This paper presents the study of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) designed for small-scale space conditioning applications in buildings. A theoretical study was undertaken to find the optimum operating conditions, which were then applied in the laboratory testing work. A TEC unit was assembled and tested under laboratory conditions. Eight pieces of UltraTEC were shown to generate up to 220 W of cooling with a COP of 0.46 under the input current of 4.8 A for each module. Thermo-economical analysis was carried out and results showed that a system with PV panel can compete with an equivalent system without a PV panel when PV costs fall down to or lower than £1.25 per Watt. For the cases without a PV panel, the system with a high level of TEC power input delivered a better performance in terms of the average cooling energy price than that system with a low level of TEC power input after critical interest rate (currently 4%). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This study reviewed the current situation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) development in the UK, mainly within the last 10 years in general. It looked at the positive ways to implement the CCS technologies, including the geological advantages, potential sector growth, financial incentives and the support in the policies. Current projects were brought forward together with university and industry research. Some concerns and limitations of applying CCS technologies were discussed. Finally, the conclusion was made that the UK is in a good position to implement CCS technologies and would become a global leader in CCS development, providing that the first four trials were successful.

This paper presents the study of the novel thermoelectric heat pipe heat pumping system. Bent heat pipes with sintered powder wicks were utilized in a configuration which used centrifugal forces, due to rotation, to enhance heat transfer. The revolving heat pipes worked both as a fan and as a heat exchanger; however, extra fan blades were required to improve the fan performance. Fan performance tests were carried out, followed by the thermal performance, within which eight pieces of thermoelectric devices were applied to provide the heat pumping. The results showed that the system could provide airflows of up to 168.7 m³/h with the revolving speed of 600 RPM, and maximum static pressure was up to 37 Pa. The system could supply the heating of up to 257.1 W with the coefficient of performance of up to 1.96. Comparisons were made between the revolving and stationary systems, and the results showed that the former increased the thermal performance by up to 10% in heating and up to 20% in cooling.