New and renewable energy lab

The School has fully equipped laboratories for renewable energy research that include:

Power electronics testing
Computer modelling
Electrical machines testing
Wind tunnels
Access to extensive facilities at the regional centre at NaREC

Electrical Machines Laboratory (E130)

This lab has five fully instrumented test beds:

NaREC 50 kW, low speed (200 rev/min) generator test rig
50 kW, high speed (4000 rev/min) test rig
10 kW, 1500 rev/min test rig
1kW, 1500 rev/min test rig
Linear generator test rig

Modelling Suite and Power Electronics Laboratory (E215)

The modelling suite has computing facilities for finite element analysis (MEGA and COMSOL) and system simulation (MATLAB/SIMULINK plus associated toolboxes). Power electronic design capability is provided through the use of ORCAD and SIMPLORER.

The power electronics laboratory features a live working area to enable testing of high voltage electronic systems while they are connected to mains.

National Renewable Energy Centre

Durham University, along with the other four universities in the North East, and the Regional Development Agency (One North East) have been responsible for the establishment of a centre of excellence in New and Renewable Energy (NaREC) at Blyth, Northumberland. NaREC has the potential for extensive laboratory facilities for which the School is developing test equipment. It is the School's intention to place full-size renewable energy demonstrators at NaREC.