More

Dr Rupert Gammon

Job: Senior Research Fellow

Faculty: Computing, Engineering and Media

School/department: School of Engineering and Sustainable Development

Research group(s): Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development

Address: De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH, United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)116 257 7877

E: rgammon@dmu.ac.uk

W: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/iesd

 

Close all sections
Open all sections

Personal profile

Rupert Gammon is Principle Investigator on the ‘ESCoBox’ project, which is funded by EPSRC, DfID and DECC. This 3-year project, starting in September 2013, will develop a system for monitoring, controlling, financing and expanding electrical mini-grids in the developing world.  Based on innovative platforms such as the CASCADE modelling framework and the Wattbox that were co-developed by DMU, and the BitHarvester, created by our collaborators in Kenya, the ESCoBox will encourage the growth of entrepreneurial activities in the developing world by facilitating productive levels of reliable, grid-independent energy supply at low cost to address key international development challenges.

Rupert leads DMU’s team working on the ‘My Electric Avenue’ project under Ofgem’s Low Carbon Networks Fund. In this project, lead by EA Technology and Scottish and Southern Energy, with Nissan as partners, the DMU team are studying the behavioural aspects of smart electric vehicle charging. Smart charging of electric vehicles may be used as a grid balancing option (as required by the widespread introduction of renewable energy), or – as in this case – to ensure that overloading of the electricity network does not occur as a result of local clusters of vehicles recharging simultaneously.

Rupert is MSc Module Leader for Renewable Energy and for BSc Module Leader in Transport Fuels and Energy Storage.  He recently worked on the Complex Adaptive Systems, Cognitive Agents and Distributed Energy (CASCADE) Project, which was investigating the smart grid concept using complexity science. 

Previously, Rupert was Managing Director of Bryte Energy Ltd, providing consultancy on the design, implementation, market analysis and strategic studies of low-carbon energy technologies specialising in the use of hydrogen in energy systems, smart grids and low carbon transport. In collaboration with Loughborough University, Bryte Energy developed the groundbreaking Future Energy Scenario Assessment (FESA) software model for studying the evolution of future energy markets to aid policy and technical strategy development. Before setting up Bryte Energy Rupert undertook a PhD Loughborough University’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) for which he conceived and implemented the Hydrogen and Renewables Integration (HARI) project. He had previously obtained an MSC in Renewable Energy Systems Technology at CREST. Before that, Rupert worked as a freelance consultant, partly in the field of sustainable energy, but more predominantly in the oil, gas and mineral exploration industries. Rupert started his career working for an architectural consultancy, having gained his first degree in 3D Industrial Design (Eng) at Leeds Polytechnic.

