The not-for-profit, education-inspired organisation, Faculti, have published a video of Prof Chris Lawn on their website. In the video, Chris speaks about how a thermoacoustic engine can be used to provide a constant supply of electricity using only the heat energy from a wood burning stove. The SEMS based research means that it will be possible for people in rural and underdeveloped areas to have their own reliable supply of electricity if the engine can be made cheaply enough.

During the video, Chris explains how thermoacoustic engines convert the heat energy from a wood burning stove into an intense sound wave which causes a diaphragm to move. The diaphragm is linked to a linear alternator which produces electricity. This is the only moving part, so this is a ‘piston-less’ engine with the potential to be easy to maintain.

Faculti provide a platform for experts to speak about the importance of their research in an accessible way so that is can be appreciated by all. There are now over 60 QMUL experts featured on the site including another SEMS academic, Dr Mario Orsi.