- Date:
- 2005-2008
- Themes:
- Nanomaterials and Dielectrics, High Voltage Engineering, Solid dielectrics
- Funding:
- EPSRC
This project examines the structure and breakdown characteristics of a series of blends of polyethylene and an ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The effect of adding a relatively polar copolymer composed of EVA , to a model polyethylene system is considered and relative electrical properties are studied.
Primary investigator
- asv
Secondary investigator
- gg04r
Associated research group
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering
- Date:
- 2007-2010
- Theme:
- Systems Design
- Funding:
- EPSRC
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) are low intensity sounds produced by mammalian ears. They are generated by the activity of the outer hair cells in the cochlea and are a by-product of an active process that amplifies quiet sounds. OAE are normally associated with the clinical evaluation of the status of the cochlea and the assessment of hair cell functionality. It has often been commented that OAE appear unique to individuals and can be used to distinguish gender and ethnicity. This evidence suggests that OAE could be used to distinguish between individuals and could therefore form the basis of a biometric system.
Until recently, OAEs have never been studied with a biometric application in mind. This project is investigating the potential for an OAE to be used as a universal, unique, permanent and collectable biometric for identification purposes.
Primary investigator
Secondary investigators
- mel@isvr.soton.ac.uk
- jchad@soton.ac.uk
- Neil White
- Andrew Brown
- pc
Associated research group
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering
- Date:
- 2008-2009
- Themes:
- Interaction with Knowledge and semantics, Technology Enhanced Learning
- Funding:
- JISC
Semantic technologies appear to hold the promise of significantly enhancing formal and informal learning but certain issues such as building ontology consensus, the logistics of annotating large volumes of learning content and the underpinning pedagogy have been frequently questioned. However, recent developments in Web 2.0 tools and services for teaching and learning show that these concerns can be successfully addressed and benefit HE/FE, informal learning and exploratory learning.
This project will identify and quantify these benefits and outline a roadmap for semantic technologies adoption in these contexts. Addressing the HE/FE institutional perspective will involve case studies based on existing work.
Primary investigator
Secondary investigators
Associated research groups
- Learning Societies Lab
- Electronic and Software Systems
- Web and Internet Science
- Date:
- 2006-2009
- Themes:
- High Voltage Engineering, Nanomaterials and Dielectrics, Liquid dielectrics, Solid dielectrics
- Funding:
- EPSRC
In many items of high voltage plant such as transformers and cables, oil and paper is still used as the dielectric medium. In newer installations, especially underground transmission cables, a polymeric material is preferred. Much of this equipment was installed several decades ago with little thought as to its environmental impact or the associated decommissioning costs. Supergen, a project running for several years aims to redress this balance and look at more sustainable ways of distributing and producing electricity. The current project part of Supergen V: Asset Management and Performance of Energy Systems (Amperes) is looking at alternative materials and technologies that are more sustainable and recylable. The project has two major facets looking at solid and liquid insulation systems.
Solid insulation systems
Whilst crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) is an excellent material for high voltage cables having excellent dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties, it does suffer from one major disadvantage; it is not easily recyclable. This facet of the project is looking into alternative, recyclable materials to replace XLPE in high voltage cables for the medium to long term. Polyethylenes, ethylene vinyl acetate co-polymers and propylene co-polymers have so far been considered. A realistic balance between good dielectric, mechanical and thermal properties using materials with a reasonable cost is sought.Liquid insulation systems
Whilst paper and copper can be readily recycled, the same is not true of the conventional mineral oils used in high voltage plant. Such oils are generally toxic and present a significant environmental hazard both in service and at ultimate disposal. This facet of the project is looking at alternative recyclable oils for high voltage applications. So far, dodecylbenzene and a range of different vegetable oil systems have been considered from the point of view of their ageing behaviour. A recyclable oil having the good properties of mineral oil but without the environmental drawbacks at a reasonable cost is sought.Primary investigators
- asv
- sgs
Secondary investigator
Associated research group
- Electronics and Computer Science
- Date:
- 2008-2010
- Themes:
- High Voltage Engineering, Liquid dielectrics
- Funding:
- National Grid plc
Silicone oil provides an excellent self healing liquid insulation system for high voltage applications and has minimal environmental impact. Unlike conventional hydrocarbon oils, it is capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures, such as those found in small transformers, and hence lends itself to more specialised applications outside of the reach of conventional oil/paper or polymeric insulation systems. These oils have also been used in terminations for many years with little understanding of their degradation or ageing behaviour and one noticeable problem is that these oils can become cloudy/black after relatively few years in service. The current project, in collaboration with National Grid, aims to quantify the effects of ageing on a range of silicone oils, to establish the pertinent chemistry and to identify suitable diagnostic tests to allow service engineers to make an informed decision of whether to replace or recondition plant.
