Power and energy systems

This research theme is focused on the production, transmission and use of electrical energy in the 21st century.

Key researchers

Man-made climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Producing low-carbon affordable energy, getting it to customers and using it effectively and efficiently will be of greater importance in the coming decades.

The University of Manchester has a history of innovative industrial solutions stretching over 100 years - acting as a key partner of National Grid and Rolls-Royce among many key industry stakeholders.

The UK has successfully reduced the environmental footprint of its energy needs. But making sure this is affordable for all and that energy supply remains secure and sustainable continues to be a challenge. The research at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Manchester tackles this by embedding innovative technologies and using the latest research methods to inform key stakeholders.

Examples include:

advanced materials research to extend existing asset lifetime and design more efficient, lower cost utility hardware;
working with developing countries to improve rural electrification;
the use of robotics, artificial intelligence and an extensive knowledge-based approach to reduce the cost of offshore wind farm operation and maintenance further reducing the cost of wind;
the use of advanced materials technology to increase the transmission capacity of the UK electricity network;
investigation of next-generation storage technologies to manage future power supplies;
the use of superconducting elements to reduce faults in the power system;
investigation of hardware-in-the-loop simulation to reduce development times for technology in the electrical power networks and future aircraft.

Key research topics

Electricity in extreme environments

In partnership with Rolls-Royce and other industrial stakeholders we are working to develop the more-electric vehicle of tomorrow. This involves embedding intelligent control and advanced electronics to help power ships, planes, cars and trains.

HV transmission and testing

In partnership with National Grid, we work on innovative solutions to future transmission of large amounts of electrical energy, including advanced material testing and development.

Multi-energy systems

The solution to our future energy needs will involve understanding and optimising the mixed use of electricity, heat and gas as well as energy vectors. We're at the forefront of research into this important topic.