UK-Brazil collaboration for the development of renewable energy: gas, air and water

Abstract

This collaboration will bring together the expertise of two teams from the University of Oxford and the University of São Paulo to seed research projects for novel solutions for the development of renewable energy. The focus will be on fluid-kinetic energy systems, wind and hydrokinetic turbines, and their integration with gas in transforming our energy matrix. The principal outputs of this exchange will be the submission of research proposals to be developed by both groups. Initial research topics will include: (I) Experimental, computational and theoretical approaches to device designs; (ii) Modelling for power enhancement through inter-device interactions; (III) Assessment of geographical, political and economic factors affecting renewable energy; (IV) Integration of renewable energies within the energy matrix: gas, wind and water. The Brazilian group has developed expertise in experimental modelling and testing, whilst the Oxford group has expertise in analytic and computational design methods for turbines. The collaboration will draw on these strengths to develop innovative research proposals to be submitted to funding agencies, especially to FAPESP and EPSRC (GCRF) to develop distributed energy systems (including wind, run-of-the-river, tidal stream, biogas) together with economics and policy for developing nations. Further funding opportunities involving the FAPESP-Shell RCGI will also be sought. (AU)