Environmental Genomics: Mining, climate change, water, crime and health. The new Environmental Genomics approach will employ high-powered genome sequencing systems to perform some of the first detailed genetic studies of Australian environments. The resulting high-resolution data will comprise a genetic audit, providing essential information for the accurate measurement of climate and environmental change. This method will dramatically improve the speed, and power of environmental impact assessm ....Environmental Genomics: Mining, climate change, water, crime and health. The new Environmental Genomics approach will employ high-powered genome sequencing systems to perform some of the first detailed genetic studies of Australian environments. The resulting high-resolution data will comprise a genetic audit, providing essential information for the accurate measurement of climate and environmental change. This method will dramatically improve the speed, and power of environmental impact assessments, permitting responsible resource development with major benefits to industry and the economy. It will also create new tools to improve water management and quality, biosecurity, forensics/policing and human health, as reflected by the diverse range of industry partners supporting this project.Read moreRead less
Next generation, very high efficiency thin silicon cells. A new type of thin silicon solar cell, with an efficiency potential of 21% or greater, is to be developed and characterized.
These cells should be cheaper, and have better efficiency, power to weight ratio and radiation tolerance than existing commercial silicon solar cells opening interesting possible applications. Novel solar cell designs and associated interconnection and encapsulation schemes for the cells suitable for space and hi ....Next generation, very high efficiency thin silicon cells. A new type of thin silicon solar cell, with an efficiency potential of 21% or greater, is to be developed and characterized.
These cells should be cheaper, and have better efficiency, power to weight ratio and radiation tolerance than existing commercial silicon solar cells opening interesting possible applications. Novel solar cell designs and associated interconnection and encapsulation schemes for the cells suitable for space and high altitude aircraft applications superior to existing technologies are expected to be developed. This should lead to a new, internationally competitive Australian industry.
Read moreRead less
Synthesis of Activated Carbon Supported Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles and Application to Contaminant Degradation in Benthic Sediments. Sediment contamination is a major problem in harbours and estuaries around Australia. For example, in Sydney Harbour, a total fishing ban has been implemented as a result of excessive levels of dioxins and benzofurans in fish tissues. There is also concern at the possibility of large scale contamination of Botany Bay as a result of historic industrial activity a ....Synthesis of Activated Carbon Supported Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles and Application to Contaminant Degradation in Benthic Sediments. Sediment contamination is a major problem in harbours and estuaries around Australia. For example, in Sydney Harbour, a total fishing ban has been implemented as a result of excessive levels of dioxins and benzofurans in fish tissues. There is also concern at the possibility of large scale contamination of Botany Bay as a result of historic industrial activity around the Bay. While dredging and on-land treatment of sediments is being adopted at the most severely contaminated sites, the cost of this approach is exorbitant. For sites where removal of contaminated sediments cannot be justified, the approach proposed in this study of a technology that entraps contaminants and enhances their in situ biodegradation is potentially a way forward.Read moreRead less
In-situ electrochemical generation of caustic and oxygen from sewage for emission control in sewers. This project aims to deliver an innovative technology that controls the emission of notorious compounds from sewer networks using chemicals directly produced from sewage, with electricity being the input. Compared to existing methods, this technology provides a much safer and more environmentally friendly solution, at less than 50 per cent of the cost.
