Energy Engineering
Research into energy systems focuses on several different topics
Cogeneration is an efficient technique for decentralised production of electricity and heat. Alternating engines and turbines, which form the basis for this form of electricity production have undergone considerable changes in recent years resulting in a significant improvement in their performance both in terms of energy and environmental impact. In addition, energy recovery from liquid, gas or solid waste holds promise for the future, but there are many technological problems yet to be solved. Organic waste, animal oils and fats, biogas and gas produced by waste gasification have corresponding energy characteristics. Their low energy content requires technical adjustments to equipment to transform this ultimate energy into high quality energy: electricity.
The development of sustainable energy systems must be linked to local energy policies and take into account economic and environmental assessments. They must accompany the process of energy planning of territory and nurture a constructive discussion between the players. The Grand Projet de Ville Malakoff - Pre Gauchet energy study led by the urban community of Nantes is a field of development and testing of this approach. In addition to this work, evaluation of energy efficiency and demand is another research topic discussed. The analysis of feedback and verification of results are now prerequisites for the survival of a local energy policy, through a process of continuous improvement.
