ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7730-6284
Current Organisation
University of New South Wales
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Communications Technologies | Integrated Circuits | Other Electronic Engineering | Antenna Technology | Industrial Engineering | Digital Systems | Electrical Engineering | Environmental Engineering | Electrical and Electronic Engineering | Environmental Technologies | Astronomy And Astrophysics |
Solar-photoelectric | Integrated circuits and devices | Solar-thermal | Wind | Physical sciences
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 23-03-2004
DOI: 10.1063/1.1691489
Abstract: Crystalline silicon single quantum wells (QWs) were fabricated by high-temperature thermal oxidation of ELTRAN® (Epitaxial Layer TRANsfer) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers. The Si layer thicknesses enclosed by thermal SiO2 range from 0.8 to 5 nm. Luminescence energies from such QWs vary from 1.77 to 1.35 eV depending on the Si layer thickness, without evidence for interface-mediated transition seen in earlier work. The ability to detect quantum-confined luminescence seems to arise from the use of ELTRAN SOI wafers, from suppressed interface state luminescence by high-temperature oxidation and, possibly, from interface matching by crystalline silicon oxide.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 2002
Publisher: Indonesian Life Cycle Assessment Network
Date: 07-05-2019
Abstract: The rapid global uptake of solar photovoltaics (PV) promises the hope of affordable low-carbon electricity. Most production of PV modules so far, and for the foreseeable future, has been based on silicon wafer cells and while there are further R& D outcomes still to be fully transferred to the silicon cell industry, the next major technology change is likely to be the addition of a thin-film top cell to form an efficient tandem device. The authors have applied life cycle assessment (LCA) to several of the current and potential mass manufactured solar cell technology choices, including different silicon wafer styles and silicon/thin-film tandems. We have demonstrated that the environmental benefits of some paths for efficiency improvements, particularly of the incorporation of atomic hydrogen into silicon wafers, more than compensate for the additional inputs required. Furthermore, we have shown that the stability of top-cell materials for tandems is paramount, to avoid the premature demise of the underlying silicon bottom cell.The end-of-life has been assumed to be landfill in most preceding LCA studies but there is a growing global need for PV recycling due to the rapid rise in uptake of photovoltaics, which will result in a significant future waste stream. Europe is leading the world in requiring industry stewardship for photovoltaics (and batteries, inverters and other system components) and other jurisdictions, including Australia, are following. However, photovoltaic modules are difficult to dismantle or deconstruct for materials recovery by methods that are both financially and environmentally sustainable. We will use LCA to guide our research on module recycling by chemical, thermal and mechanical methods and their combinations, with an aim to maximize the value of the recovered materials.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2002
Publisher: College Publishing
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.3992/JGB.1.2.63
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: InTech
Date: 11-07-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-08-2018
DOI: 10.3390/APP8081396
Abstract: The cumulative global photovoltaic (PV) waste reached 250,000 metric tonnes by the end of 2016 and is expected to increase considerably in the future. Hence, adequate end-of-life (EoL) management for PV modules must be developed. Today, most of the EoL modules go to landfill, mainly because recycling processes for PV modules are not yet economically feasible and regulation in most countries is not yet well established. Nevertheless, several methods for recycling PV modules are under development. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology that quantifies the environmental impacts of a process or a product. An attributional LCA was undertaken to compare landfill, incineration, reuse and recycling (mechanical, thermal and chemical routes) of EoL crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar modules, based on a combination of real process data and assumptions. The results show that recovery of materials from solar modules results in lower environmental impacts compared to other EoL scenarios, considering our assumptions. The impacts could be even lower with the adoption of more complex processes that can reclaim more materials. Although recycling processes can achieve good recycling rates and recover almost all materials from solar modules, attention must be paid to the use of toxic substances during the chemical routes of recycling and to the distance to recycling centres due to the impacts of transportation.
