Solid state regulation of a distribution transformer to rapidly control voltages of low voltage distribution feeders. High penetration of domestic photovoltaic generation creates substantial voltage fluctuations along the electrical supply system. This project will explore how to use solid state electronics to create distribution transformers with advanced capability that can regulate these voltage fluctuations better than present technologies.
Customer Responsive Risk-Managed Network Planning. The aim of this project is to reduce the cost of network delivery of electricity though a reduced network build. The cost of the network is balanced against the cost of reliability of supply. The key developments are optimisation of investment considering batteries etcetera, combined with customer load response and explicit inclusion of the uncertainties of load growth and in the response level of the customer loads. The project combines skills ....Customer Responsive Risk-Managed Network Planning. The aim of this project is to reduce the cost of network delivery of electricity though a reduced network build. The cost of the network is balanced against the cost of reliability of supply. The key developments are optimisation of investment considering batteries etcetera, combined with customer load response and explicit inclusion of the uncertainties of load growth and in the response level of the customer loads. The project combines skills of power engineering optimisation, software systems and social science. Most of the demand response programs globally have focused on a pure economic incentive for variation of customer load. This project aims to make use of recent findings on the benefits of combining community engagement with the incentives.Read moreRead less
Optimising experimental design for robust product development: a case study for high-efficiency energy generation. This project tackles key mathematical challenges to provide a powerful new methodology and tool for optimal product design, making smarter use of limited information, minimising costly trials, shortening the product cycle, and boosting the competitiveness of both the Australian manufacturing and alternative energy production industries.
The impact of the mass-adoption of electric cars on the Australian electricity grid. This project represents the first technical study in Australia into the impact on the electric utility system of the mass adoption of electric vehicles. At present, road transport accounts for 12 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Australia. The mass adoption of electric vehicles could reduce GHG in transport by up to 24 per cent when charged from the current grid or by 100 per cent if using renewable ....The impact of the mass-adoption of electric cars on the Australian electricity grid. This project represents the first technical study in Australia into the impact on the electric utility system of the mass adoption of electric vehicles. At present, road transport accounts for 12 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Australia. The mass adoption of electric vehicles could reduce GHG in transport by up to 24 per cent when charged from the current grid or by 100 per cent if using renewable power. As well as receiving environmental advantages, Australia will benefit from this project through: (1) advancements in the management of the electricity distribution system by the development of a smart grid; (2) the development of principles for the placement of charging stations suitable for unique local conditions, such as Australia's long distances.Read moreRead less
Electricity demand side management: models, optimisation and customer engagement. This project will develop methods for management of electricity demand, meeting both customer expectations and electricity network needs. Implementation of these demand-side management methodologies will significantly reduce the need for expenditure on electricity network upgrades and improve the value proposition for distributed renewable energy.
Wearable device design with continuous cuff-less blood pressure measurement. This project aims to develop a non-invasive, body-worn device able to monitor blood pressure (BP) continuously in real time. The project proposes new sensing techniques for blood pressure measurement based on capturing pulse transit time in the central arteries using a combination of electrical bio-impedance, electrocardiogram (ECG), and continuous wave radar. Coupled with other vital parameters including heart rate, he ....Wearable device design with continuous cuff-less blood pressure measurement. This project aims to develop a non-invasive, body-worn device able to monitor blood pressure (BP) continuously in real time. The project proposes new sensing techniques for blood pressure measurement based on capturing pulse transit time in the central arteries using a combination of electrical bio-impedance, electrocardiogram (ECG), and continuous wave radar. Coupled with other vital parameters including heart rate, heart rhythm, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, it is expected that the device will enable remote monitoring with wireless connectivity and with many advantages over the traditional wired monitoring methods currently used in healthcare environments and it will assist with more effective prevention, home care and treatment.Read moreRead less
Bright x-ray beams from laser-driven microplasmas. This project aims to develop a new generation of bright, laser-like x-ray sources for laboratory use. X-ray sources underpin key diagnostic techniques in materials science, advancing applications from structural engineering through to ore processing and energy storage. However, the limited brightness of present-day laboratory x-ray sources restricts the utility and range of these diagnostic techniques. This research intends to use intense lasers ....Bright x-ray beams from laser-driven microplasmas. This project aims to develop a new generation of bright, laser-like x-ray sources for laboratory use. X-ray sources underpin key diagnostic techniques in materials science, advancing applications from structural engineering through to ore processing and energy storage. However, the limited brightness of present-day laboratory x-ray sources restricts the utility and range of these diagnostic techniques. This research intends to use intense lasers to create microscopic plasmas and drive high harmonic generation. The high harmonic generation process is already used to create laser-like ultraviolet light. By optimising the characteristics of the plasma medium, the project aims to extend bright high harmonic generation to the x-ray regime.Read moreRead less
An investigation of the impacts of increased power supply to the national grid by wind generators on the Australian electricity industry. The aim of this project is to discover the most economical and effective way to accommodate large increases in wind power into the national grid and to understand the effects on the national electricity market. This is crucial to ensure stability of electricity supply and affordable prices in the transition towards a low carbon economy.