The Brown Group is focused on the computational modelling of clean energy and process systems to optimise their design, operation and safety.
We develop new statistical and mathematical techniques to quantitatively analyse systems, to identify key factors and understand the impact of uncertainty on performance and behaviour.
We develop new statistical and mathematical techniques to quantitatively analyse systems, to identify key factors and understand the impact of uncertainty on performance and behaviour.
Research Areas
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Clean Energy Systems
We develop models of energy systems and markets to understand how best to design and operate technology, including Carbon Capture and Energy Storage, to improve economic and environmental performance.
These allow us to study the impact and design of policy to support the energy transition. 
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Process Systems
We use data-driven and machine learning techniques to quantify the interactions of process and material parameters, and use this information to optimise processes and their development workflow.
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Safety
We develop high-fidelity physics-based models informed by experimentation to study the safety of devices, with a current focus on Li-ion batteries.
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Carbon Capture Modelling
Using processing modelling tools such as gPROMS or ASPEN, we can develop custom CO2 capture models for power generation and industrial sources. Current models include the benchmark monoethanolamine (MEA) absorption, vacuum-pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) with commercial sorbent materials (such as zeolites), and CO2 conditioning (compression, liquefaction, and dehydration). The group has published peer-reviewed papers on flexible post-combustion capture (PCC) using MEA and VPSA, as well as linking CO2 capture and transportation through different conditioning options for pipeline transportation.
Research Projects
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C4U: Advanced Carbon Capture for steel industries integrated in CCUS Clusters
Funded by the European Union H2020 programme, C4U is a holistic interdisciplinary project addressing all the essential elements required for the optimal integration of CO2 capture in the iron and steel industry as part of the CCUS chain. EOP: Energy Open Piazza
Funded by BEIS under the Power Forward Challenge. UKCCS Research Council
The mission of the UKCCSRC is to ensure that carbon capture and storage (CCS) plays an effective role in helping the UK achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. |
RELCo-BAT: Reclaimed Electrolyte, Low Cost Flow Battery
Funded by the Faraday Institution, the Universities of Southampton and Sheffield and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology are developing a low-cost soluble lead flow battery to promote grid stability and a secure, clean supply in off-grid generation with a focus on Botswana and Sierra Leone. Engineering an algal-bacterial consortium for effective treatment of mixed hydrocarbon waste with resource recovery
Funded by DASA SafeBatt - The Science of Battery Safety
The Faraday Institution’s SafeBatt project is a collaboration, lead by UCL, of six universities (Cambridge, Imperial College London, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Warwick) as well as industrial partners, each bringing unique capabilities to the investigation of the science of safety. |
Industrial Collaborators
The Brown group has proudly worked with a number of leading organisations and companies.