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 15-01-2007
DOI: 10.1063/1.2430919
Abstract: Crystalline silicon single quantum wells (QWs) with a minimum Si layer thickness of around 1nm were fabricated by high temperature thermal oxidation of separation by implantation of oxygen (SIMOX) and epitaxial layer transfer (ELTRAN®) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers. Not only Si thickness but also defect-free SOI materials may be important factors for observation of quantum-confined transition in the Si QWs. Si QWs fabricated from SIMOX SOI wafers showed strong interface-mediated luminescence, which is independent of Si thickness, at 1.63 and 1.49eV in the Si thickness range from 1to7nm. On the other hand, Si QWs fabricated from ELTRAN SOI wafers showed very strong thickness dependent luminescence in the range of 1.36–1.77eV without interface-mediated luminescence, where the Si thickness range was 3–1nm. The ability to detect quantum-confined luminescence seems to arise from the use of high-quality defect-free ELTRAN SOI wafers, from suppressed interface state luminescence by high temperature oxidation, and, possibly, from interface matching by crystalline silicon oxide. Hydrogen passivation suggests luminescence from a weak SiO state at around 1.59eV, but luminescence due to quantum confinement is more predominant in the ELTRAN Si QWs.
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 1996
DOI: 10.1063/1.360931
Abstract: Recent work has indicated that a significant number of electrons and holes remain in the free-exciton form in silicon at room temperature, a finding which, if supportable by experimental evidence, requires the inclusion of excitons in diode and solar cell theory. Excitons, although neutral, may contribute to device currents by diffusing to the junction region where they may be dissociated by the field. A generalized three-particle theory of transport in semiconductors is presented. The results of application of the theory to silicon devices indicate a decrease in the dark saturation current as well as an increase in light-generated current when excitons are incorporated in the theory so long as exciton diffusion length exceeds that of the minority carriers. The work includes suggestions for experimental methods to confirm exciton involvement and to estimate the value of the exciton-binding parameter from spectral response measurements on solar cells.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 1999
DOI: 10.1109/16.791981
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1671-2.CH003
Abstract: This chapter explores how the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has undertaken silicon solar cell research since the mid-1970s and achieved world recognition in the 1980s. The UNSW solar cell research group has led international commercialisations and, since 2000, pioneered specialised undergraduate education in photovoltaics engineering. The Photovoltaics and Solar Energy undergraduate program is a unique four-year full-time Bachelor of Engineering program covering device theory photovoltaic technology and manufacturing photovoltaic applications and system design policy, analysis, and modelling renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy. The related Renewable Energy Engineering program encompasses a broader range of renewable energy technologies including solar thermal systems, wind turbines, biomass, and also the important areas of solar architecture and energy efficiency. The School also offers four postgraduate coursework and two research programs in the same topics. In-house developed technical tools are used extensively in teaching and research.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2002
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-03-2017
DOI: 10.1002/PIP.2877
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2002
DOI: 10.1002/PIP.433
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2002
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2001
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 09-1996
DOI: 10.1063/1.363168
Abstract: A new, analytical method is presented for calculating the depletion-region recombination current for abrupt-junction diodes under forward bias. The method is appropriate when the recombination current is dominated by recombination through Shockley–Read–Hall centers at a single energy level whose density does not vary strongly with position through the device. The new model is systematically compared with earlier models and with the results of finite-element analyses using PC-1D. If it is reasonably assumed that PC-1D is the most accurate of the methods considered here, the others may be ranked according to their proximity to the PC-1D result. It is shown that the new method, despite its simplicity, yields results closer to PC-1D than the earlier models for many practical situations. In addition, it is shown that one existing model may be brought into agreement with the finite-element analysis by a simple modification of the limits of integration.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2002
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-03-2023
DOI: 10.3390/EN16073174
Abstract: Solar photovoltaics (PV) has emerged as one of the world’s most promising power-generation technologies, and it is essential to assess its applications from the perspective of a material-energy-water (MEW) nexus. We performed a life cycle assessment of the cradle-to-grave MEW for single-crystalline silicon (s-Si) and CdTe PV technologies by assuming both PV systems are recycled at end of life. We found that the MEW network was dominated by energy flows ( %), while only minor impacts of materials and water flows were observed. Also, these MEW flows have pyramid-like distributions between the three tiers (i.e., primary, secondary/sub-secondary, and tertiary levels), with greater flows at the primary and lower flows at the tertiary levels. A more detailed analysis of materials’ circularity showed that glass layers are the most impactful component of recycling due to their considerable weight in both technologies. Our analysis also emphasized the positive impacts that increased power-conversion efficiency and the use of recycled feedstock have on the PV industry’s circularity rates. We found that a 25% increase in power-conversion efficiency and the use of fully recycled materials in PV panel feedstocks resulted in 91% and 86% material circularity for CdTe and s-Si PV systems, respectively.