Publications and outputs

  • Preliminary Findings From a Pilot Study of Electric Vehicle Recharging From a Stand-Alone Solar Minigrid
    Preliminary Findings From a Pilot Study of Electric Vehicle Recharging From a Stand-Alone Solar Minigrid Gammon, Rupert; Sallah, Momodou The symbiosis between smart minigrids and electric mobility has the potential to improve the cost and reliability of energy access for off-grid communities while providing low-carbon transport services. This study explores the commercial viability of using electric vehicles (EVs), recharged by solar minigrids, to provide transport services in off-grid communities. Preliminary findings are presented from a field trial in The Gambia that aims to assess the techno-economic feasibility of integrating sustainable energy and transport infrastructures in sun-rich regions of the Global South. As a dispatchable anchor load, an EV can improve the technical and economic performance of a minigrid by providing demand-side response services. In the developing world, rural communities are often among the poorest, and inadequate transport services remain a major barrier to wealth-creation. Some solutions to this situation may be transferrable to island communities, which share similar challenges in terms of access to energy and fuel. The first of its kind in Africa, this field trial uses an electric minivan, operating from an off-grid village where it has access to a minigrid whose 4.5 kWp of photovoltaic modules form the roof of a parking shelter for the vehicle. While there, the taxi can recharge, ideally during sunny periods when the photovoltaic array produces surplus power, thus allowing the EV’s battery to recharge while bypassing the minigrid’s own accumulator. This improves system reliability and cost effectiveness, while providing pollution-free energy for the taxi. Ultimately, the intention is to test different vehicles in a variety of circumstances, but this paper outlines only the preliminary findings of the first of these trials. Early results provide convincing new evidence that commercial viability of such a concept is possible in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some promising scenarios for commercial viability are identified, which warrant further investigation, since they suggest that a taxi driver’s earnings could be increased between 250 and 1,300% in local operations, and even 20-fold in tourist markets, depending on vehicle type, minigrid configuration and target market. It is hoped that these may encourage the rollout of solar-recharged EVs where the nexus of sustainable energy and transport systems are likely to make the greatest contribution to addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, by helping to solve the trilemma of providing energy security, social benefit and environmental sustainability in low-income countries. open access article Gammon, R. and Sallah, M. (2021) Preliminary Findings From a Pilot Study of Electric Vehicle Recharging From a Stand-Alone Solar Minigrid. Frontiers in Energy Research, 8, 563498.
  • Characterisation of a nickel-iron battolyser, an integrated battery and electrolyser
    Characterisation of a nickel-iron battolyser, an integrated battery and electrolyser Barton, John; Gammon, Rupert; Rahil, Abdulla Electricity systems require energy storage on all time scales to accommodate the variations in output of solar and wind power when those sources of electricity constitute most, or all, of the generation on the system. This paper builds on recent research into nickel-iron battery-electrolysers or “battolysers” as both short-term and long-term energy storage. For short-term cycling as a battery, the internal resistances and time constants have been measured, including the component values of resistors and capacitors in equivalent circuits. The dependence of these values on state-of-charge and temperature have also been measured. The results confirm that a nickel-iron cell can hold 25% more than its nominal charge. However, this increased capacity disappears at temperatures of 60°C and may be dissipated quickly by self-discharge. When operating as an electrolyser for long-term energy storage, the experiments have established the importance of a separation gap between each electrode and the membrane for gas evolution and established the optimum size of this gap as approximately 1.25 mm. The nickel-iron cell has acceptable performance as an electrolyser for Power-to-X energy conversion but its large internal resistance limits voltage efficiency to 75% at 5-h charge and discharge rate, with or without a bubble separation membrane. open access article Barton, J.P., Gammon, R.J.L., Rahil, A. (2020) Characterisation of a Nickel-iron Battolyser, an Integrated Battery and Electrolyser. Frontiers in Energy Research, 8, 509052
  • Potential Economic Benefits of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Reduction Due to Renewable Energy and Electrolytic Hydrogen Fuel deployment under current and Long Term Forecasting of the Social Carbon Cost (SCC)
    Potential Economic Benefits of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Reduction Due to Renewable Energy and Electrolytic Hydrogen Fuel deployment under current and Long Term Forecasting of the Social Carbon Cost (SCC) Rahil, Abdullah; Gammon, Rupert; Brown, Neil; Udie, Justin; Akram, Muhammad Usman; Khattak, Sanober The 2016 Paris Agreement (UNFCCC Authors, 2015) is the latest of initiative to create an international consensus on action to reduce GHG emissions. However, the challenge of meeting its targets lies mainly in the intimate relationship between GHG emissions and energy production, which in turn links to industry and economic growth. The Middle East and North African region (MENA), particularly those nations rich oil and gas (O&G) resources, depend on these as a main income source. Persuading the region to cut down on O&G production or reduce its GHG emissions is hugely challenging, as it is so vital to its economic strength. In this paper, an alternative option is established by creating an economic link between GHG emissions, measured as their CO2 equivalent (CO2e), and the earning of profits through the concept of Social Carbon Cost (SCC). The case study is a small coastal city in Libya where 6% of electricity is assumed to be generated from renewable sources. At times when renewable energy (RE) output exceeds the demand for power, the surplus is used for powering the production of hydrogen by electrolysis, thus storing the energy and creating an emission-free fuel. Two scenarios are tested based on short and long term SCCs. In the short term scenario, the amount of fossil fuel energy saved matches the renewable energy produced, which equates to the same amount of curtailed O&G production. The O&G-producing region can earn profits in two ways: (1) by cutting down CO2 emissions as a result of a reduction in O&G production and (2) by replacing an amount of fossil fuel with electrolytically-produced hydrogen which creates no CO2 emissions. In the short term scenario, the value of SCC saved is nearly 39% and in the long term scenario, this rose to 83%. open access article Rahil, A., Gammon, R., Brown, N., Udie, J., Akram, M.U. (2019) Potential economic benefits of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction due to renewable energy and electrolytic hydrogen fuel deployment under current and long term forecasting of the Social Carbon Cost (SCC). Energy Reports, 5, pp. 602-618.
  • Flexible operation of electrolyser at the garage forecourt to support grid balancing and exploitation of hydrogen as a clean fuel