The initial phase of the project concerned thermal and electrical ageing of a number of "model oil systems". A range of diagnostic indicators have been identified which provide indication of ageing in the field such as colour changes, oxidation, increased dielectric loss, formation of precipitates and increased viscosity. Whilst silicone oils are certainly capable of withstanding very high temperatures with very little degradation of thier dielectric properties, electrical ageing (even at moderate discharge energies) caused the oils to be rapidly blackened with significant deterioration in properties. It was clear from this work that electrical, rather than thermal ageing, is the dominant ageing mechanism under the conditions found in a typical termination and should therefore provide the focus for further work.
Construction of a new experimental apparatus to enable the study of electrical ageing on a local level (i.e. near the electrodes) is currently underway. Understanding the mechanism of ageing will provide pointers for improved designs to mitigate internal discharge activity and recommendations for more suitable oils or additives.
Primary investigators
- asv
- sgs
Secondary investigator
Partner
- National Grid
Associated research groups
- Electrical Power Engineering
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering
- Date:
- 2008-2010
- Themes:
- Agent Based Computing, Decentralised Information Systems, Algorithms for Wireless Sensor Networks, Wireless Sensing and Sensor Networks, Decentralised Architectures
- Funding:
- SEAS DTC
This project addresses the challenge of developing effective and computational efficient inference and coordination algorithms in order to allow multiple mobile (and stationary) sensors to form agile teams such that they can efficiently represent, explore and search challenging, uncertain and dynamic environments. Working in collaboration with the University of Oxford, the project will combine fundamental theory, algorithms and methodologies from the fields of multi-agent systems, decentralised control and Bayesian inference to allow physically distributed autonomous sensors to make effective, timely and coordinated decisions.
Primary investigators
- acr
- Nick Jennings
Secondary investigators
- rlgc
- rs06r
- af2
Partner
- Steve Roberts (University of Oxford)
Associated research group
- Intelligence, Agents, Multimedia Group
- Date:
- 2002-2008
- Themes:
- Medical Engineering, Nanoelectronics
- Funding:
- BBSRC
We have developed a new method for writing of biomolecular patterns on silicon in sub-micron scales using the interference of light. In the first instance DNA patterned surfaces were fabricated. Covalent attachment of DNA oligonucleotides accessible towards hybridisation with a complementary sequence was achieved with very high density (one oligonucleotide per 16 nmò). Further development of the surface attachment chemistry has provided DNA modified patterned substrates for hybridisation with long DNA fragments.
Primary investigator
Secondary investigators
- Tom Brown, School of Chemistry
- Human Genetics, School of Medicine
Associated research group
- Optoelectronics Research Centre
- Date:
- 2007-2008
- Themes:
- Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-chip, Sensor Technology, Medical Engineering
- Funding:
- BBSRC
The detection of low levels of cytokines in biological matrices is currently limiting for a range of research and clinical diagnostic applications. This is particularly true for our studies on the inflammation biology of the nervous system. The limiting factors for our studies are sensitivity, sample size and interference from complex proteins or molecules. We are developing optical waveguide sensor technology for cytokine detection and quantification. Our aim is to provide a sensitive, simple assay for the detection of cytokines to provide further evidence for the role of inflammatory proteins in neurological function.
Primary investigator
Secondary investigators
- Prof. Hugh Perry, School of Biosciences
- Dr. Jessica Teeling, School of Biosciences
- Prof. James Wilkinson, Optoelectronics Research Centre
Associated research group
- Optoelectronics Research Centre