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 30-09-2003
DOI: 10.1063/1.1610231
Abstract: The radiative recombination coefficient B(T) of intrinsic crystalline silicon is determined as a function of temperature over the temperature range 77–300 K. We observe that B(T) decreases as a function of temperature and we compare our results to previously published contradictory data from the literature. The radiative recombination coefficient is calculated from the absorption coefficient for band-to-band transitions, which we determine at different temperatures from photoluminescence spectra measured on planar high resistivity float zone silicon wafers. Photoluminescence spectra could be detected over a large range of more than five orders of magnitude, which allowed us to determine extremely low values of the absorption coefficient in the spectral range where absorption processes are accompanied by the simultaneous absorption of up to four phonons.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 2002
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-07-2020
DOI: 10.1002/PIP.3316
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1557/PROC-0909-PP02-05
Abstract: The establishment, in 2000 and 2003, of new degree programs in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Engineering and Renewable Energy Engineering at the Centre for Photovoltaic Engineering at the University of New South Wales, Sydney was in response to predictions, now being fulfilled, of dramatic global market and employment growth. They were developed by the well established photovoltaics research group at UNSW that has produced many important advances, including two commercially important solar cell technologies. Materials-related education in these programs are mainly focussed on the photovoltaic aspects, including study of the fundamental optical, electronic, phononic and excitonic properties of silicon, crystal structure, semiconductor properties, doping and contacts. Cell manufacturing is taught in detail, including by the use of an interactive virtual production line . Practical projects, taking advantage of a large and active research group, are one of the most important and effective educational tools in both these programs. The Centre also administers postgraduate coursework and research programs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2006
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 02-09-2004
DOI: 10.1063/1.1784614
Abstract: Thermal oxidation of a silicon-on-insulator substrate produces evidence that an ordered SiO2 structure can exist on thermally oxidized SiO2–Si interfaces. An apparently ordered SiO2 layer was observed by a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) when a thin silicon layer enclosed by SiO2 was less than 3.0nm thick. X-ray diffraction of the ultrathin Si (& nm) s les showed diffractions from an ordered SiO2 phase, first-order Bragg reflection peaks with a lattice spacing of 4.1±0.15Å, and second-order Bragg reflection peaks with 2.03±0.15Å, in addition to the peaks from the Si substrate and the thin Si layer. Even in s les with thick Si layers enclosed by SiO2, which did not show the apparently ordered silicon oxide layer by the HRTEM, x-ray results showed a weak diffraction as if from a crystalline silicon oxide. The disappearance of the second-order Bragg reflection at higher energies indicates that the lattice structure of any crystalline SiO2 phase is far from perfect.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 2002
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 15-11-1998
DOI: 10.1063/1.368310
Abstract: An improved method is described for extracting material parameters from an experimental electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) contrast profile across a vertical grain boundary by directly fitting an analytical expression. This allows the least-squares values of the grain boundary recombination velocity and the diffusion length in each grain to be determined without the need for the reduction of the experimental profile to a few integral parameters, as is required in a previously reported method. Greater accuracy of the extracted values is expected since none of the information contained in the experimental contrast data is discarded and a less extensive spatial range of measured data is required than in the commonly used method. Different models of the carrier generation volume are used in the fitting and the effect of the choice of generation model on extracted values is investigated. In common with other EBIC approaches, this method is insensitive to changes in the diffusion length when the collection efficiency is high and diffusion lengths may not be reliably established in those cases.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 12-1990
DOI: 10.1109/74.80629
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-08-2020
DOI: 10.3390/APP10165465