    Flexible operation of electrolyser at the garage forecourt to support grid balancing and exploitation of hydrogen as a clean fuel Rahil, Abdulla; Gammon, Rupert; Brown, Neil Rapid growth in the generation of renewable energy (RE) and its integration with electricity grids has been driven by concerns about both the climate impacts and the depletion of fossil fuels. Moreover, these concerns have prompted the need to develop alternatives to hydrocarbon fuels, leading to the expectation that fuel cell vehicle numbers will similarly increase. However, the variable and intermittent output of RE generators significantly affects the capability for electricity networks to balance supply and demand, although this may be addressed through energy storage and demand-side response (DSR) technologies. One potential DSR technique that can be implemented at industrial scale is water electrolysis, which is used for hydrogen production. When electrolyser operation is modulated, for example, to respond to the variable output of wind and solar power sources, it can be exploited as a dispatchable demand load. Naturally, this would need to be incentivized by electricity tariff structures that reflect the dynamics of RE availability. This paper aims to compare the economics of continuous and dispatchable electrolyser operation for producing affordable hydrogen at garage forecourts in Libya, while ensuring no interruption in the fuel supply to vehicles. Using the coastal city of Derna as a case study, with renewable energy generated by a wind farm, a suitable turbine specification and the number of turbines needed to meet demand was determined through an analysis of wind speeds. The constantly varying difference between RE power supply and electricity demand on the grinded the surplus power at any given time. Using a linear programming algorithm to optimize the hydrogen cost, based on the current price of electricity, this study examines a hydrogen refuelling station in both dispatchable and continuous operation. As the capital cost is already known, the optimisation focuses on the variable cost in order to reduce the price of hydrogen, which means using the cheaper of two electricity tariffs. Three scenarios were considered to evaluate whether the cost of electrolytic hydrogen could be reduced through using lower-cost off-peak electricity supplies: 1- Standard Continuous, in which the electrolyser operates continuously on a standard tariff of $16/kWh. 2- Off-peak Only, in which the electrolyser operates only during off-peak periods at the lower price of $7/kWh. 3- 2-Tier Continuous, in which the electrolyser operates continuously on a low tariff at off-peak times and a high tariff at other times. The results indicate that Scenario 2 produced the cheapest electricity at $3.89 per kg of hydrogen, followed by Scenario 3 at $5.10 per kg, and the most expensive was Scenario 1 at $9.26 per kg. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Rahil, A.N., Gammon, R.J.L. and Brown, N. (2018) Flexible operation of electrolyser at the garage forecourt to support grid balancing and exploitation of hydrogen as a clean fuel. Research in Transportation Economics, 70, pp.125-138
  • Dispatchable hydrogen production by multiple electrolysers to provide clean fuel and responsive demand in Libya
    Dispatchable hydrogen production by multiple electrolysers to provide clean fuel and responsive demand in Libya Rahil, Abdulla; Gammon, Rupert; Brown, Neil The use of hydrogen as a fuel carries major environmental advantages because there are a number of ways of producing it by low-carbon methods. When electrolysis is used, additional benefits are obtained by flexible operation that offers the opportunity to reduce the cost of hydrogen production by absorbing electricity during off-peak hours, and stopping operation during peak hours. This can also act as a tool in support of balancing electrical systems. In this research, off-peak electricity is used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis, which is sold as a fuel at six garage forecourts in Darna, a small city on the east coast of Libya. In addition to the six forecourt electrolysers, a centralised electrolyser plant will be included in the system to consume the surplus energy and to satisfy any deficiency in hydrogen production at the forecourt. The capital cost of both forecourt and centralised electrolyser systems, plus fixed costs, were financed by bank loans at a 5% rate of interest over seven years. A MATLAB model with optimisation tools was used to formulate this problem. This research shows that forecourt hydrogen production at off-peak times (and without the centralised electrolyser) can satisfy nearly 53.93% of the fuel demand. This represents 59.82% of the total surplus renewable energy. The average hydrogen sale price at the forecourts is between £10.82-11.71/kg. After adding the centralised electrolyser, nearly 78.83 % of the total surplus power was absorbed and the average hydrogen selling prices were between £15.04-19.80/kg The centralised electrolyser can meet 43%, 49%, 50%, 42%, 57% and 53% of the deficit in consumption for stations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Rahil, A., Gammon, R. Brown, N. (2018) Dispatchable hydrogen production by multiple electrolysers to provide clean fuel and responsive demand in Libya, Renewable Energy Congress (IREC), 2018 9th International, Hammamet ,Tunisia, March 2018, IEEE, pp. 1-6.
  • Techno-economic assessment of dispatchable hydrogen production by multiple electrolysers in Libya
    Techno-economic assessment of dispatchable hydrogen production by multiple electrolysers in Libya Rahil, Abdulla; Gammon, Rupert; Brown, Neil With the worldwide growth of renewable energy generation, the value of hydrogen production by electrolysis as a demand management tool for electricity networks is likely to increase. Electrolytic hydrogen can be sold as a fuel, chemical feedstock or injected into pipelines to lower the carbon content of natural gas. The main obstacle to hydrogen’s use as a fuel or energy storage method is the price. The highest costs are in the capital expenditure and the consumption of feedstock (electricity and water). In this paper, three major techno-economic aspects of the system are investigated, including technical analyses of both the energy absorbed by the process in the provision of electricity demand management services and in its meeting of fuel demand, plus an economic assessment of the hydrogen price at the at the point of sale. Thus, the study investigates how only off-peak electricity is used to produce hydrogen via onsite electrolysis at a number of garage forecourts. In a simulated case study, six garage forecourts are assumed to be sited in Darnah, a small city on the east coast of Libya. An electricity pricing mechanism is devised to allow the energy producer (utility company) and energy consumer (garage forecourt operator) to make a profit. Short term (2015) and long term (2030) cost scenarios are applied. Matlab software was used to simulate this process. Without any government support or changes in regulation and policy, hydrogen prices were £10.00/kg, £9.80/kg, £9.60/kg, £10.00/kg, £9.40/kg and £10.30/kg for forecourts 1–6 respectively under the 2015 cost scenario. The electricity price represents around 17% of the total hydrogen cost, whereas, due to the investment cost reduction in 2030, the average prices of hydrogen dropped to £6.50/kg, £6.60/kg, £6.30/kg, £6.40/kg, £6.20/kg and £6.50/kg for stations 1–6 respectively. The feedstock cost share became 44% in the 2030 cost scenario. Nearly 53.91% and 53.77% of available energy is absorbed in short and long term scenarios respectively. Under the long term cost scenario, 65% of hydrogen demand can be met, whereas less than 60% of hydrogen demand is met under the short term scenario. The system reliability (i.e. the meeting of hydrogen fuel demand) is quite low due to the operational mode of the system. Increasing the system size (mainly electrolyser production capacity) can clearly improve the system reliability. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link Rahil, A., Gammon, R., Brown, N. (2018) Techno-economic assessment of dispatchable hydrogen production by multiple electrolysers in Libya. Journal of Energy Storage, 16, pp.46-60.
  • Dispatchable Hydrogen Production at the Forecourt for Electricity Demand Shaping
