A message from Dr. Cruickshank
My broad interests relate to the emerging technologies associated with sustainable and renewable聽energy systems. Developing efficient, cost-effective and reliable solutions for our energy聽requirements is a pressing issue brought to our attention by concerns of global warming and聽climate change.
I am interested in the computer simulation and modelling of energy systems and components,聽supported by comprehensive experimental evaluations. The characterization of thermal processes聽is crucial in determining technical and economic viability. In addition, these methods provide a聽mechanism for the design and optimization of components and systems.
Much of my previous work focused on the experimental evaluation and numerical modelling of聽solar thermal systems. Specifically, this work included the development, instrumentation and聽commissioning of a full scale experimental test apparatus that allowed various configurations of a聽modular thermal storage to be evaluated under laboratory conditions. Of particular interest was a聽multi-tank thermal storage that incorporated natural convection heat exchangers. This applied聽research project was conducted with industry and also involved extensive computer modelling.聽Funding for the project was provided by NSERC, the Canadian Solar Buildings Research Network聽and Natural Resources Canada.
My interests and skills are applicable to a range of energy systems e.g., sensible and latent heat聽storage, load management, and conventional and alternative energy systems. The application of聽the fundamental principles of heat transfer and thermodynamics in the modelling of complete聽energy systems has many current applications and is of great interest to both industry and聽government. Going forward, I hope to broaden the scope of my work to include investigations聽related to advanced buildings, including net-zero energy concepts for commercial and residential聽structures.
If you have any interest in the above fields, please do not hesitate to聽contact聽me as I鈥檓 accepting聽M.Sc. and Ph.D. candidates.