Microwave-generated plasma combustion for in-cylinder soot reduction. Microwave-generated plasma combustion for in-cylinder soot reduction. This project aims to develop a microwave-generated plasma combustion system for the in-cylinder formation of hydroxyl radicals, achieving cost-effective reduction of engine-out emissions in diesel engines. This new system should overcome high-load particulate emissions and high-cost fuel injection systems, which limit further improvement of diesel engines. T ....Microwave-generated plasma combustion for in-cylinder soot reduction. Microwave-generated plasma combustion for in-cylinder soot reduction. This project aims to develop a microwave-generated plasma combustion system for the in-cylinder formation of hydroxyl radicals, achieving cost-effective reduction of engine-out emissions in diesel engines. This new system should overcome high-load particulate emissions and high-cost fuel injection systems, which limit further improvement of diesel engines. This project expects to accomplish this by combining laser diagnostics in optical combustion facilities and computational modelling, which should lead to the scientific knowledge accelerating the development cycle of the new system.Read moreRead less
Turbulent wall-bounded flow in adverse pressure gradient environments. This research will create additional research capacity in turbulence control and drag reduction. It will have direct benefits to the Australian economy via the transport industry by reducing the adverse impact of the carbon tax and rising fuel prices on long-haul air, water and road transport, on which Australia is disproportionately reliant.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100397
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,000.00
Summary
Advanced waste heat recovery systems. Vehicle emissions have recently driven the research, development, and commercialisation of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems. The development of novel EGR gas coolers for such systems will probably lead to the breakthrough necessary for advancing EGR technologies, benefiting Australian clean energy supplies in general and transport vehicles in particular. The project aims to produce lighter and cleaner EGR systems at lower costs. This project also aims ....Advanced waste heat recovery systems. Vehicle emissions have recently driven the research, development, and commercialisation of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems. The development of novel EGR gas coolers for such systems will probably lead to the breakthrough necessary for advancing EGR technologies, benefiting Australian clean energy supplies in general and transport vehicles in particular. The project aims to produce lighter and cleaner EGR systems at lower costs. This project also aims to enhance the international reputation and impact of Australian research in the internationally focused fields of microporous materials and clean transport technology.Read moreRead less
Developing novel big-data based models for designing greener turbines. Developing novel big-data based models for designing greener turbines. This project aims to improve the fuel efficiency of gas turbines, the backbone of power generation and aircraft propulsion, for efficient and affordable power generation and air travel. Australia is large, remote and has some of the world’s highest carbon dioxide emissions per capita. Improving fuel efficiency will reduce cost and emissions, but current de ....Developing novel big-data based models for designing greener turbines. Developing novel big-data based models for designing greener turbines. This project aims to improve the fuel efficiency of gas turbines, the backbone of power generation and aircraft propulsion, for efficient and affordable power generation and air travel. Australia is large, remote and has some of the world’s highest carbon dioxide emissions per capita. Improving fuel efficiency will reduce cost and emissions, but current design tools lack the accuracy to advance technology. This project will investigate fluid flow in gas turbines and use big-data analytics to develop more accurate design tools. Gas turbines with reduced fuel usage and carbon dioxide emissions are expected to reduce the cost and environmental impact of power generation and air travel in Australia.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200101622
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,498.00
Summary
Synthesis of High-quality 2D Perovskites for Efficient Light Harvestings. This project aims to develop a library of novel and two-dimensional Ruddlesden−Popper phases layered perovskites with controlled architecture and tunable bandgaps for high-performance energy harvesting applications. The as-synthesized perovskites are highly crystalline and sandwiched with staggered organic and inorganic layers, which are compatible with layer-by-layer manner to build vertical heterostructure, satisfying t ....Synthesis of High-quality 2D Perovskites for Efficient Light Harvestings. This project aims to develop a library of novel and two-dimensional Ruddlesden−Popper phases layered perovskites with controlled architecture and tunable bandgaps for high-performance energy harvesting applications. The as-synthesized perovskites are highly crystalline and sandwiched with staggered organic and inorganic layers, which are compatible with layer-by-layer manner to build vertical heterostructure, satisfying the premise of a solar cell with both high power conversion efficiency and low-cost. Apart from springing out a series of high impact publications and patents, a few of these demonstrations have a great potential to be substituted for fossil fuels which will help address clean energy generation and environmental problems. Read moreRead less