    Dispatchable Hydrogen Production at the Forecourt for Electricity Demand Shaping Rahil, Abdulla; Gammon, Rupert Environmental issues and concerns about depletion of fossil fuels have driven rapid growth in the generation of renewable energy (RE) and its use in electricity grids. Similarly, the need for an alternative to hydrocarbon fuels means that the number of fuel cell vehicles is also expected to increase. The ability of electricity networks to balance supply and demand is greatly affected by the variable, intermittent output of RE generators; however, this could be relieved using energy storage and demand-side response (DSR) techniques. One option would be production of hydrogen by electrolysis powered from wind and solar sources. The use of tariff structures would provide an incentive to operate electrolysers as dispatchable loads. The aim of this paper is to compare the cost of hydrogen production by electrolysis at garage forecourts in Libya, for both dispatchable and continuous operation, without interruption of fuel supply to vehicles. The coastal city of Derna was chosen as a case study, with the renewable energy being produced via a wind turbine farm. Wind speed was analysed in order to determine a suitable turbine, then the capacity was calculated to estimate how many turbines would be needed to meet demand. Finally, the excess power was calculated, based on the discrepancy between supply and demand. The study looked at a hydrogen refueling station in both dispatchable and continuous operation, using an optimisation algorithm. The following three scenarios were considered to determine whether the cost of electrolytic hydrogen could be reduced by a lower off-peak electricity price. These scenarios are: Standard Continuous, in which the electrolyser operates continuously on a standard tariff of 12 p/kWh; Off-peak Only, in which the electrolyser operates only during off-peak periods at the lower price of 5 p/kWh; and 2-Tier Continuous, in which the electrolyser operates continuously on a low tariff at off-peak times and a high tariff at other times. The results indicate that Scenario 2 produced the cheapest electricity at £2.90 per kg of hydrogen, followed by Scenario 3 at £3.80 per kg, and the most expensive was Scenario 1 at £6.90 per kg. open access article Rahil, A. and Gammon, R. (2017) Dispatchable Hydrogen Production at the Forecourt for Electricity Demand Shaping, Sustainability, 9 (10), pp. 1785-1807
  • Power-to-hydrogen and hydrogen-to-X: Which markets? Which economic potential? Answers from the literature
    Power-to-hydrogen and hydrogen-to-X: Which markets? Which economic potential? Answers from the literature Robinius, Martin; Welder, Lara; Ryberg, David; Mansilla, Christine; Lucchese, Paul; Tlili, Olfa; Le Duigou, Alain; Simon, Jesus; Balan, Mihai; Dickinson, Robert R.; Dolci, Francesco; Weidner, Eveline; Gammon, Rupert; Meeks, Noah; Pereira, Andre; Samsatli, Sheila; Valentin, Solene With the expansion of renewable energy’s contribution to the energy mix, balancing the electricity grid is becoming increasingly challenging. Alongside other solutions, Power-to-Hydrogen concepts are gaining significant interest. In this paper, the “Task 38”, initiated by the Hydrogen Implementing Agreement of the International EnergyAgency, presents the first of a two-step literature review regarding Power-to-Hydrogen and Hydrogen-to-X concepts with a focus on prospective market and economic potential. The study reveals a large scope of literature that shows a considerable variety ofsuggested implementation schemes. The transportation sector is identified as the most promising consumer market. Hydrogen-to-Gas pathways will require subsidies in order to be profitable. Hydrogen-to-Power becomes an economically promising option in the context of systems with high shares of renewables and a need for longer-term storages. Additionally, key enablers for Power-to-Hydrogen concepts are identified; namely support policies, concurrently with ongoing progress on the development and implementation of industry standard. Research carried out within the framework of Task 38 of the Hydrogen Implementing Agreement of the International Energy Agency. The task is coordinated by the Institute for techno-economics of energy systems (I-tésé) of the CEA, supported by the ADEME. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Robinius, M., Welder, L., Ryberg, S., Mansilla, C., Albertin, E., Aupretre, F., Balan, N., Dickinson, R., Gammon, R., Ito, H., Kirkengen, M., Meeks, N., Ridell, B., Samsatli, S., Samsatli, N. J., Simon, J., Thomas, D., Valentin, S., Wehling, A., Weidner, E., Lucchese, P., Le Duigou, A. and Tlili, O., 2017. Power-to-Hydrogen and Hydrogen-to-X:which markets? Which economic potential? Answers from the literature. In: 14th International Conference on the European Energy Market 2017, 2017-06-06 - 2017-06-09.
  • ESCoBox: A set of tools for mini-grid sustainability in the developing world
    ESCoBox: A set of tools for mini-grid sustainability in the developing world Advani, Varun; Wade, Neal; Greenwood, D.; Davison, P.; Gammon, Rupert; Boait, Peter John Mini-grids powered by photovoltaic generators or other renewable energy sources have the potential to bring electricity to the 17% of the world’s population, mainly in rural areas, that are currently un-served. However, designing and managing a mini-grid so that it is reliable and economically sustainable is difficult because of the high variability of demand that arises from the small population of consumers. We describe an integrated set of four tools to assist mini-grid operators to predict and manage demand. These comprise a decision support tool to predict peak and average demand from a consumer population, a demand disaggregation tool that allows the key statistical properties of connected electricity-consuming appliances to be identified, a battery condition modeling tool which allows the impact on battery life of a planned operating regime to be predicted and a demand control sub-system which limits the operating time of high demand appliances to intervals when they can be supported. Results from application of the tool set to mini-grids in Kenya and The Gambia are presented. We conclude that accessible, usable and low cost tools of this form can improve mini-grid sustainability. Collaboration with Newcastle University and other NGO and commercial partners. Open Access article Boait, P. et al. (2017) ESCoBox A Set of Tools for Mini-Grid Sustainability in the Developing World. Sustainability, 9 (5), 738
  • Acceptability of Externally Controlled Recharging for the Protection of Local Power Networks with High Penetrations of Electric Vehicles
    Acceptability of Externally Controlled Recharging for the Protection of Local Power Networks with High Penetrations of Electric Vehicles Gammon, Rupert; Fisher, Jill; Irvine, K. N. The anticipated uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) has the potential to overload low-voltage power networks where several EVs might be simultaneously recharging on the same electrical substation feeder. The Esprit system is designed to avoid potential power outages and damage to network infrastructure by means of temporary curtailment of EV recharging to reduce the aggregate load on a single feeder. It is important that this intervention does not adversely affect service quality for EV users and other electricity consumers. In a field trial of localized clusters of EVs, the My Electric Avenue project assessed the acceptability of temporary curtailment of charging to EV drivers as well as testing the technical viability of Esprit. Analysis of data gathered through questionnaires, interviews and focus groups with participants in the trial indicates that temporary curtailment of charging by the Esprit technology did not cause significant inconvenience to EV users. Gammon, R., Fisher, J., Irvine, K. N. (2016) Acceptability of Externally Controlled Recharging for the Protection of Local Power Networks with High Penetrations of Electric Vehicles, Advanced Science Letters, 22 (9), pp. 2105-2108

