The University of Lincoln’s School of Engineering offers undergraduate, postgraduate and part-time degrees, designed to equip engineers to meet the challenges facing the industry in the 21st Century.
As a research-led organisation, the University’s primary goal is to engage with industrial partners on cutting-edge R&D programmes, not only to devise innovative, sustainable solutions to industry issues but also to channel this activity to provide the maximum benefits to our taught and research programmes.
Case Study: Multibody Advanced Airship for Transport (MAAT)
The School of Engineering is part of a global consortium working to take forward airship technology. The team of scientists, from eight nations, has embarked on the three-year project which could see airships play a major part in global air travel of the future.
The Multibody Advanced Airship for Transport (MAAT) project sees PVC Research - Professor Paul Stewart, and Professor of Energy Conversion - Chris Bingham, focus on Energy and Propulsive Systems.
They are working on the design of a cruiser which could travel indefinitely across the globe on a set route at economical altitudes and cruise speeds. Smaller feeder ships carrying people and goods would then be able to dock onto the cruiser at set exchange points while the cruiser is still moving.
The project envisions a system completely free from emissions and energetically self sufficient. It presents lower costs of transportation than any other current transport system, and because the systems vertical take-offs would reduce delivery times and free up runway space across the globe, it would also be very quiet.
The Lincoln team is looking at how they can make the most efficient use of the energy generated by the photovoltaic cells on the outer body of the airships, focusing on elements such as the electrical power systems, energy storage and propulsion and the control systems used for flying. By introducing innovative systems they will overcome the limitations of traditional propellers at high altitudes.
The €multi-million project is being led by the Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Airport Energy Technologies Network
Lincoln leads the EPSRC-funded Airport Energy Technologies Network (AETN). The Network was founded in 2008 to develop the low carbon energy research community and its links with the key industrial and commercial players in the airport, airline and aeronautical industries.
Lincoln’s PVC Research, Professor Paul Stewart, is Director of the Network which includes colleagues from Loughborough and Nottingham universities. The Network participants are conducting research projects which represent high value to commerce and industry in terms of energy efficiency, reduced emissions and compliance with future operating practices and legislation. The core requirement of AETN membership is the generation of different perspectives, innovation, and fresh insights from disciplines and market sectors not traditionally associated with this field. It is this concept which is core to differentiating the Network from existing groups. It is unique in this aspect, and undertakes a vital role in bringing its members' high risk, high adventure research to general acknowledgement and acceptance.
Industrial Power and Energy Group
Research Groups within the School of Engineering include the Industrial Power and Energy Group (IPEG) which conducts fundamental and applied R&D across a wide range of market sectors. These range from Automotive and Aerospace engineering to low carbon airport operation and built environment.
Recent research projects include
- Gas Turbine Remote Monitoring and Sensing Projects
- Gas Turbine Sensor Validation
- Energy Recovery from Landing Aircraft
- Gas Turbine Reliability and Emissions Combustion
- Zero Constraint Free Piston Energy Converter.
Contacts
Denise Bateman, AETN Co-ordinator and Lincoln School of Engineering Business Manager. email: dbateman@lincoln.ac.uk tel: +44 1522 837910
Professor Paul Stewart, PVC Research, Director AETN, Principal Investigator MAAT: email: pstewart@lincoln.ac.uk tel: +44 1522 837913
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