Flame-wall interactions in diesel engine environments. This project aims to advance the fundamental understanding of flame-wall interactions in diesel engines, which is currently very limited despite the wall's significant impact on combustion and pollutants. The aim is to perform the most comprehensive set of measurements to date in a high-pressure chamber and optically accessible engine, including planar imaging of key species and soot, and space-/time-resolved measurements of wall temperature ....Flame-wall interactions in diesel engine environments. This project aims to advance the fundamental understanding of flame-wall interactions in diesel engines, which is currently very limited despite the wall's significant impact on combustion and pollutants. The aim is to perform the most comprehensive set of measurements to date in a high-pressure chamber and optically accessible engine, including planar imaging of key species and soot, and space-/time-resolved measurements of wall temperature. These are intended to be complemented by the first transported probability density function modelling of a diesel spray flame that includes soot, radiation and wall heat transfer. The expected outcomes will greatly advance understanding of flame-wall interactions, thus contributing to the development of cleaner and more efficient engines.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100968
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Lifting the Veil on Turbulent Convective Heat Transfer over Rough Surfaces. By understanding the influence of surface roughness on convective heat transfer, this project intends to reduce the unwanted heating and energy losses associated with surface roughness in gas and steam turbines used in power generation and transportation. The surface roughness that results from extended operation of gas and steam turbines can significantly increase the heating of their surfaces, increasing fuel consumpti ....Lifting the Veil on Turbulent Convective Heat Transfer over Rough Surfaces. By understanding the influence of surface roughness on convective heat transfer, this project intends to reduce the unwanted heating and energy losses associated with surface roughness in gas and steam turbines used in power generation and transportation. The surface roughness that results from extended operation of gas and steam turbines can significantly increase the heating of their surfaces, increasing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing operational life. Improvements would allow turbines to operate at higher inlet temperatures which will increase their efficiency and reduce fuel use, environmental emissions and maintenance costs.Read moreRead less
Understanding combustion in gasoline compression ignition conditions. This project aims to provide the first fundamental-level understanding of the processes of ignition, combustion, and pollutant formation relevant to a new, highly efficient combustion mode known as gasoline compression ignition (GCI). This project aims to provide information using a unique combination of direct numerical simulations, advanced transported probability density function modelling and a suite of laser measurements ....Understanding combustion in gasoline compression ignition conditions. This project aims to provide the first fundamental-level understanding of the processes of ignition, combustion, and pollutant formation relevant to a new, highly efficient combustion mode known as gasoline compression ignition (GCI). This project aims to provide information using a unique combination of direct numerical simulations, advanced transported probability density function modelling and a suite of laser measurements in a high-pressure combustion chamber. GCI engines have significant potential to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions harmful to health and the environment. The outcomes from this project will lead to accelerated development of the GCI engine, and more optimal GCI solutions to be found.Read moreRead less
Carbon-free Energy Storage and Conversion Using Ammonia as a Mediator. This project aims to develop essential technologies for ammonia-mediated energy storage, hydrogen production, and electricity generation. This project expects to generate new understandings on designing novel multi-atom-cluster catalysts for the critical ammonia synthesis, electrolysis, and oxidation processes using interdisciplinary approaches. The expected outcomes of this project include multi-functional electrocatalysts, ....Carbon-free Energy Storage and Conversion Using Ammonia as a Mediator. This project aims to develop essential technologies for ammonia-mediated energy storage, hydrogen production, and electricity generation. This project expects to generate new understandings on designing novel multi-atom-cluster catalysts for the critical ammonia synthesis, electrolysis, and oxidation processes using interdisciplinary approaches. The expected outcomes of this project include multi-functional electrocatalysts, fundamental insights of principles for electrocatalyst design, and prototype technologies. This should provide significant benefits for the harvest of clean energy, the safe utilization of hydrogen, and the development of carbon-free fuels, which are essential for optimizing the energy structure of Australia.Read moreRead less