Abstract: This work provides economic and environmental analyses of transportation-related impacts of different photovoltaic (PV) module technologies at their end-of-life (EoL) phase. Our results show that crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules are the most economical PV technology (United States Dollars (USD) 2.3 per 1 m2 PV module (or 0.87 ¢/W) for transporting in the United States for 1000 km). Furthermore, we found that the financial costs of truck transportation for PV modules for 2000 km are only slightly more than for 1000 km. CO2-eq emissions associated with transport are a significant share of the EoL impacts, and those for copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) PV modules are always higher than for c-Si and CdTe PV. Transportation associated CO2-eq emissions contribute 47%, 28%, and 40% of overall EoL impacts of c-Si, CdTe, and CIGS PV wastes, respectively. Overall, gasoline-fueled trucks have 65–95% more environmental impacts compared to alternative transportation options of the diesel and electric trains and ships. Finally, a hotspot analysis on the entire life cycle CO2-eq emissions of different PV technologies showed that the EoL phase-related emissions are more significant for thin-film PV modules compared to crystalline silicon PV technologies and, so, more environmentally friendly material recovery methods should be developed for thin film PV.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRAMIC.2011.04.006
Abstract: The effect of electron range on electron beam induced current (EBIC) is demonstrated and the problem of the choice of the optimal electron ranges to use with simple uniform and point generation function models is resolved by proposing a method to extract an electron range-energy relationship (ERER). The results show that the use of these extracted electron ranges remove the previous disagreement between the EBIC curves computed with simple forms of generation model and those based on a more realistic generation model. The impact of these extracted electron ranges on the extraction of diffusion length, surface recombination velocity and EBIC contrast of defects is discussed. It is also demonstrated that, for the case of uniform generation, the computed EBIC current is independent of the assumed shape of the generation volume.
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 29-11-2008
DOI: 10.1117/12.747674
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2018
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 15-11-1993
DOI: 10.1063/1.355344
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1557/OPL.2015.364
Abstract: The Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) co-ordinates the activities of the six Australian research institutions and a group of industrial partners in the Australia-US Institute for Advanced Photovoltaics (AUSIAPV) to develop the next generations of photovoltaic device technology and to provide a pipeline of opportunities for performance increase and cost reduction. AUSIAPV links ACAP with US-based partners. These national and international research collaborations provide a pathway for highly visible, structured photovoltaic research collaboration between Australian and US researchers, institutes and agencies with significant joint programs based on the clear synergies between the participating organizations. The research program is organized in five collaborative Program Packages (PPs). PP1 deals with silicon wafer-based cells, focusing on three main areas: cells from solar grade silicon, rear contact and silicon-based tandem cells. PP2 involves research into a range of organic solar cells, organic/inorganic hybrid cells, "earth abundant" thin-film materials and "third generation" approaches. PP3 is concerned with optics and characterization. PP4 will deliver a substantiated methodology for assessing manufacturing costs of the different technologies and PP5 involves education, training and outreach. The main research topics, results and plans for the future are presented.
Publisher: AIP Publishing LLCMelville, New York
Date: 22-05-2021
DOI: 10.1063/9780735423152_005
Abstract: This chapter presents a critical review of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies considering their technological and ecological developments, including silicon (Si)-based cells and modules (mono- and multicrystalline), thin-film cells and modules such as chalcogenides (CIS, CIGS, and CZTS), amorphous-Si (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), organic photovoltaics (OPV), and organic–inorganic halide perovskite (perovskite) PV systems (grid-connected, stand-alone, mounting methods, balance of system) and end-of-life (EoL) scenarios (such as landfill, incineration, and recycling). The reviews show that several studies are not using PV guideline assumptions, which results in a untrustworthy database. Assumptions of parameter values for LCA studies can have profound effects on results, and current assumptions are unrealistic relative to demonstrated results for several of the reviewed studies. Thus, while thin films appear to have better environmental outcomes (regarding global warming potential and energy payback time), this conclusion is not definitive given the current consistency of data. Quantitatively, the normalized global warming potential for thin-film technologies is 22–40 gCO2eq/kWh, followed by OPV 30–150 gCO2eq/kWh, followed by both crystalline silicon (c-Si) in the range of 40–200 gCO2eq/kWh and perovskite 150–1000 gCO2eq/kWh. However, LCA for c-Si technologies are currently more reliable than other technologies, given the latter's lack of consistency and assumption reliability. This review also identifies important challenges the field currently faces: (i) There is a shortage of data associated with end-of-life management of PV systems. (ii) The balance of system has been found to have significant impact and is often neglected in LCA studies. (iii) Likewise, transportation has significant environmental impacts, but data for this input is currently scarce. The same can be said for data on monitoring and reporting of a system's conditions. (iv) There is also a lack of economic analysis on material recovery from solar modules.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-1990
