Dr Susmita Koley

Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Engineering

What do you do?

I am an Indian national employed as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Durham University for the past three years. I received my PhD from IIT Kharagpur, India, in 2016. Subsequently, I worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands, for one year. Currently, I am working in the Engineering Department on an EPSRC-funded project focused on sustainable energy storage technology.

How are you involved in this area of science? 

I work on the engineering aspects of the Geothermal Energy from Mines and Solar Geothermal Heat (GEMS) project. My work package focuses on developing a dual solar geothermal heat storage technology, where excess solar energy collected during the summer is stored and subsequently delivered in the winter using mine water heat. This technology, storing energy in the form of the heat of desorption of the storage material, shows potential of energy storage for indefinite time without any loss.

Owing to the high energy density of the storage material, this technology facilitates the utilisation of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar energy. However, the efficiency of this technology depends on the availability of low-grade heat sources in the winter for heat delivery and heat sinks in the summer for heat storage. The efficiency is enhanced by the presence of warmer mine water during winter and cooler mine water during summer.

What do you love about this topic?

Climate change and the finite availability of natural gas forces us to explore the alternative green energy sources for various heating applications. The Geothermal Energy from Mines and Solar Geothermal Heat (GEMS) project presents a fascinating and impactful area of study when it comes to sustainable energy technology.

What I find compelling about my work on the GEMS project is its innovative approach to renewable energy storage. This research not only addresses the challenges of renewable energy storage but also leverages existing geothermal resources, making it a promising solution for sustainable energy systems. I am extremely proud to be part of this project.

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

By leveraging both solar and geothermal energy, the GEMS project promotes the use of renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing geothermal energy from mines provides a reliable and constant energy source that can enhance energy security. The development and implementation of advanced energy storage technologies within the GEMS project can drive further innovations in the field. This can lead to the creation of new technologies and methodologies that can be applied to other renewable energy projects worldwide.