Click here to view a full listing of Rupert Gammon's publications and outputs.

Key research outputs

  • Contributed to the Complex Adaptive Systems, Cognitive Agents and Distributed Energy (CASCADE) Project, which used complexity science and, in particular, agent-based modelling (ABM) to investigate the smart grid concept. Applied a ‘whole systems’ approach and brought cross-sectoral energy system expertise to the project, guiding a multidisciplinary research team in developing an innovative software modelling framework. Outputs from CASCADE are feeding into new projects, such as the Agent-based Modelling for Electricity Networks (AMEN) project, My Electric Avenue and ESCoBox.
  • Co-developed the Future Energy Scenario Assessment (FESA) model for strategic energy modelling and roadmapping. Underpinning several journal articles, conference papers and consultancy studies, this software tool’s outputs have been influential in the shaping of commercial strategy and political policy in relation to a range of low-carbon energy technologies.
  • Established a consultancy business providing cleantech market analysis, technical reports and implementing low carbon systems for a wide range of customers, including: E.On UK, Cenex, Hydrogenics Corp, Leicestershire County Council, Mirabaud Securities, East Midlands Development Agency. Provided leadership in the integration of energy storage, particularly using hydrogen, with smart grids and low carbon transport.
  • Conceived and implemented the Hydrogen and Renewables Integration (HARI) project, the UK's first renewable energy system to use hydrogen for energy storage. This provided a technical platform underpinning several PhD studies, journal and conference papers and became a case study for Annex 18 of the International Energy Agency’s Hydrogen Implementing Agreement. It led to the establishment of the Loughborough University Hydrogen Refuelling Station that was a contributory factor in the location of the prestigious Energy Technologies Institute at Loughborough. The HARI project catalysed the formation of several new high-tech businesses, plus the foundation of the British Midlands Hydrogen Forum.

Research interests/expertise

  • Smart grids (incl. micro-grids, mini-grids, island energy systems, remote power systems, off-grid energy systems);
  • Energy system integration;
  • Energy infrastructures;
  • Smart cities (multi-modal service integration, smart transport systems);
  • Multi-modal energy system modelling / cross-sectoral integration of energy systems;
  • Strategic energy modelling / energy roadmapping;
  • Demand side management (DSM) / demand side participation, demand response / responsive demand / dispatchable demand (incl. efficiency / demand reduction, grid-to-transport, grid-to-fuel/gas, grid-to-heat);
  • Energy storage (incl. grid-to-fuel, grid-to-gas, grid-to-heat, electricity-to-electricity);
  • Hydrogen energy systems (incl. electrolysis, fuel cells, fuel-synthesis);
  • Hydrogen powered vehicles, fuel cell powered vehicles;
  • Electric vehicles, smart charging of electric vehicles;
  • Low carbon transport (incl. integrated transport systems, new ownership models);
  • Innovative business models for low-carbon technologies;
  • Energy systems for the developing world;
  • Renewable energy (integration of renewable energy into power systems);
  • Behaviour change for sustainability.

Areas of teaching

  • Smart grids
  • Smart cities
  • Renewable energy
  • Low carbon fuels
  • Low carbon transport
  • Energy storage
  • Hydrogen energy systems

Qualifications

Ph.D.: Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Integration, Loughborough University, 2006

M.Sc.:  Renewable Energy System Technologies, Loughborough University, 2001

B.A. (Hons): 3D Industrial Design (Eng), Leeds Polytechnic, 1988

Courses taught

MSc, Module Leader: Renewable Energy

Undergraduate Course, Module Leader: Transport Fuels and Energy Storage

Membership of external committees

  • International Energy Agency, Hydrogen Implementing Agreement, Annex 30 (Global Hydrogen Systems Analysis), 2012 – 2013, UK Representative, current – Y.
  • International Energy Agency, Hydrogen Implementing Agreement, Annex 24 (Wind Energy and Hydrogen Integration), 2007 – 2011, UK Representative, current – N.
  • Advisory Group, UK Sustainable Hydrogen Energy Consortium (UKSHEC), 2006 – 2011, EPSRC-funded SUPERGEN research consortium, current – N.
  • British Midlands Hydrogen Forum, 2007 - 2010, Chair (and co-founder), Regional Stakeholder Association UK Hydrogen Network (UK-HyNet), 2009 – 2010, Steering Group member (and co-founder), national hydrogen and fuel cell infrastructure development programme, now within UK HFCA remit, current – N.

Membership of professional associations and societies

  • UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (UK HFCA), 2010 – 2011, Executive Committee Member (and co-founder), national stakeholder association (formed from merger of UKHA and FCUK)
  • UK Hydrogen Association (UKHA), 2005 – 2010, Executive Committee Member (and co-founder), national stakeholder association, merged with FCUK in 2010 to create UKHFCA
  • British Midlands Hydrogen Forum, 2007 – 2010, Chair (and co-founder), regional stakeholder association that was a major catalyst in the resurgence of interest in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the UK.

Forthcoming events

Drive an electric vehicle as part of My Electric Avenue and help us shape a low carbon future – and save you money!