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-5011-4.CH007
Abstract: This chapter explores how the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has undertaken silicon solar cell research since the mid-1970s and achieved world recognition in the 1980s. The UNSW solar cell research group has led international commercialisations and, since 2000, pioneered specialised undergraduate education in photovoltaics engineering. The Photovoltaics and Solar Energy undergraduate program is a unique four-year full-time Bachelor of Engineering program covering device theory photovoltaic technology and manufacturing photovoltaic applications and system design policy, analysis, and modelling renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy. The related Renewable Energy Engineering program encompasses a broader range of renewable energy technologies including solar thermal systems, wind turbines, biomass, and also the important areas of solar architecture and energy efficiency. The School also offers four postgraduate coursework and two research programs in the same topics. In-house developed technical tools are used extensively in teaching and research.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.05.104
Abstract: For many decades, populations in rural and remote developing regions will be unable to access centralised piped potable water supplies, and indeed, decentralised options may be more sustainable. Accordingly, improved household point-of-use (POU) disinfection technologies are urgently needed. Compared to alternatives, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection is very attractive because of its efficacy against all pathogen groups and minimal operational consumables. Though mercury arc l technology is very efficient, it requires frequent l replacement, involves a toxic heavy metal, and their quartz envelopes and sleeves are expensive, fragile and require regular cleaning. An emerging alternative is semiconductor-based units where UV light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) are powered by photovoltaics (PV). Our review charts the development of these two technologies, their current status, and challenges to their integration and POU application. It explores the themes of UV-C-LEDs, non-UV-C LED technology (e.g. UV-A, visible light, Advanced Oxidation), PV power supplies, PV/LED integration and POU suitability. While UV-C LED technology should mature in the next 10 years, research is also needed to address other unresolved barriers to in situ application as well as emerging research opportunities especially UV-A, photocatalyst hotosensitiser use and pulsed emission options.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: International Solar Energy Society
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-09-2022
DOI: 10.3390/SU141911842
Abstract: Energy is an essential need of people however, people living in displacement settings are often deprived of this basic need. Connecting refugee c s through the main grid is challenging due to their locations. Biogas is an energy source that can be implemented to address the energy need of refugee c s. Implementation of biogas technology can help to reach sustainable development goal-7 (SDG 7) and its synergies in refugee c s. Therefore, in this study, the contribution of biogas in achieving sustainable development goals is presented to address the current gap in the literature. For this, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh were considered as a case study. The waste situation in Rohingya refugee c s is highlighted and considered. Generated biogas from the organic fraction municipal solid (OFMSW) was used to determine the LPG cylinder reduction potential in Rohingya refugee c s. Approximately 497,587 LPG cylinders can be replaced if biogas is used in cooking activities. Moreover, compared to wood fuel, biogas used in cookstoves emits 85% less greenhouse gas. This study underlines the importance of further research to determine the prospective use of biogas in clean cooking in refugee c s.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-11-2019
DOI: 10.1002/PIP.3183
Abstract: Stuart Wenham was not only an outstanding researcher and inventor and mentor but also an outstanding educator. This paper documents some of the major aspects of his educational contributions and legacy, especially through the creation of the first specialised Bachelor of Engineering degree in photovoltaics at The University of New South Wales.
