siGEN, Ltd, providers of fuel cell based power solutions and hydrogen production systems were asked by Unst Renewable Energy Project (PURE) to design, install and test a small demonstrator unit. The project involved using two wind turbines to provide power to a small industrial building via the production of hydrogen and the use of surplus hydrogen for other power projects.

Since certain aspects of this project were novel and beyond siGEN’s technical capability, the company embarked on a two-year KTP with the Robert Gordon University and Associate, Ross Gazey.

The KTP assisted the company with matching the output from wind turbines to electrolyser, controlling the storage and utilisation of hydrogen, and the interface between UPS (Un interrupted Power Supply) and the island grid.  The KTP also provided expertise in remote sensing and system modelling.

The work developed on the hydrogen production, in particular the interface to the variable wind power source has enabled siGEN to become a leading UK authority in this area of technology. Furthermore, the knowledge gained extended beyond the parametric modelling objectives of the project, and dealt with fundamental engineering issues of turbines and their mechanical performance. The work on fuel cell has been instrumental in securing additional fuel cell contracts around the UK.

Ross Gazey also benefited in many ways from his role as Associate. The KTP facilitated improvements to his project and people management, presentation skills, technical capabilities, risk assessments and researching skills.  Importantly, Ross was given the unique opportunity to work on a highly challenging project, leading a team of engineers.

Ross has since become an expert in small-scale renewable energy using hydrogen storage, and has presented on the subject at international conferences and contributed to national radio features.  As a result of the work Ross delivered he was awarded the accolade - ‘Business Leader of Tomorrow’ – a prestigious award, judged by senior Government officials and KTP programme management.

“During my time as a KTP Associate I have had the opportunity to apply my engineering knowledge and expertise in renewable energy to a real world system,” Ross explains. “The KTP scheme has also given me the opportunity to develop my leadership and project management skills, as well as develop my academic qualifications.”