Magnetics and Materials Research Group
Research into the production, characterisation and application of magnetic materials.
Ymchwil
The Thermoelectric and Photovoltaic Laboratory
Research
This research activity relates to thermoelectric materials and devices such as energy harvesting from waste heat recovery from automotive exhaust processes and Peltier cooling for various applications, including water desalination systems. In 2012 new research lines based on various photovoltaic technologies and thermomagnetic generators and their application with thermoelectric modules were established. Further research includes the deposition of functional thin-film materials by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and screen printing for application in dye-sensitised solar cells (DSC). This research relates to the preparation, characterisation and optimisation of semiconducting oxide thin films. The PLD system is an advanced facility which enables the preparation of a wide range of thin films in a highly controlled manner. The deposited materials range from multicomponent semiconductors, via alloys, to pure metals. The apparatus can be used for R&D, pilot production, and full production capabilities for a variety of applications depending on demand and productivity.
Further research includes the computer simulation of thermoelectrics (TE) including finite element modelling of TE modules. This work is conducted in parallel with experimental data acquisition to develop a rigorous understanding of the transport properties of semiconductors, device physics, fabrication and characterisation. The AC response of TE elements for impedance spectroscopy has also been calculated which can provide rapid measurement of material properties.
Energy and power magnetics
Research in the Wolfson Centre for Magnetics focuses on several areas related to the production, characterisation and application of magnetic materials.
The Centre has an established international track record in research on aspects of soft magnetic materials and research and consultancy projects are carried out for organisations ranging from world leading multinationals to local small companies.
Energy losses associated with power magnetic systems account for as much as 10% of electricity generated in the UK, and just a 3% saving on magnetic losses is equivalent to 3-4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum.
Cwrdd â'r tîm
Lead researcher
Staff academaidd
Staff cysylltiol
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