Location:
Alrick Building, Room D/E
Date:
Speaker: Professor Win Rampen
Chair of Energy Storage
Talk: "Digital Displacement Hydraulics: Upsetting the apple cart.
Abstract
Digital Displacement hydraulic machines were developed at the University of Edinburgh over a long gestation period. They came about in response to the real need of coupling the slow, high force irregular motion of ocean waves to rapidly spinning synchronous generators. Conventional hydraulics were inadequate on several levels and so we had to begin again from first principles. The technology we developed inspired the formation of Artemis Intelligent Power in 1994.
The presentation will cover the development of the technology as well as the process of spinning out a company.
Biography
Professor Win Rampen was a founder and Managing Director of Artemis Intelligent Power which has pioneered the development of the ultra-efficient and controllable Digital Displacement ® hydraulic technology. Since its creation in 1994, Win has overseen the growth of Artemis to 50 employees.
Win grew up on a farm near Toronto before training as an engineer. After graduation, he came to the UK in 1978 to work with Professor Stephen Salter and his wave power team at the University of Edinburgh. It was there that he first encountered Robert Clerk and his radical hydraulic machines - which were intended for the Salter Duck's power take-off system.
After a few years working as a lecturer in Canada, during the 1980s, Win returned to the University to continue working on the advanced hydraulic machines needed not only for waves but, also, other forms of renewable energy. Win led the project at the University and developed the early prototypes. That work led to a doctorate in 1993 and the creation of Artemis in 1994. Artemis grew organically until it was acquired by Mitsubishi in 2010.
Win holds the Chair of Energy Storage at the University of Edinburgh and is a Fellow of the RSA, the IMechE and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Further information
