Personal Energy Systems (PES)
About our research group
Driven by consumer perception and environmental concern, the Personal Energy System PES group at DUT aims at finding alternatives for the increased use of batteries in portable energy products. In this scope the PES group focuses on the application of renewable energy sources in consumer products. Special emphasis is given to, human power, (direct methanol) fuel cells and photovoltaic solar cells.
A growing number of portable consumer products consume electricity.Batteries continue to be the main source of power, not only in audiovisual, communication and information products, in which the electronics provide the main functionality, but also in an increasing number of products that deliver mechanical work. Considering their advantages (high energy density, wide availability and international standardization), rechargeable batteries will remain the main source of power in the forthcoming period. The use of batteries can be cumbersome; they run out of energy when you need them most, they're not always available, and they have to be replaced or charged in a troublesome way. What is more: in the long run batteries turn out to be a rather expensive power source. Moreover, due to the increasing number of battery-powered portable products, the environmental impact of battery use might increase as well.
Projects in co-operation with NGO's and industry
In the PES group, we design prototypes and concepts of consumer products powered by renewable energy systems. In this way industrial design engineers are provided with knowledge on sustainable energy supply in consumer products. In cooperation with industry (i.e. Nokia, Philips, Volvo) and NGO's (TNO Industrial Technology, Fraunhofer Institute) we set up a number of projects testing the feasibility of renewable energy sources in consumer products.
Facilities of the PES group
In our well equipped laboratory we facilitate students and staff by means of prototype building (mechanical and electronics), prototype testing and product assessments. Experts on mechatronics, sustainable product design, design methodology and management, PV-applications and creative problem solving, join in project teams to ensure an open minded approach to complex problems. Tailor made projects vary from short term feasibility studies, creative workshops and in-dept research into possible product-powersource combinations.
