Energy

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Contents

n renewable energy pg 2n Clean energy pg 4n Energy storage pg 6n Energy markets and systems pg 8n Centres for research excellence back pgn Contact information back pg

Energy resourcing challengesEnergy in the form of electricity, natural gas, petroleum and heat is the lifeblood of the modern industrialised world.

The world is entering a new phase of energy transformation driven by the challenges of increasing energy production costs, depleting fossil fuel resources and greenhouse gas induced climate change.

Another set of challenges has emerged in the form of

deregulated and privatised electricity systems. The cost of operating and maintaining electricity transmission and distribution networks has risen dramatically, leading to a steady decline in the overall productivity of the sector.

The new economic structure of the energy system has also created a further challenge; how to efficiently deploy new technologies when governments have little or no direct control over investors or asset operators.

brilliant opportunities

Image: The Monash Wind Tunnel, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, is used by industry to optimise aerodynamic performance. See page 2.

Monash University seeks to work in partnership with industry to answer the challenges facing the energy sector. Companies can engage with Monash through a range of mechanisms.

specific contract researchMonash’s Industry Engagement and Commercialisation Group can assist organisations interested in arranging research contracts with Monash University.

Our team of Business Development Managers will work with you to understand the challenge and put together a research team to manage the contract and ongoing relationship.

ConsultancyMonash Consulting Services (MCS) connects companies to internationally respected experts in a diverse range of fields including science, engineering, health sciences, economics, sustainability and education. Additionally, MCS can arrange access to an integrated network of world-class technology

platforms suitable for a wide range of cutting edge technology applications including: materials analysis, manufacturing optimisation, nanotechnology, aerodynamic analysis, advanced imaging and biological analysis.

MCS simplifies the process of companies engaging with Monash by locating required expertise, managing all contractual negotiations and administrative details in respect of consulting.

Collaboration through leveraging government fundingThe Australian Government has a range of funding programs, such as the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Scheme, to foster and Support collaborative research and development between university researchers and external partner organisations.

These programs are a cost-effective way of engaging in research with Monash University for organisations with research-related challenges and opportunities.

licensingMonash has a portfolio of intellectual property available for licensing to companies. Monash is recognised for its success in developing new products and services with commercial partners.

John Monash innovation instituteThe John Monash Innovation Institute provides a platform for collaboration under an open innovation model where companies can reduce their financial and technical risk by cooperating with research organisations on solutions for commercial problems.

The assistance includes one day management and skills development seminars to enable companies to adopt and sustain a culture of innovation.

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brilliant opportunities

Challenges for energy research:n Depleting natural energy resources

n Deregulated and privatised electricity systems

n Ability to deploy new technologies

n The need to combat climate change

our missionResponding to the challenges around energy consumption is a key research priority for Monash University. Our research into possible solutions to the issues facing energy resourcing is grouped into four themes:

n Renewable energy

n Cleaner energy

n Energy storage

n Energy markets and systems

Who we areMonash University is a global leader in innovative, multidisciplinary research. Ranked in the top 100* universities in the world, Monash is Australia’s largest university.

Monash’s six Australian campuses are complemented by a strong and expanding international presence in Italy, India, Malaysia, South Africa and China and a recently established alliance with Warwick University in the United Kingdom.

These technological, scientific and economic challenges are not small. Australia and the world urgently need deeply researched and tested solutions.

Monash, in partnership with industry, is well placed to make an impact in many of these areas.

* Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012

renewable energy

organic solar cellsAdvantages over silicon solar cells:

n Low cost

n Adaptable to non-flat surfaces

n Printable in manufacturing

Geothermal energyAreas of expertise include:

n Exploring the fracture properties of rocks to maximise the recovery of heat from underground

n Exploration and modelling of basins

n Characterisation of the flow and fracture properties of rocks

n Direct geothermal energy production

Wind energy The Monash Wind Tunnel, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, is used by industry to optimise aerodynamic performance in a range of applications including:

n Wind turbine aerodynamics and wind turbine siting

n Ground transportation aerodynamics (trains and trucks)

n Fundamental aerodynamic research

n Improving the performance of Australian wind farms

Biofuels Monash’s program in biofuels/bioenergy embraces a number of feed stocks and processing methods that focus on second generation biofuels based in algae and biomass as feed stocks. Biofuels offer:

n The potential to supply a significant part of the world’s future transport fuel needs

n Solutions to the price and supply problems and carbon emissions associated with crude oil derived fuels

delivering impactMonash Solar Cell Group

Monash researchers are leading world class research that will revolutionise the way solar power is produced.

