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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/G057133/1
Title: Thermal Management of Industrial Processes
Principal Investigator: Sharifi, Professor VN
Other Investigators:
Swithenbank, Professor J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Alstom Group E.On Ineos
M W Kellog NEPIC Pfizer
Tata Steel Veolia Environmental Services VERTELLUS SPECIALTIES UK LIMITED
Department: Chemical & Biological Engineering
Organisation: University of Sheffield
Scheme: Standard Research
Starts: 01 September 2009 Ends: 31 December 2011 Value (£): 330,997
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Design of Process systems Energy Efficiency
Heat & Mass Transfer
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Chemicals
Energy
Related Grants:
EP/G060045/1 EP/G056706/1
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
23 Feb 2009 Thermal Management Prioritisation Meeting Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
This research project addresses the process industry contribution to the UK government goals of tackling climate change and reducing dependence on imported fuel. This programme fills these nationally important objectives by investigating the short, medium and long-term provision of energy for the UK, based on thermal technologies that exploit low grade process heat that is currently not recovered by this industry. The results of this 'Whole Systems Analysis research will improve plant efficiency and displace a significant fraction of fossil fuel use, thus reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions, by using techniques that are secure, clean, affordable and socially welcome. This research involves collaboration between several highly relevant industrial partners (e.g. Corus Ltd, North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) Ltd, EON UK, Veolia (Sheffield Heat & Power Ltd), Pfizer Ltd, etc) and four internationally leading academic centres of excellence (Universities of Sheffield, Newcastle, Manchester & Tyndall Centre). The research programme targets a national problem by exploiting their complementary expertise through Whole Systems Analysis . Thus the objective of this research proposal is to investigate new and appropriate technologies and strategies needed for industry to exploit the large amount of unused low grade heat available. This will be achieved by providing a systematic procedure based on a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of process viability that will enable industry to optimise the management and exploitation of their thermal energy. This detailed procedure will be backed up by a sustained channel of communication between the relevant industrial and academic parties. This multidisciplinary work is thus applicable both to existing plants and the design of future plants. Please note that the establishment of an associated but separately funded EPSRC Network (e.g. PRO-TEM) is considered to be an integral part of this project, in order to satisfy the implicit role of technology transfer in both directions, between the process industry and the wider academic community. It will also provide access to industrial players who will provide essential case studies for the technical and socio-economic work. The case for an associated PRO-TEM Network is briefly discussed herein and the case is presented in detail in a separate proposal by Newcastle University.
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Organisation Website: http://www.shef.ac.uk