A Memory Powered Engine. Classical heat engines, such as petrol motors, convert thermal energy from hot gases into useful work, but with limited efficiency as much of the thermal energy is lost as waste heat. The project aims to combine experimental techniques in quantum information processing with recent theoretical developments in quantum thermodynamics to demonstrate a proof-of-concept heat engine that converts thermal energy into work with 100% efficiency. A heat engine of this kind would pr ....A Memory Powered Engine. Classical heat engines, such as petrol motors, convert thermal energy from hot gases into useful work, but with limited efficiency as much of the thermal energy is lost as waste heat. The project aims to combine experimental techniques in quantum information processing with recent theoretical developments in quantum thermodynamics to demonstrate a proof-of-concept heat engine that converts thermal energy into work with 100% efficiency. A heat engine of this kind would provide significant benefits to Australia with its potential to revolutionise how we store and use energy. The project will enable Griffith University to continue its pioneering role in developing this technology and to maintain long-term international collaborations.Read moreRead less
New topologies optimised for co-located grid connected photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems. When a grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system and battery storage are co-located, many advantages can be gained by sharing and optimising the grid connection power electronics (DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters). The specific aims of this project are to identify existing, and then develop and compare new, system topologies and configurations, for grid connecting co-located PV and (battery) s ....New topologies optimised for co-located grid connected photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems. When a grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system and battery storage are co-located, many advantages can be gained by sharing and optimising the grid connection power electronics (DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters). The specific aims of this project are to identify existing, and then develop and compare new, system topologies and configurations, for grid connecting co-located PV and (battery) storage in the low voltage AC distribution network. Different optimal solutions including new solutions are expected for single and three phase systems, for varying power levels from one kilowatt to one megawatt, and for varying load shapes (for example, residential vs commercial).Read moreRead less
New topologies optimised for co-located grid connected photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems. When a grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system and battery storage are co-located, many advantages can be gained by sharing and optimising the grid connection power electronics (DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters). The specific aims of this project are to identify existing, and then develop and compare new, system topologies and configurations, for grid connecting co-located PV and (battery) s ....New topologies optimised for co-located grid connected photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems. When a grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system and battery storage are co-located, many advantages can be gained by sharing and optimising the grid connection power electronics (DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters). The specific aims of this project are to identify existing, and then develop and compare new, system topologies and configurations, for grid connecting co-located PV and (battery) storage in the low voltage AC distribution network. Different optimal solutions including new solutions are expected for single and three phase systems, for varying power levels from one kilowatt to one megawatt, and for varying load shapes (for example, residential vs commercial).Read moreRead less
Functional carbon composites to power a sustainable future. This project aims to address the limitation of current energy storage technologies though the development of functional carbon-based materials for the next generation of energy storage systems with high capacity, high energy/power density, excellent retention and low cost. The progress of energy storage technology plays a critical role in the development of portable devices in daily life. This project will synthesise a series of carbon- ....Functional carbon composites to power a sustainable future. This project aims to address the limitation of current energy storage technologies though the development of functional carbon-based materials for the next generation of energy storage systems with high capacity, high energy/power density, excellent retention and low cost. The progress of energy storage technology plays a critical role in the development of portable devices in daily life. This project will synthesise a series of carbon-based composites via an electrospinning method, and their properties will be assessed and characterised as electrode materials for high performance energy storage devices.Read moreRead less
Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries for large-scale energy storage. This project aims to develop room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries for renewable energy storage. Sodium-sulfur batteries are ideal for large-scale energy storage, owing to high energy density and low cost. However, there are significant challenges in attaining practical sodium-sulfur batteries with high capacity and safety. By developing novel high capacity sulphur cathodes, dendrite-free sodium metal anodes and quasi-so ....Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries for large-scale energy storage. This project aims to develop room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries for renewable energy storage. Sodium-sulfur batteries are ideal for large-scale energy storage, owing to high energy density and low cost. However, there are significant challenges in attaining practical sodium-sulfur batteries with high capacity and safety. By developing novel high capacity sulphur cathodes, dendrite-free sodium metal anodes and quasi-solid-state gel polymer electrolytes, this project expects to achieve high-performance sodium-sulfur batteries with high capacity, long cycle life and enhanced safety. Expected benefits will arise from deployment of sodium-sulfur batteries and advances in energy storage technologies that are efficient and cost-effective.Read moreRead less
