectra from 5 separate elliptical galaxies, to measure the displacement of the K & H absorption lines of ionised calcium.

This apparent displacement was then used to calculate the red shift of each individual galaxy, which was used as input for the doppler equation to find the recessional velocity (λλdenoted v in the RHS equation).

All of this was used as the basis for a code in Matlab to calculate an exact value for Hubble's constant (the expansion rate of the universe, RHS) which was determined to be 71.4±2.4(km/s)/mpc.

Final year project: An analysis of the exchange kinetics in Palladium-Hydrogen systems

Computational project based upon the use of Python script in McStas compiler to simulate neutron diffraction patterns in varying Pd-H mixtures.

Specifically, a large data set (total of 4 databases, Pd, Hydrogen, Deuterium, Ttritium) used as input for the McStas compiler to generate outputs following specified criteria. (E.g. varying concentrations of H/D/T, ambient temperature/pressure changes)

This was then transferred to a graphical format using matplotlib, generating the following figures

Physics BSc

Relevant modules: Mathematical methods & applications, Electricity/Electronics & Optoelectronics, Photonics & Nanotechnology, Computational laboratories, Propeties of matter

(Fig1)

Pd_H diffraction pattern

(Fig2)

Pd diffraction pattern

My degree was centered around problem solving, with tremendous emphasis on mathematical modelling & analysis in conjunction with scientific report writing.

This was developed through the use of programming software including Matlab, Fortran and Python.

This presentation will explore:

TNEI: Scottish Government / DECC Scottish Islands project

Some examples of this are as follows

TNEI & Baringa Consultants worked together to investiage why renewables have been slow to develop on the Scottish islands for the DECC & Scottish government.

It was discovered for Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, lack of significant grid infrastructure was the primary issue.

This is a great example of the challenges faced in energy transmission & distribution.

It is well known that Scotland and it's islands experience some of the harshest winds in europe, which could become advantageous with the expected quadroupling of UK wind farms by 2035.

This investigation highlighted that the implementation of renewables must be accompained with developments in grid infrastructure in order to achieve the aims set in the Energy White Paper & British Energy Security Strategy.

• My experience in modelling & analysis
• Challenges in the energy sector
• Applications of this experience to solve problems in the energy sector

Challenges in the energy system

• Volatility in renewable energy supply, which is exacerbated by climate change [2}
• Energy storage, transmission & distribution [4]
• Driving the growth of low carbon Hydrogen [5]
• Improving energy efficiency [3]
• Energy security & independence [1] - Targets set by the Energy White paper & British Energy Security Strategy (Below) [4]

By David McElroy

TNEI: Engineering Design for Moray Firth offshore wind farm

TNEI was appointed by EDPR & Repsol to develop, test and optimise concept engineering designs for the array electrical layout/infrastructure and export connection of Moray Firth offshore wind farm.

This is a good example of work being done to improve energy efficiency, which can help maximise return on large scale projects.

This is of tremendous importance as of late, since price of electricity in the UK reached 500 GBP per Megawatt hour due to increased demand and limited supply [6].

This is crisis was worsened by poor weather conditions, such as lessened wind generation, a decrease in average rainfall in addition to a reduction in average day light hours [2].

External factors such as these underline the significance of improving energy efficiency, which can often be translated directly to savings in costs [7].

Solving challenges in the energy system

Sources:

Applications of Modelling & Analysis

[1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_1511

[2] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1094025/UK_Energy_in_Brief_2022.pdf

[3] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/where-will-britains-future-energy-supply-come-from/

[4] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-energy-security-strategy/british-energy-security-strategy

[5] https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/future-energy/

[6] https://tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/electricity-price

[7] https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/250156/download

How my experience of Modelling & Analysis could be used to solve challenges in the energy system

My studies and experience have given me the tools necessary to analyse large amounts of data and derive accurate conclusions depending upon specified criteria.

I believe this is directly applicable to the aforementioned projects TNEI is involved with, in addition to further pursuits.

I have also had opportunities to practice & develop my coding ability, and more importantly my ability to learn and adapt to new software packages and domains, as I had to teach myself how to code a Python script for my final year project.

Some examples of my potential contributions using Modelling & Analysis include:

- Investigating sites & benefits for potential pumped hydro stations (to alleviate energy storage difficulties)

- Investigating potential for Hydrogen Electrolysis, storage & heating (to empower green Hydrogen and alleviate energy storage concerns)

- Using Python code to forecast anticipated energy supply & demands (to assist in energy transmission & distribution)

- Computer modelling to optimise energy generation with on/offshore windfarms, PV panels & Hydroelectric facilities (to improve energy efficiency)

- Computational analysis of interconnectors (to develop grid transmission/distribution as well as energy security)