Innovative high-efficiency hybrid technology for commercial solar cells. The purpose of this project is to develop improved photovoltaic devices of significantly higher efficiency and lower cost than conventional screen-printed solar cells. This in turn will contribute to greatly reduced electricity costs from non fossil-fuel based sources.
Industrial High Efficiency Solar Cells. Photovoltaics is a promising candidate for sustainable energy generation, with Australia well-placed to capture the economic and environmental benefits from maintaining its strong position with this technology. Suntech, a world-leader in silicon solar cell production with US$2 billion annual revenue, will provide a “high profile” showplace for the developed patterning technology. This will enhance commercial opportunities arising from the project and confi ....Industrial High Efficiency Solar Cells. Photovoltaics is a promising candidate for sustainable energy generation, with Australia well-placed to capture the economic and environmental benefits from maintaining its strong position with this technology. Suntech, a world-leader in silicon solar cell production with US$2 billion annual revenue, will provide a “high profile” showplace for the developed patterning technology. This will enhance commercial opportunities arising from the project and confirm Australia’s reputation as a world leader in innovative photovoltaic research. This reputation attracts high-calibre professionals to Australia, stimulates local research and will provide opportunities for local manufacturing to exploit the technology developed as part of this project.Read moreRead less
Commercial Solar Cells with Improved Metallisation and Interconnection. The project aims to further develop a photovoltaic device concept with reduced metallisation and improved interconnection techniques. The expected outcome of the project is to remove over 90 per cent of cell metallisation compared to industry standards, and achieve a cell efficiency up to 23 per cent, which together can reduce the cost of ownership by 20 per cent. In addition, the concept eliminates the use of toxic lead and ....Commercial Solar Cells with Improved Metallisation and Interconnection. The project aims to further develop a photovoltaic device concept with reduced metallisation and improved interconnection techniques. The expected outcome of the project is to remove over 90 per cent of cell metallisation compared to industry standards, and achieve a cell efficiency up to 23 per cent, which together can reduce the cost of ownership by 20 per cent. In addition, the concept eliminates the use of toxic lead and cadmium and expensive silver. This project aims to transform an Australian patented technology into mass-production, providing overseas licence income to Australia.Read moreRead less
Integration of Solar, Wind and Storage Systems into Distribution Grids for Network Support. This project will contribute to the development and utilisation of renewable energy technologies for a sustainable future and facilitate their integration into electricity grids for network support. Innovative methodologies and technologies will be developed to reduce network problems associated with the integration of a large number of small-scale renewable energy resources into distribution grids. This ....Integration of Solar, Wind and Storage Systems into Distribution Grids for Network Support. This project will contribute to the development and utilisation of renewable energy technologies for a sustainable future and facilitate their integration into electricity grids for network support. Innovative methodologies and technologies will be developed to reduce network problems associated with the integration of a large number of small-scale renewable energy resources into distribution grids. This project will also develop assessment tools to examine the impact of renewable energy penetration on power quality aspects, network stability and protection performance. This research will provide remedies for potential problems introduced by their integration and improve voltage support in the electricity networks. Read moreRead less
Multipoint voltage sensor for high power distribution lines. This project will develop a new electric field sensor array for electricity transmission systems. The project proposes novel sensor designs based on hybrid technology; fibre optics and liquid crystals. Investment in student and researcher training will provide the industry, still in its early growth phase, with future human resources and strengthen research and development programs. The outcomes of this project will benefit our Austr ....Multipoint voltage sensor for high power distribution lines. This project will develop a new electric field sensor array for electricity transmission systems. The project proposes novel sensor designs based on hybrid technology; fibre optics and liquid crystals. Investment in student and researcher training will provide the industry, still in its early growth phase, with future human resources and strengthen research and development programs. The outcomes of this project will benefit our Australian-based Partner Organisation, Smart Digital Optics PTY LTD and will also increase Australian research expertise in the field of photonics materials.Read moreRead less
Copper-zinc-tin-sulphide thin film solar cells: earth-abundant, non-toxic alternative for terawatt photovoltaics. To allow large scale implementation of photovoltaics at multi-terawatt level for a low carbon emission future, technologies are required which are high in efficiency, cheap to produce, use abundant and benign materials. This project is devoted to developing such thin film solar cells by low-cost methods, which are scalable to mass production.
Kesterite solar cell coated architectural stainless steel. This project aims to develop cost-effective, high-performance kesterite architectural stainless steel coated with solar cells for application in roofing, skin and facades of smart buildings. The project will integrate expertise in producing kesterite solar cells with expertise in manufacturing new steel to eliminate toxic, scarce materials and high-cost processes employed in conventional solar-driven steel. The initial target of the proj ....Kesterite solar cell coated architectural stainless steel. This project aims to develop cost-effective, high-performance kesterite architectural stainless steel coated with solar cells for application in roofing, skin and facades of smart buildings. The project will integrate expertise in producing kesterite solar cells with expertise in manufacturing new steel to eliminate toxic, scarce materials and high-cost processes employed in conventional solar-driven steel. The initial target of the project would be to increase kesterite cell efficiency to beyond 10 per cent, and ultimately beyond 17 per cent, but still at a low cost.Read moreRead less
Membrane distillation development for concentrated solar thermal systems. Membrane distillation development for concentrated solar thermal systems. This project aims to develop a new membrane distillation module that works with a high efficiency solar thermal tower system. Fresh water and energy are inextricably linked and form the basis for all human activity. Remote locations in Australia and the Middle East and North Africa are blessed with abundant solar resources and increasing levels of de ....Membrane distillation development for concentrated solar thermal systems. Membrane distillation development for concentrated solar thermal systems. This project aims to develop a new membrane distillation module that works with a high efficiency solar thermal tower system. Fresh water and energy are inextricably linked and form the basis for all human activity. Remote locations in Australia and the Middle East and North Africa are blessed with abundant solar resources and increasing levels of development, but burdened by access to reliable water treatment and electricity generation facilities. This project will use recently developed materials and design tools to overcome technical challenges that limited membrane distillation technology. This is expected to open up an innovative method for co-production of water and electricity which can handle transient solar and water quality inputs.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.
Supercharged silicon wafer tandem solar cells using virtual germanium substrates. International studies show that electricity from solar cells is one of the cleanest future energy sources, able to almost completely displace fossil fuels. To fulfil such a key role, costs must greatly reduce. The project targets reduced cost by greatly improved performance by stacking high quality thin cells on top of a conventional silicon cell.