Sustainable Energy Lab- Emissions Analysis Equipment - AWARD

This tender is being run as part of the expansion of the Sustainable Energy Processes Research facility based in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. This tender is specifically for flexible gas and particulate analysis equipment. The longer term aim is development of a centre of excellence in emissions analysis research, which would enable a step-change in teaching experience and development of new taught modules inspired by the world-leading research in this globally significant area. This investment strategically aligns with growth areas across a number of key FSE Schools, and specifically with a new MACE strategic goal to better embed cutting-edge research within our teaching programmes.

Air quality has been identified as one of the major public health issues facing the UK and is a critical issue in many urban areas globally, particularly in developing nations. Emissions from combustion engines are a significant factor in poor air quality. A significant research effort is required to establish fuel-mixes, combustion processes and engine technologies to minimise harmful emissions and to develop and implement emissions reduction strategies. The University of Manchester are uniquely placed to develop a centre of excellence in emissions analysis by drawing together expertise from Schools of MACE, CEAS and SEES. This will build upon our established expertise in Bio-energy including activities of the EPSRC Supergen Bioenergy hub (2015-2022) led from the School of MACE, Energy through the Manchester Energy Beacon, Environmental Science through the Manchester Environment Research Institute and thermodynamics expertise through MACE Aerodynamics and Thermofluids research groups.

Development of a flexible emissions and performance measurement facility has benefit to research in both IC engines (diesel, gasoline and aviation gas turbines/jet) and other thermal energy processes such as wood stove emissions, developing world cookstove emissions and novel gasification processes. The equipment required would need to have flexibility to be used across all these processes. Purchase of a comprehensive gas and particulate analysis system will enable combustion mechanisms of a number of novel fuels to be investigated in order to establish how changes in fuel composition will affect the performance and emissions.

The equipment chosen needs to be highly versatile and would support teaching and research in emissions from a range of processes, hence enabling development of a World Leading 'Centre of Excellence in emissions analysis'.

Funding is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).