Tristan Davenne
Technical Manager
Head of the Energy Research Unit focused on R&D that can help us reach net zero. Particular areas of interest : renewable energy, energy storage, green ammonia synthesis and use as a carbon free fuel, thermal energy storage, heat pumps, ground source heat and cold, vacuum pump and compressor design and Stirling cycle machine design. Some publications can be found at the following link: ResearchGate
Project Highlight: "The moment when the ASPIRE plant first synthesised some e-ammonia which was a significant achievement for everyone who worked on the project"
Ben Peters
Engineering Lead & Controls
I like to invent and I'm passionate about energy, national security and sustainability. I provide engineering leadership across mechanical, electrical, process, and control disciplines. For the ASPIRE MK0 project, my key responsibilities included development of the control software, creation of the process and instrumentation diagram (P&ID), establishment of system naming conventions, and design of the pressure relief strategy.
Project Highlight: "I was operating the plant on a nightshift when the reactor first became exothermic through ammonia synthesis; the moment the ammonia synthesis process began to work in earnest. Watching years of design, development, and teamwork culminate in that result felt like how I imagine a successful rocket launch feels."
Jayke Smith
Mechanical and Processes
Mechanical and process engineer, specialising in the design, analysis and specification of thermofluid components.
Project Highlight: "Working through the elements to build the plant: from design to reality"
Movin Jayashina
Mechanical
Mechanical Engineer and Design Engineer. Part of the team during the preliminary design, detail design and procurement stages of the project. Mainly contributed to the design and delivering of systems around Ammonia extraction and storage, Nitrogen delivery and Hydrogen delivery.
Project Highlight: "Being part of a highly motivated team. Welcoming the fast-paced iterative workflow of the group with open arms and also appreciating the horizontal communication hierarchy within our team. Being able to learn so much from so many avenues and seeing something I designed come to life."
Joe Tynan
Electrical and Safety
Electrical Engineering Designer supporting STFC science and engineering projects through the design, integration and validation of electrical systems. For ASPIRE II, my role included electrical drawings, power distribution, safety PLC/HMI programming, interlocking, hazardous-area management and ATEX documentation, working closely with the project team to deliver safe, compliant and reliable solutions.
Project Highlight: Getting to develop a new area of expertise in safety control systems and seeing that work become a practical part of how the plant is protected and operated safely.