In collaboration with the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium, Professor Yi-Bing Cheng, Associate Professor

Udo Bach and Professor Leone Spiccia, are developing flexible, cost effective printable plastic solar cells that can be produced in the same way that Australia’s plastic banknotes are printed.

These light weight dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are recognised as the most significant alternative photovoltaic technology to

silicon solar cells because they are cheaper to produce.

The team is researching a range of techniques to boost power conversion. Its vision is to make photovoltaic technology the power of the future by making it efficient and cheaper to produce than mains power.

Udo pioneered the technique of stacking solar cells in tandem

to boost energy conversion. Udo is also developing back-contact solar cells. This technique involves removing the collecting electrode from the top of cells and linking the previously separated positive and negative charge collectors at the back of the cell, ending a problem of shading techniques to dramatically boost the output of organic solar cells.

Monash researchers are working to improve the efficiency of renewable energy sources to make them a more viable alternative to electricity and petroleum.

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renewable energy

(From left) Associate Professor Udo Bach, Professor Yi-Bing Cheng

and Professor Leone Spiccia.

Photo by: Eamon Gallagher

Solar cells Professor Yi-Bing Cheng

Yi-Bing’s research includes nanostructured titanium dioxide based dye sensitised cells and ceramic materials and composites.

Wind energy Professor John Sheridan

John’s research into fluid mechanics will help to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Biofuels Dr Akshat Tanksale

Akshat is working in the field of catalysis based on nanomaterials, for the production of biofuels and green chemicals.

Biofuels Professor Gil Garnier

Gil leads the Bio-resource Processing Research Institute of Australia, which will develop new products and processes from bio-based feedstocks.

Key people

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smart grids Smart grids, when fully deployed, will allow more efficient operation of the electricity system and increased uptake of renewable electricity sources such as wind and solar.

Monash researchers are developing information and communication technologies to enable the smart-grid and are investigating economic regulation proposals that will maximise their benefit to the consumer.

Research includes:

n Mobile sensing technology to enable smart grids

n Using wireless technologies to monitor underground cables

n Predicting the change in consumer energy consumption

Carbon storageResearchers at Monash have been investigating CO2 storage opportunities over the last eight years. The aim is to provide a technical demonstration of deep geological CO2 sequestration systems. Their vision is for a future where deep geological CO2 sequestration systems provide an immediate and affordable option for controlling the impacts of global warming.

low emission coal technologiesMonash is exploring how cleaner energy can be produced from Victoria’s vast brown coal reserves. CO2 emissions could be potentially reduced to near zero through pioneering technologies like carbon storage and geosequestration.

Research projects include:

n Coal drying – the first step in utilisation of high moisture coals

n Coal gasification – current projects include: fundamental and practical scale experimental work on entrained flow gasification, complemented by modelling, aimed at commercial application for power generation and chemical production

n Oxy-fuel combustion – an innovative way of producing a concentrated stream of carbon dioxide using both conventional pulverised fuel and fluidised bed combustion modes, through the pre-combustion separation of nitrogen from oxygen in normal air

n Chemical looping combustion – another new generation technology for easier capture of carbon dioxide and production of hydrogen at the same time

n Fuel cell application – a current project involving evaluation of brown coal derived carbon for use in the direct carbon fuel cell

n Coal to liquids – potential exists for projects on direct liquefaction, gasification and Fischer-Tropsch type processes to produce liquid fuels and chemicals. Current projects include catalytic synthesis of coal gas to liquid transportation fuel

Low emission coal technology Associate Professor Sankar Bhattacharya

Sankar’s research includes advanced coal and biomass utilization for fuel cell, power and fuel and chemicals through gasification and combustion, and biofuels including algae.

Brown coal Professor Alan Chaffee

Alan is researching new more efficient uses for brown coal, including coal conversion to chemicals and other products. He is also developing improved approaches for carbon dioxide capture and utilisation.

Geothermal energy Associate Professor, Ranjith Pathegama Gamage

Ranjith’s expertise is in carbon sequestration and geothermal energy.

Energy markets and smart grids Dr Ariel Liebman

Ariel specialises in modelling and simulation of electricity markets using high performance computing platforms. He is leading Monash research into Smart Grids.

Key people

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cleaner energy

Membranes Polymer and polymer composite membranes are being developed for clean energy and environmental applications including gas separation and fuel cells.

Power engineeringMonash is working to make electricity usage more efficient by researching:

n System harmonics and their control

n Power system reliability

n High voltage-insulation condition monitoring

n Power electronic converters

n Energy storage systems

Membranes Professor Huanting Wang, and Associate Professor Bradley Ladewig

These researchers are experts in development of membranes which have a wide range of applications, including clean energy.

delivering impact Enhancing geothermal energy

Enhanced geothermal energy and underground energy storage offer exciting alternatives for addition of renewable energy. However, development of these new energy options requires greater understanding of the technical engineering challenges they pose.

