Case Studies

Solid state lighting (SSL), which uses LEDs as the light source, is the most energy-efficient lighting technology available, and offers better quality light and visual performance. SSL’s extremely long lifetime and low maintenance costs promise savings for consumers and public authorities, and, unlike fluorescent lamps, it does...

Gas pipeline networks are highly complex transmission and distribution systems used to move gas across states, countries or even continents. It is important that gas quality is maintained throughout the network and remains within the requirements set by international natural gas quality guidelines. The presence of water in ene...

Biofuels are gradually being introduced across Europe’s transport sector through low-level blending with conventional fuels – of bioethanol in petrol and biodiesel in diesel. Ahead of large-scale implementation, given the significantly different chemical and physical properties of biofuels, we need a better understanding of how...

Smart grids are a key component in the energy infrastructure needed to meet Europe’s target of 20% of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. But widespread adoption of smart grids is dependent on investor and consumer confidence in their ability to provide a stable high-quality electricity supply. This is underpinne...

The next generation of nuclear reactors currently under development, known as Generation IV, will use a closed fuel cycle, where spent fuel is reprocessed and reused. This conserves natural resources, minimises nuclear waste and hinders nuclear proliferation. Generation IV reactors will operate at higher radiation levels and t...

One way to significantly increase plant efficiency is through better measurement of water temperature and flow rate. In nuclear power plants, water is taken in from natural sources (such as lakes and rivers) and pressurised and heated, before being converted into steam in the reactor vessel and used to generate electricity in t...