We’re looking for ten ‘electric avenues’ – groups, or ‘clusters’, of ten people or more – where each person will drive an electric car for 18 months to trial a new technology. We are preparing for when electric cars will be commonplace. The technology will monitor and control the electricity demand from charging electric cars. It is a solution that will save expensive and disruptive work being carried out to upgrade the electricity network and avoid the need for roads to be dug up.

The trial package offers each person in an eligible group of ten or more people:

  • An all-electric Nissan LEAF five-door family hatchback
  • At an exclusively subsidised monthly rental for 18 months

Find out more and get involved at http://www.myelectricavenue.info/ 

Conference attendance

  • Sustainable Energy, Complexity Science and the Smart Grid (Satellite Meeting of ECCS’12, European Conference on Complex Systems), 5th September 2012, Brussels, “CASCADE (Complex Adaptive Systems, Cognitive Agents and Distributed Energy)”, R. Gammon, M.Rylatt, et al., presentation
  • Energy & Complexity: the Way Forward, 5th July 2012, Oxford, “CASCADE (Complex Adaptive Systems, Cognitive Agents and Distributed Energy)”, R. Gammon, M.Rylatt, et al., presentation
  • Delivery of Sustainable Hydrogen (HDel) Supergen 14, Cardiff, 26/05/10, “Hydrogen Production in Smart Grids”, R. Gammon, presentation
  • Modelling the Integration of Hydrogen into Energy Systems, 1st ADEL International Workshop, Seville, 21/10/11, R. Gammon, J. Barton, Keynote Presentation
  • Low Carbon Mobility, SIF 2011 – Sustainability International Forum, Rome, 21/06/11, R. Gammon, Keynote Presentation
  • Hydrogen and smart grids and Safety of Hydrogen technologies and Infrastructure: practical experience,11th ISCARW Hydrogen Technologies and Infrastructure, Belfast, 16-20/05/11, R. Gammon, Keynote Presentations
  • Update on UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Activities, Making Way for Scotland’s Hydrogen Economy, Edinburgh, 30/09/10, R. Gammon, presentation
  • Hydrogen in the Future Energy Generation Portfolio, The Challenge of Intermittency – Will Hydrogen Deliver?, Cheltenham, 26/06/10, R. Gammon, J. Barton, presentation
  • UK Hydrogen Network (UK-HyNet), IPHE Infrastructure Workshop, Sacramento, 26/02/10, R. Gammon, presentation
  • Hydrogen and Renewables Integration, Symposium on Materials for a Sustainable Future, Birmingham, 11/09/09, R. Gammon, J. Barton, presentation
  • Island Systems, UK Sustainable Hydrogen Energy Consortium (UK SHEC) workshop, Swansea, 02/07/09, R. Gammon, presentation
  • Scotland’s Hydrogen Future Study, All Energy, Aberdeen, 21/05/08, R. Gammon, A. Cavey, et al., presentation
  • Monitoring and Control of Hydrogen Systems, Measurement Metrology Opportunities in the Hydrogen Economy, Edinburgh, 19/03/08, R. Gammon, presentation.

Consultancy work

Consultancy at DMU:

  • DMU’s team leader for the “My Electric Avenue” project which is field- testing EA Technology’s Esprit system for protecting power networks from overload by local concentrations of electric vehicle charging. DMU is undertaking behavioural studies in relation to the ‘smart’ scheduling of vehicle recharging. Dates: January 2013 – August 2016. Funded by Ofgem’s Low Carbon Networks Fund (LCNF). Led by EA Technology, with Scottish and Southern Energy as the host network operator. Partners include: Northern Powergrid, Nissan, Fleetdrive Electric, Zero Carbon Futures, University of Manchester and Ricardo.
  • Contributing expertise on hydrogen energy systems and multi-modal integration to the “2050 Energy Infrastructure Outlook” study for the Energy Technologies Institute.  Dates: March 2012 – June 2013. Led by Buro Happold with partners including Cambridge, the University of Southampton, Cyril Sweett and Upstream Utilities Infrastructure Solutions.
  • Recently contributed advice to Orion Innovations for a report on the “Validation of Future Market Drivers for Northern Ireland”, September 2012 – January 2013.

Currently available to undertake consultancy

 Previous consultancy work:

Bryte Energy Ltd, 2005 – 2010, consultancy services provided to private and public sector customers, from micro-companies up to international blue chips, including: E.On UK, Cenex, Hydrogenics Corp, Leicestershire County Council, Mirabaud Securities, East Midlands Development Agency.

Selected examples:

  • Hydrogen Framework for the East Midlands, for Cenex and the E. Midlands Development Agency (2010)
  • Watts in Store? – Bulk Energy Storage, for Mirabaud Securities (2009)
  • Why Let Your Investments Go To Waste?, for Mirabaud Securities (2009)
  • Battery Replacement Project, for M&S, 3M and Gist (2009)
  • The Business Case for Hydrogen, for Hydrogenics Corp (2008)
  • Hydrogen Future Study – HyFuture, for Orion Innovations and  the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (2008)
  • Feasibility Report for the Installation of Renewable Energy Technologies at Snibston Discovery Park, for Leicestershire County Council (2007-2008)
  • Aspects of the Wide Scale Deployment of Hydrogen by Pipeline in the UK, for E.On UK (2007)
  • Role of Hydrogen in the UK’s Future Energy Systems, for E.On UK (2005).

Current research students

2nd supervisor to Brian Kohler, who is researching Energy, Climate Change, and a Just Transition to Sustainability;

2nd supervisor to Sidiki Diakite, who is researching Business Model Transfer from Multinational Companies to Local Enterprises Using Social Networking Technologies: The Case Of Global Organisations In Niger.

