Sandpit: Airport Energy Technologies Network

Lead Research Organisation: University of Salford
Department Name: Inst for Materials Research

Abstract

From 10-14 November 2008, at Shrigley Hall, Cheshire, SK10 5SB, a Research Councils' Energy Programme Sandpit to generate and develop innovative approaches to airport operations was held, resulting in a number of funded projects. This Network proposal is also an output of the event, reflecting the unanimous view that a Network was indispensible to take advantage of the Sandpit energy and cross-disciplinary synergies. To this end, the Network will be directed by the Principal and co-Investigators, who will be joined on the Organising Committee by the Principal Investigators of the successfully funded projects. Initially, Network membership will be drawn from the Sandpit participants who all expressed an interest in participating (Table 1), however it is desirable that as part of its remit, the Network strive for as wide and as multidisciplinary membership as possible.An example of a network organisation working in the area of Aeronautical Operations is Omega, a publicly funded academic partnership which was set up in January 2007. The partnership, which brings together aviation knowledge from 9 UK Universities, acts as an independent body to share knowledge in a neutral forum to engage with key players in the development of a sustainable aviation industry. The contrasting basic raison d'etre of the network described in this proposal is to develop a research community and its links with the key industrial and commercial players. The Sandpit participants have produced proposals which represent high value to commerce and industry in terms of energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and compliance with future operating practices and legislation. However, the core requirements of Sandpit membership is the generation of different perspectives, innovation, and fresh insights from disciplines and market sectors not traditionally associated with this field. It is this concept which is core to differentiating the proposed network from existing groups. It must also be noted that the associated high risk of the projects proposed at the sandpit would be unlikely candidates for funding through traditional avenues. The proposed network is unique in this way, and will undertake a vital role in bringing its members high risk, high adventure research to general acknowledgement and acceptance.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description The Airport Energy Technologies Network was formed to disseminate outputs from the funded projects arising from the 2008 RCUK Low Carbon Airport Operations Sandpit. The AETN conducted events for dissemination, collaboration and networking with a wider audience through its 4 year existence
Exploitation Route Based upon developments during the AETN period, members of the network are taking forward both RCUK and Horizon 2020 collaborative grant proposals in the current funding period
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Energy

Environment

 
Description The outputs of the network have been used to identify and develop new collaborative ventures, which are finding their way into be RCUK and H2020 grant proposals and associated activity.
First Year Of Impact 2012
Sector Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Environment
Impact Types Societal

Economic

 
Description AETN-Frankfurt Airport 
Organisation Frankfurt Airport
Country Germany 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Low Carbon Airport Operations Network
Collaborator Contribution Airport Operations Expertise
Impact Multi-disciplinary: Airport operations
Start Year 2008
 
Description AETN-Manchester Airport 
Organisation Manchester Airport Plc
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution AETN multidisciplinary network on Low Carbon Airport Operations
Collaborator Contribution Presentations, guidance, data
Impact multidisciplinary: Airport Operator
Start Year 2008
 
Description AETN-Zurich Airport 
Organisation Zurich Airport
Country Switzerland 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Low Carbon Airport Operations Network
Collaborator Contribution Low Carbon Airport Operations Network
Impact Multi-disciplinary: Airport Operations
Start Year 2008
 
Description Airport Energy Technologies Network 
Organisation Loughborough University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration in a multi-disciplinary multi-institution and industry network on Low Carbon Airport Operations
Collaborator Contribution Collaboration in a multi-disciplinary multi-institution and industry network on Low Carbon Airport Operations
Impact Multidisciplinary: Behavioural Change
Start Year 2008
 
Description Airport KTN 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact collaborative research discussion

collaboration on grant application activity
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011