High performance cathode materials for rechargeable lithium ion batteries. This project aims to address the limitation of current battery technology though the development of innovative high energy/power cathode materials for next generation rechargeable lithium ion batteries with high capacity, high power density and outstanding retention. This improvement will dramatically reduce the costs necessary for the market competitiveness of electric vehicles (EVs). By promoting greater EV uptake, this ....High performance cathode materials for rechargeable lithium ion batteries. This project aims to address the limitation of current battery technology though the development of innovative high energy/power cathode materials for next generation rechargeable lithium ion batteries with high capacity, high power density and outstanding retention. This improvement will dramatically reduce the costs necessary for the market competitiveness of electric vehicles (EVs). By promoting greater EV uptake, this project will contribute to Australia’s emissions targets by helping to decarbonise the transport sector.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220101093
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,000.00
Summary
Non-flammable quasi-solid electrolytes for lithium batteries. This project aims to develop non-flammable and sustainable quasi-solid electrolytes for lithium batteries with high energy density, excellent safety and long cycling life. The deployment of high-energy lithium batteries has been greatly impeded by the poor electrode|electrolyte compatibility, and safety concerns originating from flammable liquid electrolytes. This research will tackle these challenges by in-situ fabricating non-flamma ....Non-flammable quasi-solid electrolytes for lithium batteries. This project aims to develop non-flammable and sustainable quasi-solid electrolytes for lithium batteries with high energy density, excellent safety and long cycling life. The deployment of high-energy lithium batteries has been greatly impeded by the poor electrode|electrolyte compatibility, and safety concerns originating from flammable liquid electrolytes. This research will tackle these challenges by in-situ fabricating non-flammable quasi-solid electrolytes, and stabilising the electrode|electrolyte interfaces. The project is expected to facilitate the commercialisation of high-performance quasi-solid lithium batteries, and leap forward the progress of clean energy storage technologies that are efficient, durable, safe and reliable.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100445
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,000.00
Summary
Engineering triple-phase boundary for superior aqueous metal-air batteries. This project aims to advance development of high-performance rechargeable aqueous zinc-air (Zn-air) batteries by engineering the triple-phase boundary to increase battery efficiency and power density for practical applications. There is an urgent need to develop sustainable and efficient energy storage and conversion systems to underpin technological development with increasing demand for superior battery technologies fo ....Engineering triple-phase boundary for superior aqueous metal-air batteries. This project aims to advance development of high-performance rechargeable aqueous zinc-air (Zn-air) batteries by engineering the triple-phase boundary to increase battery efficiency and power density for practical applications. There is an urgent need to develop sustainable and efficient energy storage and conversion systems to underpin technological development with increasing demand for superior battery technologies for portable electronics, renewable power sources and electrified vehicles. This project expects to accelerate the commercialisation of rechargeable aqueous Zn-air batteries and progress global commitments to new clean energy sources and storage technologies that are efficient, cost-effective and reliable.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: De190100445
Funder
Australian Research Council
Summary
Engineering triple-phase boundary for superior aqueous metal-air batteries. This project aims to advance development of high-performance rechargeable aqueous zinc-air (Zn-air) batteries by engineering the triple-phase boundary to increase battery efficiency and power density for practical applications. There is an urgent need to develop sustainable and efficient energy storage and conversion systems to underpin technological development with increasing demand for superior battery technologies fo ....Engineering triple-phase boundary for superior aqueous metal-air batteries. This project aims to advance development of high-performance rechargeable aqueous zinc-air (Zn-air) batteries by engineering the triple-phase boundary to increase battery efficiency and power density for practical applications. There is an urgent need to develop sustainable and efficient energy storage and conversion systems to underpin technological development with increasing demand for superior battery technologies for portable electronics, renewable power sources and electrified vehicles. This project expects to accelerate the commercialisation of rechargeable aqueous Zn-air batteries and progress global commitments to new clean energy sources and storage technologies that are efficient, cost-effective and reliable.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170101426
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Electrode materials for sodium storage. This project aims to develop phosphide-based electrode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with high reversible capacity, superior rate capability and long cycle life. SIBs have great advantages in terms of low cost and infinite sodium resources, but the large size of the sodium-ion creates kinetic problems and a significant volume change for electrode materials. This project aims to design and synthesise phosphide-carbon hybrids wit ....Electrode materials for sodium storage. This project aims to develop phosphide-based electrode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with high reversible capacity, superior rate capability and long cycle life. SIBs have great advantages in terms of low cost and infinite sodium resources, but the large size of the sodium-ion creates kinetic problems and a significant volume change for electrode materials. This project aims to design and synthesise phosphide-carbon hybrids with multi-scale, multi-dimension and hierarchical architectures as electrodes to overcome these problems. Expected outcomes include understanding the sodium-storage mechanisms, the size effect, and the architecture role for phosphide-based electrodes.Read moreRead less