The Colin Vincent Centre for Battery Technology at The University of St Andrews is home to world-leading battery research programs. This state-of-the-art facility is pivotal in advancing the development of sustainable energy solutions, particularly in battery chemistries.
Eden Campus: A Hub for Innovation
Situated along the Eden Estuary, part of St Andrews University, Eden Campus has transformed from its origins as a distillery and later a paper mill into a centre for renewable technologies and innovation. Acquired by the university, the campus is a collaborative space where researchers, local businesses, and start-ups can pioneer smart energy solutions. The new Colin Vincent Centre for Battery Technology portrays the university’s commitment to leading research and development in energy storage.
The Colin Vincent Centre for Battery Technology
The campus now houses a battery dry room that operates at ultra-low dewpoints between -40°C and -50°C. The Colin Vincent Centre is an ultra-low dewpoint battery dry room, designed and installed by Munters, a global leader in energy-efficient air treatment solutions. Spanning approximately 119 square meters, this dry room maintains strict environmental conditions, vital for handling sensitive chemistries such as lithium and sodium-ion. Access is controlled through an external airlock and built in traffic light system, ensuring the full control of the environment during entry and exit.
Tailored Solutions for Advanced Research
Recognising the university’s specific requirements, Munters collaborated closely to deliver a bespoke turnkey solution. This included HVAC plant installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling was used to optimise airflow around equipment, and provisions were made to accommodate evolving research needs.
Professor John Irvine from the University of St Andrews highlights the facility’s role in supporting the scalability of battery technologies to gigafactory levels. He emphasises the importance of exploring new chemistries, like sodium-ion, to meet global energy demands sustainably, saying, “Whilst lithium is very good, there isn’t enough lithium to meet our needs.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is of upmost importance in a dry room’s design. The installed Munters DSS 1300 system features the Green PowerPurge heat recovery system, achieving approximately a 30% reduction in reactivation heater power. Alongside this it has an integrated water chiller with heat recovery capabilities which repurposes waste heat for the dehumidification process, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
A Partnership Built on Expertise
The collaboration between the University of St Andrews and Munters merges the best of academic research and industry expertise. Professor Irvine reflects on the partnership, stating, “Munters has that knowledge base that’s really important. If you’re new to the technology, it’s good to have a stable base that you can come to.” He further acknowledges Munters’ proven track record and his satisfaction with the project’s outcomes, “The key advantage to working with Munters is they have a proven track record. We’re very happy with what we’ve done with Munters, and would recommend them again.”
Conclusion
The establishment of the Colin Vincent Centre for Battery Technology marks a significant milestone in the University of St Andrews’ pursuit of excellence in battery research. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the university is ready to make substantial contributions to the future of energy storage technologies.
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