Energy Conversion

This area of research includes the conversion, distribution and use of energy with regard to economics and the minimization of environmental effects. The research carried out is multidisciplinary, and covers the whole spectrum from basic phenomena to complex processes and methods. This is a good example of the integration of basic science and applied engineering subjects.

One field of research in this area is conducted within the Combustion Centre (FTC),  which has the status of a European Large-Scale Infrastructure. The Division of Combustion Physics is home to an internationally recognised research group working in laser diagnostics for combustion and fluidic phenomena,  a field that has evolved from basic research in laser physics and optics. In the field of heat and power, researchers are working on fundamental models of heat transfer and flow, and on applications concerning combustion engines with very lean, homogeneous gas mixtures, and power production using gas/steam turbines. This research has attracted a great deal of interest from industry, and is carried out in collaboration between two centres, one for combustion processes and the other for gas turbines, and The Centre for Combustion Science and Technology (CECOST), which is externally financed by various foundations.

LTH also has a prominent position in the conversion of organic material to easily transportable fuels, such as alcohol motor fuel and biogas, and is among world leaders in research on the production of ethanol from forest and agricultural products. The optimization of hydrolysis, the development of new yeast strains using genetic engineering, and improved fermentation processes through the use of newly developed control algorithms, are examples of important breakthroughs in ethanol research. A pilot plant, based on technology developed at LTH, for the production of ethanol is near completion in Örnsköldsvik, on the eastern coast of Sweden.

LTH is becoming increasingly known, both nationally and internationally, for its research in electrical energy conversion.

 

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