Renewable Energy students enjoying the state-of-the-art facilities. The campus is equipped with the latest facilities for teaching and research. The renewable energy laboratory contains technology for the study of geothermal and biomass heating; water flows; hydroelectric turbines; photovoltaics; solar thermal; fuel cells; air flow and aerodynamics; hydraulic machines and systems; and electronics and electrical power systems.
The lab is also equipped with state-of-the-art software for the analysis of engineering materials (LUSAS - 3D finite element); flows of liquids, gases (Fluent – 3D computational fluid dynamics) and electricity (IPSA+ - electrical power systems); computer aided design (AutoCAD) and machining (SolidWorks); wind energy resource assessment (Windfarmer, WASP) and wind turbine design (Bladed). Undergraduate students benefit from regular use of all of these programs and facilities in the lab.
A variety of devices producing renewable energy around the campus provide in-situ access to working energy technologies including a 3 x 1MW fully condensing gas boiler and a ground source heat pump system. As part of the continuing expansion of the campus, a biomass boiler will be developed and a commercial scale wind installation and other technologies are being considered. The campus is 500m from the Roskrow Barton commercial wind development that comprises 2 x 850kW, V52-850 Vestas wind turbines. Our relationship with Cornwall Light and Power (part of the REG group) means Renewable Energy students have full access to the data acquisition system for these turbines.
At our field station there is another wind turbine, a photovoltaic installation and an underground diesel engine performance and emissions testing rig.
Look around the facilities by viewing our 360 degree virtual tours.