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 29-04-2003
DOI: 10.1063/1.1572473
Abstract: Due to its indirect bandstructure, bulk crystalline silicon is generally regarded as a poor light emitter. In contrast to this common perception, we report here on surprisingly large external photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of textured bulk crystalline silicon wafers of up to 10.2% at T=130 K and of 6.1% at room temperature. Using a theoretical model to calculate the escape probability for internally generated photons, we can conclude from these experimental figures that the radiative recombination probability or internal luminescence quantum efficiency exceeds 20% at room temperature.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-1991
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 15-04-1993
DOI: 10.1063/1.352864
Abstract: Two competing theories of the optical absorption edge of intrinsic crystalline silicon, the indirect transition theory, and the recent disorder (Urbach edge) theory, are assessed critically. The assessment of the indirect transition theory includes an attempt to predict, by the use of the luminescence spectrum and the principle of detailed balance, the optical absorption in the wavelength range where it is mediated by the simultaneous absorption of up to three phonons. The inability of this method to accurately reproduce the experimental data is used to illustrate limitations of the indirect transition theory: its neglect of band degeneracy and its failure to explain the different absorption replica shapes for different phonons. In its published form, the disorder theory does not explicitly address the question of the role of indirect processes or the nature of the strong transitions which trigger the disorder processes. Some of the evidence presented in favor of the theory is shown to be in doubt. The possible synthesis of the two theories is proposed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-05-2021
DOI: 10.3390/EN14092633
Abstract: To meet rising energy demands, power plant operations will expand, influencing the interactions between the water–energy nexus and society. However, a major challenge is integration of social dimensions within electricity generation. To address this, we generate a baseline dataset using US public data (2014–2019) from the Energy Information Administration and US Bureau of Labor Statistics. We identify the rate of energy consumed, CO2, SO2 and NOx emissions generated, and water used per MWh net electricity as well as employee wellbeing per unit MW capacity during electricity generation. Rates of energy consumption (MMBtu/MWh) decreased 4.9%, but water consumption and withdrawal (m3/MWh) both increased 0.93% and 0.31%, respectively. Emissions of CO2, SO2 and NOx decreased 22.64%, 75% and 25% MT/MWh, respectively. Thermoelectric cooling withdrawal and consumption is led by natural gas (50.07%, 38.31%), coal (29.61%, 25.07%), and nuclear energies (13.55%, 18.99%). Electric power generation contributes 0.06 injuries–illnesses/TWh and 0.001 fatalities/TWh, of which fossil fuels contributed 70% and 15%, respectively. Fossil fuels led in average annual employment (0.02 employees/MW) with low cost salaries (USD 0.09/MW) likely due to high collective capacity, which is declining. Estimated rates in this study and framework will aid power industry transition and operational decision makers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.02.039
Abstract: Improvements in point-of-use (POU) drinking water disinfection technologies for remote and regional communities are urgently needed. Conceptually, UV-C light-emitting diodes (LEDs) overcome many drawbacks of low-pressure mercury tube based UV devices, and UV-A or visible light LEDs also show potential. To realistically evaluate the promise of LED disinfection, our study assessed the performance of a model 1.3 L reactor, similar in size to solar disinfection bottles. In all, 12 different commercial or semi-commercial LED arrays (270-740 nm) were compared for their ability to inactivate Escherichia coli K12 ATCC W3110 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433 over 6h. Five log10 and greater reductions were consistently achieved using the 270, 365, 385 and 405 nm arrays. The output of the 310 nm array was insufficient for useful disinfection while 430 and 455 nm performance was marginal (≈ 4.2 and 2.3-log10s E. coli and E. faecalis over the 6h). No significant disinfection was observed with the 525, 590, 623, 660 and 740 nm arrays. Delays in log-phase inactivation of E. coli were observed, particularly with UV-A wavelengths. The radiation doses required for >3-log10 reduction of E. coli and E. faecalis differed by 10 fold at 270 nm but only 1.5-2.5 fold at 365-455 nm. Action spectra, consistent with the literature, were observed with both indicators. The design process revealed cost and technical constraints pertaining to LED electrical efficiency, availability and lifetime. We concluded that POU LED disinfection using existing LED technology is already technically possible. UV-C LEDs offer speed and energy demand advantages, while UV-A/violet units are safer. Both approaches still require further costing and engineering development. Our study provides data needed for such work.
Start Date: 2020
End Date: 2021
Funder: Australian Renewable Energy Agency
View Funded ActivityStart Date: Start date not available
End Date: End date not available
Funder: NSW Environment Protection Authority
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2021
End Date: 2022
Funder: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2012
End Date: 2023
Funder: Australian Renewable Energy Agency
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 05-2004
End Date: 12-2004
Amount: $10,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2003
End Date: 12-2011
Amount: $19,375,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 12-2003
End Date: 12-2004
Amount: $20,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity