Welcome to the Otago Energy Technologies Group led by Sam Lowrey in the Department of Physics at the University of Otago. Our research spans the nanoscale to macroscale with a focus on developing new and improved energy technologies.
Our research covers three main areas:
Engineering Thermodynamics – computational fluid dynamics modelling and performance testing of novel heat exchanger technology. Design, development and performance testing of energy efficient heat pump technology configured for drying processes.
Microfluidics – development of novel micro-/nano-fabricated surfaces for controlling frost and ice formation via surface tension gradients. Passive control of droplets and bubbles on open surfaces.
Optical Lithography – development of advanced interference based optical lithographic imaging techniques for nanofabrication. Specific areas of interest include high and ultra-high NA lithography using liquid-immersion and solid-immersion techniques.