Externally funded research grants information

  • ESCoBox, funded by EPSRC, DfID and DECC. Research project developing a smart device for monitoring, billing, control and evolution of energy systems of income-generating capacity in the developing world. Dates: September 2013 – August 2016. Role: Principle Investigator.  International partners include Durham University, the University of Nairobi, the Institute for Development Studies, access:energy, bboxx, Practical Action and Ashden.
  • Complex Adaptive Systems, Cognitive Agents and Distributed Energy (CASCADE), funded by EPSRC. Collaborative Research on smart grids. Dates: May 2010 – April 2013. Role: joined the project as a Senior Research Fellow in June 2011. Collaboration with Cranfield University.
  • Low Carbon Leicester, TSB-funded Future Cities feasibility study. Dates: August – November 2012. Role: Advisory. Collaborators: Leicester City Council.

Professional esteem indicators

  • IEEE DEST-CEE2012, November 2011 – May 2012, Deputy Track Chair
  • Annual International Conference & Exhibition on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, NEC, Birmingham, 2008 – 2010, Organising Committee member.
  • Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 2011, peer review
  • EPSRC, 2012, reviewing of research grant applications.

Case studies

 

 

 

Title of the case study

Hydrogen Future Study - HyFuture

Describe the Impact

(nature of the impact, how far reaching, beneficiaries, benefits)

Formed the basis of the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association’s roadmap, now embedded in Scottish energy policy. Benefits to Scottish industry.

Impact indicator

(see list)
  • Progress towards sustainable development, including environmental sustainability
  • Better informed public policy-making or improved public services

Research which led to impact

(what, when conducted, who undertook)

Study undertaken by Dr Rupert Gammon and John Barton, while Directors of Bryte Energy Ltd, in collaboration with Orion Innovations LLP

References to key output (papers etc) which underpin impact

Hydrogen Future Study – HyFuture Report, May 2008

Scotland’s Hydrogen Future Study, All Energy, May 2008

HyFuture Stakeholders Workshop, July 2008

Evidence of impact

(external reports, statements, contact details of users which could corroborate the impact and/or the units contribution

Scottish Government’s Renewables Action Plan, 28 July 2009, and Updates: February 2010, August 2010, February 2011, March 2011

 

 

Title of the case study

British Midlands Hydrogen Forum

Describe the Impact

(nature of the impact, how far reaching, beneficiaries, benefits)
  • Regular contact with UK Government departments, underpinned by consensus building among hydrogen and fuel cell stakeholders, led to greater understanding in policy circles and reinvigoration of the sector
  • Led to creation of the UKHA (later the UK HFCA), Midlands Hydrogen Ring and UK-HyNet (the precursor to UK H2 Mobility)
  • Boosted international profile of the region and the UK in the hydrogen and fuel cell sector. Establishing the UK as a ‘fast follower’ (behind Japan, California and Germany).
  • Membership of 100+ individuals across 50+ companies and institutions
  • Beneficiaries: Hydrogen and fuel cell stakeholders in academia and industry. Also, job creation and quality of life benefits to wider community.

Impact indicator

(see list)
  • Delivering highly skilled people
  • Creating new businesses, improving the performance of existing businesses
  • Attracting R&D investment from global business
  • Progress towards sustainable development, including environmental sustainability
  • Better informed public policy-making
  • Cultural enrichment, including improved public engagement with science and research 

Research which led to impact

(what, when conducted, who undertook)

Research into the integration of hydrogen and renewable energy systems and whole-system energy modelling, undertaken by Rupert Gammon as a PhD student at CREST, Loughborough University, and while Director of Bryte Energy Ltd, 2001 – 2011, in collaboration with Dr John Barton (also a Director of Bryte Energy and an RA at CREST) and many others (e.g. Universities of Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham, Leicester, Loughborough, plus various companies)

References to key output (papers etc) which underpin impact
  • UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association Response to the Energy and Climate Change Committee’s Consultation on Energy Security, March 2011
  • A new and compelling case for hydrogen – clean fuel from smart grids: a new green currency, UK HFCA presentation to Prof David MacKay (chief scientific adviser to DECC), October 2010
  • A new and compelling case for hydrogen – clean fuel from smart grids: a new green currency, UKHA presentation to DECC, May 2010
  • A Hydrogen Framework for the East Midlands, July 2010
  • Opportunities for hydrogen and fuel cells in the East Midlands, December 2009

Evidence of impact

(external reports, statements, contact details of users which could corroborate the impact and/or the units contribution
  • The Technology Strategy Board call, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: Whole System Integration, announced in Sept 2011 indicated a significant shift within various Government Departments (e.g. DECC, DfT, BIS) in their perception of the hydrogen and fuel cell sector to align exactly with the view championed by the BMHF
  • Increased interest in the use of hydrogen and fuel cells in low-carbon transport 

 

 

Title of the case study

Future Energy Scenario Assessment (FESA) model

Describe the Impact

(nature of the impact, how far reaching, beneficiaries, benefits)
  • Enabled key insights into market evolution of hydrogen, fuel cell, smart grid, clean coal (with CCS), nuclear, low carbon transport, low-carbon heat and energy storage markets.
  • Led to greater understanding in policy circles and reinvigoration of hydrogen energy the sector.
  • Establishing Bryte Energy as a ‘thought leader’ in UK and abroad.
  • Guided technology development of several companies (Hydrogenics Corp, Axon Automotive, RE Hydrogen, etc)

Impact indicator

(see list)
  • Improving the performance of existing businesses
  • Commercialising new processes
  • Attracting R&D investment from global business
  • Progress towards sustainable development, including environmental sustainability
  • Better informed public policy-making

