Advanced Modular Reconfigurable Energy Storage and Conversion Systems. The project aims to develop advanced, modular, reconfigurable energy conversion systems utilising lithium-titanate batteries. Battery energy storage is critical to energy security and integration of increased renewable generation with the electricity grid. However, its high cost prohibits its wide commercial acceptance. The proposed system avoids a large number of series connections of batteries and raises the voltage by usin ....Advanced Modular Reconfigurable Energy Storage and Conversion Systems. The project aims to develop advanced, modular, reconfigurable energy conversion systems utilising lithium-titanate batteries. Battery energy storage is critical to energy security and integration of increased renewable generation with the electricity grid. However, its high cost prohibits its wide commercial acceptance. The proposed system avoids a large number of series connections of batteries and raises the voltage by using series connection of high-frequency isolated converters for transformerless interconnection of such battery energy storage systems with the grid. The project outcomes include new grid support technologies.Read moreRead less
Increased power transfer capacity through Static Var Compensator (SVC) control. Smart grids in power transmission will enable better use of existing infrastructure reducing the required investment for moving power between states. The project proposes the use of advanced measurement and control algorithms to make a step change in the operation of the national network with focus on the Queensland-New South Wales link.
Design, build and test a fault current limiter employing magnesium diboride (MgB2) superconducting coils. Recent occurrences of blackouts around the world caused immeasurable damage to electrical network hardware in the range of $10M, however, the losses from an unavailable network are much more. The CIs and Zenergy Power Pty Ltd (formerly Australian Superconductors) have been developing saturated core fault current limiters (FCL) since 1999. The first saturated core fault current limiter employ ....Design, build and test a fault current limiter employing magnesium diboride (MgB2) superconducting coils. Recent occurrences of blackouts around the world caused immeasurable damage to electrical network hardware in the range of $10M, however, the losses from an unavailable network are much more. The CIs and Zenergy Power Pty Ltd (formerly Australian Superconductors) have been developing saturated core fault current limiters (FCL) since 1999. The first saturated core fault current limiter employing the Australian's entity's technology was installed in California. The aim of this proposal is to extend this technology to demonstrate next generation FCL using a newly developed superconductor magnesium diboride (MgB2) wire which is cheaper and easier to manufacture than high temperature superconductors and the CIs' group hold strong IP on nano-scale chemically doped MgB2 wires.Read moreRead less
Electrical insulation diagnostics for high voltage power cable systems based on voltage excitation at very low frequency. High voltage power cable systems rely on their insulation to withstand very severe electric stress without breakdown. Field testing of cables at normal frequency is not feasible, but with very low frequency excitation from mobile sources such testing is possible. The overarching aim of this project is to develop methods for interpretation of results from such measurements. It ....Electrical insulation diagnostics for high voltage power cable systems based on voltage excitation at very low frequency. High voltage power cable systems rely on their insulation to withstand very severe electric stress without breakdown. Field testing of cables at normal frequency is not feasible, but with very low frequency excitation from mobile sources such testing is possible. The overarching aim of this project is to develop methods for interpretation of results from such measurements. It is intended that this will enable formulation of appropriate test procedures and better assessment of insulation conditions in service-aged cables. Also of considerable significance to fundamental research will be the project’s goal of a better physical understanding of insulation material behaviour when subject to very low frequency electric stress.Read moreRead less
Improving grid performance: detection of arc faults and determination of energy losses in electricity distribution networks. This project will develop a monitoring system to address the critical need to ensure safe operations of overhead power lines, particularly in rural areas, and prevent bushfires caused by electrical faults. The research also enables monitoring of power losses in electricity distribution networks and improving the energy efficiency of the supply system.
Distributed energy storage management system. The aim of this project is to develop a real-time tracking and state-of-charge monitoring and prediction system for electric vehicles, which will become an increasingly common form of transport. The information provided will be critical to maintaining the reliability and stability of electricity supply in future "smart-grids".
Sustainable operation of transformers with better understanding of technical and economic constraints. Transformer failure can be devastating to consumers and network service providers, costing from thousands to millions of dollars in transformer replacement and lost productivity. To avoid such catastrophic failures, the goal of this project will be to develop new methods that can maximise transformer usage and minimise cost before failure occurs.
Smart house energy management system. This multidisciplinary project will empower Australia's power industry with tools and knowledge that will enable the transformation to be more intelligent and flexible. It will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency by smarter use of the resources at household level.
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.
Development of smart power transformers with intelligent monitoring, diagnostic and life management systems. Failure of a large transformer can cause a blackout to thousands of customers and this project aims to develop a smart diagnostics system for transformers. The developed system will provide a comprehensive tool for providing accurate decisions on operation and maintenance of transformers to safeguard the critical energy infrastructure of Australia.