Henry Curran

Biography

Prof Curran’s research interest lies in the study of the chemistry of how fuels burn in combustors in order to increase efficiency and reduce emissions for a cleaner world. 92% of the world’s energy demand is currently being satisfied through the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas, in order to provide electricity, heat homes and fuel transport. In Ireland the situation is even more pronounced with about 98% of energy provided by fossil fuel combustion, of which nearly 90% is imported from countries as far away as Russia and Columbia. In addition, fossil fuel resources are finite and so alternative energy sources are becoming increasingly important. An understanding of how all fuels, both fossil and biofuels, burn at a molecular level with regards to the nature and speed of the chemical reactions that take place, together with the associated energy release and fluid flows is fundamental in designing cleaner and more efficient combustion devices such as engines and gas turbines.

Research Interest

clean energy.