The insulated rock sequences used to provide or store heat energy are crystalline and do not allow free flow of heat carrying/storing fluids. Development of methods to enhance fluid flow within a closed volume in crystalline rock will be critical to success of the technology.

Associate Professor Ranjith Pathegama, is leading Australian research to address these challenges.

By performing experimental and numerical simulation of the reservoir enhancement process, researchers have been able to better understand crystalline rock response under the expected pressure and temperature conditions. The results will be used to inform development of new energy alternatives integral to efforts to curb human-induced climate change.

Australia’s peak research body, The Australian Research Council (ARC) funded Monash University the largest share of the ARC Linkage

Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities funding in 2011. Monash was awarded $940,000 towards producing a $1.9M large-scale (1m3) reactor to experimentally simulate enhanced geothermal energy and underground energy storage.

Monash has also commenced design and construction on two advanced devices capable of simulating rock fracture and flow at temperatures up to 400ºC and depths up to 8km. These devices will extend existing laboratory simulation to allow the full suite of rock fracture and flow behaviour to be studied on a larger-scale than was previously possible.

cleaner energyGlobal warming represents one of the biggest environmental challenges facing humanity in the modern age. Monash researchers are investigating pioneering technologies such as carbon capture and geosequestration as possible strategies for tackling global warming.

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energy storage

ElectromaterialsResearchers at The ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science have developed a range of improved electromaterials to apply in energy harvesting systems and highly efficient energy storage.

The program also looks to improve battery and super capacitor electrodes and electrolytes to make lightweight batteries and electronic textiles.

Highly efficient energy harvesting and storage systems are being developed by Monash University’s energy research program as a strategy to help control the impact of global warming.

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energy storage

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delivering impact Professor Dan Li

Dan’s research group has received world-wide recognition for developing ways to process and assemble graphene into useful macrostructures to address global challenges related to green energy, water purification, health care and environmental protection.

Dan’s group invented and patented a cost-effective method for producing graphene aqueous solutions from mineral graphene. This breakthrough was featured in the world-leading journal Nature Nanotechnology and also earned Dan the Scopus Young Researcher of the Year Award in 2010.

The team has also invented two innovative bio-inspired approaches to engineer graphene films and foams, which has led to the creation

of the world’s stiffest hydrogel and the most lightweight yet resilient and elastomeric material.

Dan is most excited about the potential of graphene for energy storage. He thinks graphene could offer a cost-effective alternative for storing renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, on a large scale.

Based on their innovative graphene-based materials, his group has invented several new concepts for their use in energy storage devices that can deliver record-high energy and power density.

“We’ve discovered that we can stack graphene with more space in between. That’s why we can use it to store a lot of energy,” Dan says. “Compared to conventional batteries, our graphene-based energy storage devices can be charged very quickly. You could charge a mobile phone in a few seconds or less.”

Graphene Professor Dan Li

Dan’s research into graphene based materials is helping to address global challenges by providing a cost-effective alternative for storing renewable energy.

Energy harvesting Professor Douglas McFarlane

Doug is the leader of the Energy Program in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials. He is leading work into ionic liquids for a range of applications in electrochemistry, green chemistry, solar cells and batteries. He has been named the 2012 Australian Laureate Fellow.

Key people

ionic liquids GroupMonash’s Ionic Liquids Group investigates the preparation and characterisation of ionic liquids and other types of ionic materials for a range of applications including:

n Electrochemistry

n Green chemistry

n Solar cells

n Batteries

GrapheneA variety of chemically converted graphenes (CCGs) are being investigated for use in batteries, solar cells, fuel cells and superconductors.

The integration of CCGs with other materials also holds great promise for energy devices, particularly where flexibility is required.

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energy markets and systems

Using world-leading high performance computing tools, Monash researchers are helping to address key policy and market problems.

These challenges range from the forecasting of peak demand, a key input into energy system investment planning, through to

developing regulations and policies needed to ensure the system is managed and developed as efficiently as possible.

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energy markets and systems

Carbon pricing Gujji Muthuswamy

Gujji has 30 years experience in energy trading risk management and retail and distribution pricing. He runs a course on carbon pricing for the Faculty of Business and Economics.

Regulation of competitive energy markets Professor Stephen King

Stephen is an expert in electricity regulation and provides advice to regulators and electricity companies.

