Energy

Energy is one of the major research themes at the University of Groningen, which engages engineering researchers in Bio- and Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. Frequently collaborating with the Energy Academy Europe, they focus on several topics related to this theme:

• smart energy systems. Research focuses on aspects that include the applications of systems and control techniques to power grid modelling, control of gas and heat distribution networks, and autonomous infrastructure inspection, Computational modelling and simulation of energy transport in flow phenomena ( ocean circulations, extreme waves), software and hardware infrastructures for the efficient use of energy, cyber-physical systems such as those in energy smart buildings, smart meters and sensors to monitor, analyze, and optimize energy consumption, and smart energy grids.

• electronics of materials, particularly with respect to higher efficiencies and usage for energy harvesting (solar cells, piezoelectrics and thermoelectrics)

• biomimetics research that uses natural, evolutionary optimized solutions for solving complex human problems, geothermal applications ("flexiheat") and ground motion prediction/induced seismicity, and biomaterial characterisation and authenticity

• the integration of biochemical engineering with low energy biomass refinery , which is expected to lead to (high) value-added green products such as novel energy-carriers, food ingredients, biobased pharmaceuticals, new base chemical feedstock, biomaterials, or industrial products such as surfactants, coatings, adhesives and composites