Biogeochemistry of ferruginous duricrusts. The project is focussed on the examination and application of microbial iron cycling in the formation of geologically stable, iron duricrusts in tropical regimes. The aim of the project is to develop a site-scale bioremediation strategy for iron ore mines by re-establishing canga, which are ‘ancient’ distinct ecosystems possessing unique plant species rarely found on Earth. This university-industry collaboration aims to produce economic benefits for the ....Biogeochemistry of ferruginous duricrusts. The project is focussed on the examination and application of microbial iron cycling in the formation of geologically stable, iron duricrusts in tropical regimes. The aim of the project is to develop a site-scale bioremediation strategy for iron ore mines by re-establishing canga, which are ‘ancient’ distinct ecosystems possessing unique plant species rarely found on Earth. This university-industry collaboration aims to produce economic benefits for the world’s iron mining industry through advanced training in mining-related research, and through the completion of the mining life cycle by site remediation, enhancing Australia’s position as a global leader in providing innovative solutions to today’s mining challenges.Read moreRead less
Controlling arsenic to unlock value in gold and copper resources. This project aims to characterise the transformation of arsenic between oxidation states during mineral processing. Up to one third of the world’s gold reserves are locked up in arsenic rich minerals and 5000 tonnes of arsenic is released annually from mine waste. The project will enable the development of process technology that immobilises and removes arsenic at the earliest possible stage. The use of novel time-resolved in-situ ....Controlling arsenic to unlock value in gold and copper resources. This project aims to characterise the transformation of arsenic between oxidation states during mineral processing. Up to one third of the world’s gold reserves are locked up in arsenic rich minerals and 5000 tonnes of arsenic is released annually from mine waste. The project will enable the development of process technology that immobilises and removes arsenic at the earliest possible stage. The use of novel time-resolved in-situ techniques proposed in this research will give vital information of the complex chemical pathways involved during processing which current characterization methods on pre- and post-processed species do not achieve.Read moreRead less
A novel physical-digital approach for the assessing a large critical asset. This project aims to deliver an artificial intelligence-enabled decision-making tool to maintain and manage the floating covers of vast lagoons that treat raw sewage. The cover harvests the biogas released from the anaerobic digestion of sewage for electric power generation that exceeds the plant’s requirement. The approach involves an innovative thermographic technique and exploits transfer learning to adapt neural netw ....A novel physical-digital approach for the assessing a large critical asset. This project aims to deliver an artificial intelligence-enabled decision-making tool to maintain and manage the floating covers of vast lagoons that treat raw sewage. The cover harvests the biogas released from the anaerobic digestion of sewage for electric power generation that exceeds the plant’s requirement. The approach involves an innovative thermographic technique and exploits transfer learning to adapt neural networks trained on lab-scale and synthetic data to field implementation. The outcome is a machine learning framework to optimise biogas harvesting and renewable energy generation, and to avoid structural failure, that is capable of continuous improvement to take into account improved data and/or modelling capabilities.Read moreRead less
Novel methods of spill containment and debris mitigation on water surfaces. Novel methods of spill containment and debris mitigation on water surfaces. This project aims to develop a new technology for debris mitigation and spill containment, which isolates and stops spreading spills and redirect surface pollutants without using physical boundaries. Unexpected forced shutdowns of power plants, when floating debris blocks cooling water intake facilities, cause substantial operational risks, capit ....Novel methods of spill containment and debris mitigation on water surfaces. Novel methods of spill containment and debris mitigation on water surfaces. This project aims to develop a new technology for debris mitigation and spill containment, which isolates and stops spreading spills and redirect surface pollutants without using physical boundaries. Unexpected forced shutdowns of power plants, when floating debris blocks cooling water intake facilities, cause substantial operational risks, capital loss and affect the reliability of the electricity supply. The laboratory demonstration prototype, to be built as part of this project, could be scaled-up to demonstrate industrial applications such as the mitigation of blockages in water intakes of power plants and oil spill containment in estuaries. Anticipated outcomes are reduced operational risks in the electricity supply sector, and improved energy security.Read moreRead less
Low cost photovoltaic modules through reduced silicon consumption. Aims: The project aims to develop new methods and processes for the production of solar cells and photovoltaic modules. The modules will be made from very thin, narrow silicon solar cells. Because the modules use much less silicon than conventional modules, they are expected to be substantially cheaper.
Expected outcomes: It is expected that the project will lead to implementation of the proposed technology in a pilot plant and ....Low cost photovoltaic modules through reduced silicon consumption. Aims: The project aims to develop new methods and processes for the production of solar cells and photovoltaic modules. The modules will be made from very thin, narrow silicon solar cells. Because the modules use much less silicon than conventional modules, they are expected to be substantially cheaper.
Expected outcomes: It is expected that the project will lead to implementation of the proposed technology in a pilot plant and commercialisation thereafter.
Significance: Successful commercialisation will result in a significant reduction in the cost of photovoltaic modules as well as substantial economic benefits to the commercial partner and Australia.Read moreRead less
Efficient photovoltaic concentrator receivers utilising commercial non-concentrator solar cells. The development of low-cost photovoltaic concentrator systems will allow the large scale depoyment of these systems, both in Australia and overseas. The current size of this market is several hundred MW of electricity per year, and growing rapidly. This will have both environmental benefits (though reduced greenhouse gas emissions)as well as economic and social benefits - through the creation of empo ....Efficient photovoltaic concentrator receivers utilising commercial non-concentrator solar cells. The development of low-cost photovoltaic concentrator systems will allow the large scale depoyment of these systems, both in Australia and overseas. The current size of this market is several hundred MW of electricity per year, and growing rapidly. This will have both environmental benefits (though reduced greenhouse gas emissions)as well as economic and social benefits - through the creation of empoyment opportunities in PV manufacturing and the generation of export earnings. It could be of particular benefit to remote communities requiring reliable, low cost off-grid power generation.Read moreRead less