Sam Cooper

I am interested in the assessment of the energy systems that facilitate modern life – both their direct effects but also the indirect consequences of the decision to adopt one rather that its alternatives. Typically this involves simulation of the systems at various levels of detail and aggregation in order to assess their interactions. My analysis usually starts with energetic performance and GHG emissions impacts but then draws upon broader environmental analysis (e.g. LCA), economic and systems analysis in order to provide a more complete picture.

I have worked extensively on the analysis of the performance of domestic heat pumps and micro-CHP units under a range of contexts, their impact upon the electrical supply grid and the potential effects of demand side response approaches. More recently, my work has considered a range of industrial energy efficiency opportunities and the potential benefits of circular-economy approaches such as resource efficiency. I have used a wide variety of modelling paradigms, approaches and tools to facilitate this analysis.