Greenhouse issues Professor Philip Adams

Philip has contributed to a wide range of greenhouse policy discussions in Australia and overseas. He has completed model development projects for the Garnaut Climate Change Review and the Federal Treasury.

Key people

Grid and cloud computingModelling investment in transmission lines and deployment of new power generation sources into the grid is already an intensive task. In order to deploy sufficient renewable energy resources to meet emission reduction targets the models required are now even more resource hungry. Tools are being developed at Monash to offer industry the ability to:

n Better manage the proliferation of input scenarios and combinations of assumptions

n Run large numbers of these scenarios at the same time on grid and cloud computing infrastructure on Monash’s eResearch resources

n Determine economically optimal deployment strategies and trade-offs between geographical locations and investment in transmission infrastructure

n Model tradeoffs between electricity transmission and gas pipeline infrastructure

Monash researchers are working with the Australian power industry and other universities to make these tools available to meet the constantly growing needs of policy makers and other stakeholders.

Carbon price forecastingCarbon prices critically depend on the mix of technologies used in energy production and on the future costs of low emission technologies. Our researchers are developing models that:

n Predict the impacts of various emission reduction trajectories on future carbon prices by incorporating energy market models developed in collaboration with industry

n Incorporate the impacts of changes in future prices of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas

n Impacts of closure of high emitting generators

Modelling of carbon priceModels used to forecast carbon price can also forecast the future impacts of different carbon prices on electricity wholesale prices and retail prices by taking into account:

n The running costs of existing power stations

n The current and future costs of coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels

n Different wholesale market competition behaviour and merit order of dispatch effects

n Transmission system resistive losses and constraints.

n Transmission and distribution tariffs

Energy markets and smart grids Dr Ariel Liebman

Ariel specialises in modelling and simulation of electricity markets using high performance computing platforms. He is leading Monash research into Smart Grids.

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Industry Engagement and Commercialisation Dr Heather St John, Director Industry Engagement Tel: +61 3 9902 9854 Email: heather.stjohn@monash.edu Web: monash.edu/industry

Monash sustainability institutewww.monash.edu/sustainability-institute

Professor Dave Griggs

The Monash Sustainability Institute (MSI) is a multi-disciplinary, cross-faculty institute that coordinates Monash research initiatives into climate change and sustainability.

MSI is also able to support external stakeholders in undertaking sustainability research through:

n Assembling, facilitating and coordinating multi-disciplinary research teams

n Developing research projects, research centres and ongoing collaborations.

Climate Works Australiawww.climateworksaustralia.org

Professor Dave Griggs

ClimateWorks Australia is an independent non-profit organisation whose mission is to facilitate substantial emissions reductions in the next five years in Australia by working with government, business, industry groups and the community.

Key initiatives include; the Low Carbon Growth Plan for Australia to reduce green house gas emissions and Climate Watch – an interactive online project enabling people to observe and record the impact of climate change on the environment.

Centres of research Excellence

Contact us

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Centre for Power transformer Monitoring and life ExtensionDr Daniel Martin

The Centre is a joint venture between Monash University and the electricity utilities industry specialising in monitoring, diagnostics and life management research for electrical power equipment. The Centre facilitates applied research for oil-immersed transformers, as well as testing and assessing new monitoring and diagnostic technologies, performed independently for the benefit of both manufacturers and users.

BehaviourWorks AustraliaDr Liam Smith

BehaviourWorks Australia is concerned with the behaviours in society that have triggered the environmental challenges we are facing.

The Centre’s core activities involve:

n Collating learning from a range of behaviour change disciplines and practices

n Developing collaborative relationships with a host of industry and institutional partners to pursue behaviour change research

n Contributing to sustainable behaviour change policy and campaigns

n Disseminating and applying research findings that promote individual and organisational uptake and build the capacity of the organisation’s partners

the Centre of Policy studieswww.buseco.monash.edu/cops

Director, Professor Philip Adams

The Centre of Policy Studies (COPS) is the leading economic modelling group in Australia.

COPS has been modelling sustainability and environ-mental issues for the Australian Federal Government since the 1990’s.

Energy related studies include:

n Study on the economics of biofuels for the United States International Trades Commission

n Work for the World Bank on climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries

Green Chemical futures

Monash and the Federal Government are funding a new $78 million purpose-built research centre at Clayton as part of the Green Chemical Futures initiative led by Milton Hearn. The new facility will create new opportunities for research, training and collaboration and improve the capacity of the Australian chemical industry to respond to the challenges of the future.

All information contained in this document is current at time of publication. Monash University reserves the right to alter this information at any time – please check the Monash University website for updates (www.monash.edu.au). Published October 2012.

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