Research which led to impact

(what, when conducted, who undertook)

Research into the dynamic operation of integrated energy networks across power, heat and transport sectors in low carbon scenarios. Software model development carried out by Rupert Gammon as a PhD student at CREST, Loughborough University, and while Director of Bryte Energy Ltd, 2001 – 2011, in collaboration with Dr John Barton (also a Director of Bryte Energy and an RA at CREST)

References to key output (papers etc) which underpin impact
  • Barton, J., Gammon, R., (2010). The production of hydrogen fuel from renewable sources and its role in grid operations, Journal of Power Sources 195, No.24, pg8222-8235, issued in conjunction with the Eleventh Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, London 2009
  • Hydrogen Future Study – HyFuture Report, May 2008
  • Scotland’s Hydrogen Future Study, All Energy, May 2008
  • HyFuture Stakeholders Workshop, July 2008
  • UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association Response to the Energy and Climate Change Committee’s Consultation on Energy Security, March 2011
  • A new and compelling case for hydrogen – clean fuel from smart grids: a new green currency, UK HFCA presentation to Prof David MacKay (chief scientific adviser to DECC), October 2010
  • A new and compelling case for hydrogen – clean fuel from smart grids: a new green currency, UKHA presentation to DECC, May 2010
  • A Hydrogen Framework for the East Midlands, July 2010
  • Opportunities for hydrogen and fuel cells in the East Midlands, December 2009

Evidence of impact

(external reports, statements, contact details of users which could corroborate the impact and/or the units contribution
  • The Technology Strategy Board call, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: Whole System Integration, announced in Sept 2011 indicated a significant shift within various Government Departments (e.g. DECC, DfT, BIS) in their perception of the hydrogen and fuel cell sector to align exactly with the view championed by Bryte Energy.
  • Increased alignment of IEA Annex 24 group towards FESA findings

 

 

Title of the case study

Infrastructure and Renewables Group (now Infrastructure & Vehicles Group) of the London Hydrogen Partnership

Describe the Impact

(nature of the impact, how far reaching, beneficiaries, benefits)
  • Helped in the development of Mayor of London’s policy to promote hydrogen and fuel cells in the capital
  • When new Mayor drastically cut the existing programme, catalysed revival of programme at a more ambitious level
  • Benefits to the UK hydrogen and fuel cell sector and improvements in quality of life for Londoners

Impact indicator

(see list)
  • Improving the performance of existing businesses, commercialising new products and processes
  • Attracting R&D investment from global business
  • Progress towards sustainable development, including environmental sustainability
  • Better informed public policy-making and improved public services
  • Cultural enrichment, including improved public engagement with science and research

Research which led to impact

(what, when conducted, who undertook)

Research into the integration of hydrogen and renewable energy systems and whole-system energy modelling, undertaken by Rupert Gammon as a PhD student at CREST, Loughborough University, and while Director of Bryte Energy Ltd, 2001 – 2011

References to key output (papers etc) which underpin impact

 

Evidence of impact

(external reports, statements, contact details of users which could corroborate the impact and/or the units contribution
  • Delivering London’s Energy Future: the Mayor’s Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Strategy, October 2011.
  • London Hydrogen Action Plan 2010 – 2012, 2010
  • Fleet of hydrogen powered buses, taxis and scooters, plus hydrogen refuelling station, in operation ahead of Olympics

 

 

Title of the case study

Annex 24 (Wind Energy and Hydrogen Integration) of the International Energy Agency’s Hydrogen Implementing Agreement

Describe the Impact

(nature of the impact, how far reaching, beneficiaries, benefits)
  • Substantial advances in the understanding of hydrogen’s role as an energy storage medium in low-carbon economies. Consensus building among international experts in this field.
  • Convergence of opinion in international expert group to align with Bryte Energy’s view, thus establishing it as a ‘thought leader’ in UK and abroad
  • Helped guide technology development of several companies (Hydrogenics Corp, IHT, NEL Hydrogen, CENER, NEL Hydrogen, Gas Natural, etc)

Impact indicator

(see list)
  • Delivering highly skilled people
  • Improving the performance of existing businesses
  • Commercialising new products and processes
  • Attracting R&D investment from global business
  • Progress towards sustainable development, including environmental sustainability
  • Better informed public policy-making and improved public services

Research which led to impact

(what, when conducted, who undertook)
  • Investigated a central feature of low carbon energy networks: i.e. grid balancing for renewable generation (wind power) with controllable loads (electrolysers). Drew on international expertise and real world experience of partners.

References to key output (papers etc) which underpin impact
  • I. Aso, Applications. Emphasis on wind energy management, IEA-HIA Task 24 Wind Energy and Hydrogen Integration. Sub-Task D, Hyceltec 2011, June 2011
  • Task 24: Wind Energy & Hydrogen Integration, 17th World Hydrogen Energy Conference, June 2008

Evidence of impact

(external reports, statements, contact details of users which could corroborate the impact and/or the units contribution
  • http://task24.hidrogenoaragon.org/
  • Prize Winner for Technology Demonstration, IEA HIA News, April 2010

 

Media appearances:

  • Interviewed on Channel 4 News (12 April 2005) in relation to Government energy policy
  • Featured in Fuel Cell Today newsletter (12 October 2011) providing an ‘analyst view’ on hydrogen and smart grids
  • Interviewed on Radio Leicester (27 December 2012) about the My Electric Avenue project
  • Leicester Mercury report (25 September 2008) on the launch of the Loughborough University Hydrogen Vehicle Refuelling Station.

 

Rupert-Gammon