Low Loss Distributed Wind Generators with Reduced Electromagnetic Interference and Shaft Voltage Based on Multilevel Converters. Distributed wind generators with minimum electromagnetic interference and bearing spikes are very important for the Australian energy industry because they are an environmentally friendly energy source. Predicting and reducing electromagnetic interferences and mechanical failures in wind farm systems is an important issue especially for the next generation of wind sys ....Low Loss Distributed Wind Generators with Reduced Electromagnetic Interference and Shaft Voltage Based on Multilevel Converters. Distributed wind generators with minimum electromagnetic interference and bearing spikes are very important for the Australian energy industry because they are an environmentally friendly energy source. Predicting and reducing electromagnetic interferences and mechanical failures in wind farm systems is an important issue especially for the next generation of wind systems when fast and advanced power electronic switches can create more EMI noise for both onshore and offshore wind farms. Medium-Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) systems have good performance and low losses, and are of particular interest to states which are close to wind power sources.Read moreRead less
Improved design and operational efficiency of small wind turbines in unsteady flows. The purpose of this research is to improve the design and performance of small wind turbines for energy generation. The expected outcomes are novel control strategies and mechanical designs that account for unsteady aerodynamics and its effects on structural loads and power quality. Recommendations to improve current design standards will be made.
Meeting 2020 Targets: Effective Transitions for Renewable Energy & Beyond. This research offers significant benefits in developing new transition approaches to address key socio-political challenges of climate change adaptation. It will provide fundamental knowledge on how Australian governments, businesses and civil society groups can improve windfarm planning procedures that meaningfully engage affected communities across Australia. It addresses 2 national research priorities in developing app ....Meeting 2020 Targets: Effective Transitions for Renewable Energy & Beyond. This research offers significant benefits in developing new transition approaches to address key socio-political challenges of climate change adaptation. It will provide fundamental knowledge on how Australian governments, businesses and civil society groups can improve windfarm planning procedures that meaningfully engage affected communities across Australia. It addresses 2 national research priorities in developing appropriate and adaptive responses for better utilising renewable energy, and supportive structures and processes for a culture of innovation. The project will also contribute useful resources for researchers/practitioners seeking community input from geographically dispersed populations, and a new e-democracy technique. Read moreRead less
An innovative wind power system primarily for urban environments. The project aims to develop a novel rotor vane array wind power system that can be used as a roof fence or balcony on existing or new buildings. Traditional wind turbines cannot fully realise the potential of excellent wind speed in tall buildings because of space efficiency, visual impact, and danger or noise issues. The system to be developed in the project incorporates advanced active flow control that addresses these issues. T ....An innovative wind power system primarily for urban environments. The project aims to develop a novel rotor vane array wind power system that can be used as a roof fence or balcony on existing or new buildings. Traditional wind turbines cannot fully realise the potential of excellent wind speed in tall buildings because of space efficiency, visual impact, and danger or noise issues. The system to be developed in the project incorporates advanced active flow control that addresses these issues. The project plans to conduct a structured program of numerical and experimental studies, the intended outcomes of which will contribute to energy security, progress towards zero emissions and sustainable living, and lead to innovative architecture of the future.Read moreRead less
A new role for vibration analysis in gear wear modelling and prediction. This project aims to improve prediction of the remaining useful life of gears. Gears are widely used in industry and transport. This project aims to integrate the two main methods of gear condition monitoring, vibration and oil analysis, and perform model-based wear prediction with the tribology and dynamic models continually updated on the basis of measured wear debris and vibration. New signal processing tools should allo ....A new role for vibration analysis in gear wear modelling and prediction. This project aims to improve prediction of the remaining useful life of gears. Gears are widely used in industry and transport. This project aims to integrate the two main methods of gear condition monitoring, vibration and oil analysis, and perform model-based wear prediction with the tribology and dynamic models continually updated on the basis of measured wear debris and vibration. New signal processing tools should allow estimation of relatively weak friction forces, previously neglected, as an important prognostic tool. This would allow detailed root cause analysis and prediction of remaining useful life. Improvements in gear prognosis would have safety and economic benefits by eliminating unforeseen catastrophic failures and optimising maintenance schedules.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.
Degradation conscious grid-scale battery energy management scheme. The project aims to develop an improved battery management system to smooth the intermittent contribution of renewable energy sources to the grid. As the level of penetration of renewable energy sources into electrical grids increases, energy storage will play an increasingly important role in solving some of the technical challenges caused by the intermittent nature of the renewable sources. The existing design methods for gri ....Degradation conscious grid-scale battery energy management scheme. The project aims to develop an improved battery management system to smooth the intermittent contribution of renewable energy sources to the grid. As the level of penetration of renewable energy sources into electrical grids increases, energy storage will play an increasingly important role in solving some of the technical challenges caused by the intermittent nature of the renewable sources. The existing design methods for grid-scale battery management systems do not take into consideration the degradation of the battery banks. Thus, this project aims to fill this gap by developing an electrochemical-based, degradation-conscious, battery management system. The proposed system aims to increase the life span and capacity use of the batteries.Read moreRead less