Grŵp Ymchwil Magneteg a Deunyddiau

Our research focuses on synthesis, characterisation and modelling of quantum materials, functional composites and advanced material structures with particular interests in magnetic, sensing, energy harvesting and biomedical applications.

The core research areas include:

• Magnetic properties and application of electrical steels
• Magnetic sensors and systems for medical applications
• Deformation and fatigue in biomaterials and nanocomposites
• Graphene based functional ceramic materials and composites
• Thermoelectric materials and devices for energy harvesting
• Solution processed solar cells and concentrated hybrid systems
• Semiconductor nano-optics and quantum photonics

Projects

The group participates in the following projects:

The FP7 GLOBASOL project which aims to integrate thermoelectrics with solar cells, splitting the incoming radiation by wavelength, so that short wavelengths are converted by the solar cell and long wavelengths by the TE generator. The fabrication and characterisation of nanostructured and bulk thermoelectric material (Bi2Te3) are also being investigated for room temperature operation. The Globasol project has partners in UNIPMN (Italy) who are leading the project, the Fraunhofer Institute (Germany), TUD (Germany), EPFL (France), UAM (Spain) and EXEGER (Sweden).

The EPSRC Supergen SUNTRAP project with primary objectives to reduce costs and increase the performance and lifetime of photovoltaic renewable energy generation systems. This is designed by utilising optical concentration and integrating thermoelectric with Photovoltaic technologies. This research project is run in collaboration with Glasgow University (PI), Exeter and Manchester Universities. Research outputs are regularly discussed with the extensive Industrial Advisory group.

The European project, THERELEXPRO, deals with thermoelectric heat recovery from low temperature exhausts of steel processes. The research undertaken is in collaboration with leading steel manufacturers - CSM (Italy), BFI (Germany), Ferriere Nord (Italy) and AcelorMittal (Spain).

Collaboration with Dana Canada Corporation involves the integration of thermoelectric modules with heat exchangers. Optimisation through computer modelling and precise module assembly to maximise the performance of the thermoelectric modules and heat exchangers to ultimately improve the fuel efficiency of automotive engines. Johnson Matthey, Caterpillar Inc and Ricardo Group are partners in this project.

THERELEXPRO involves characterisation of thermoelectric modules and design, construction and evaluation of thermoelectric systems for industrial partners. Thermoelectric generator prototypes are tested for optimum performance at the university facilities. The prototypes are then installed at the industrial partner’s chosen location for testing under actual operating conditions. Scientific knowhow of thermoelectric technology is shared with the industrial partners on a regular basis.

A Ser Cymru National Research Network grant in Advanced Engineering and Materials is also active in the area of enhanced solar energy harvesting. Collaboration exists between Swansea University, IQE plc and Bangor University.

Other collaborators are European Thermodynamics Limited, and Exeger, who are the industrial partners in the Globasol project which is looking at the commercialisation of solar cells and related technologies.

To meet the challenges associated with energy and power magnetics, the Wolfson Centre for Magnetics is involved in a number of research projects. These include:

• Study of the magnetic behaviour of electrical steels
• Improving efficiency and noise in transformer cores
• On-line production monitoring and process control
• Modelling and prediction of magnetic properties
• Characterisation of magnetic materials under wide-ranging physical and electrical conditions
• Application of magnetic materials in power magnetic devices

Laboratories and facilities

The Wolfson Centre for Magnetics has a wide range of facilities, including:

• Bulk Material Characterisation - Facilities for the analysis of the DC and AC properties of bulk magnetic materials
• Micro/Nano-Scale Characterisation - Systems for the characterisation of magnetic films, wires and materials
• Magnetic Imaging - Facilities for the analysis of the structure and properties of materials utilising the Kerr Magneto-Optic Effect
• Modelling and Simulation - Software and facilities for electromagnetic design and analysis
• Performance - Laboratories for analysis of the performance of a range of electromagnetic devices
• Fabrication of Magnetic Materials - Facilities for the fabrication of a range of thin films, nanowire arrays and microwires