Dynamic model and mechanical sensorless controller for a novel concentrated-winding interior permanent magnet machine for electric vehicles. The fractional-slot, concentrated-wound (FSCW) interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine offers very high power density, efficiency and constant-power speed range which are properties sought after for electric vehicles. Accurate mathematical models are essential for high performance control of the FSCW machine. This project seeks to develop these models, as w ....Dynamic model and mechanical sensorless controller for a novel concentrated-winding interior permanent magnet machine for electric vehicles. The fractional-slot, concentrated-wound (FSCW) interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine offers very high power density, efficiency and constant-power speed range which are properties sought after for electric vehicles. Accurate mathematical models are essential for high performance control of the FSCW machine. This project seeks to develop these models, as well as sensorless controllers for the FSCW IPM machine.Read moreRead less
Developing a complete understanding of nuclear fission. This project aims to develop a reliable predictive model of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is an important process in fundamental physics and technologies spanning energy, medicine and materials science. It was recently found that fission still holds many secrets, since existing models fail to describe new fission measurements for nuclei lighter than the well-known uranium region. This project plans to exploit world-leading Australian res ....Developing a complete understanding of nuclear fission. This project aims to develop a reliable predictive model of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is an important process in fundamental physics and technologies spanning energy, medicine and materials science. It was recently found that fission still holds many secrets, since existing models fail to describe new fission measurements for nuclei lighter than the well-known uranium region. This project plans to exploit world-leading Australian research equipment to map out unknown fission characteristics in large regions of the nuclear chart, providing a complete microscopic understanding of nuclear fission. This is designed to lead to the first predictive model applicable to the entire nuclear chart, including nuclei of astrophysical importance.Read moreRead less
Novel methods of spill containment and debris mitigation on water surfaces. Novel methods of spill containment and debris mitigation on water surfaces. This project aims to develop a new technology for debris mitigation and spill containment, which isolates and stops spreading spills and redirect surface pollutants without using physical boundaries. Unexpected forced shutdowns of power plants, when floating debris blocks cooling water intake facilities, cause substantial operational risks, capit ....Novel methods of spill containment and debris mitigation on water surfaces. Novel methods of spill containment and debris mitigation on water surfaces. This project aims to develop a new technology for debris mitigation and spill containment, which isolates and stops spreading spills and redirect surface pollutants without using physical boundaries. Unexpected forced shutdowns of power plants, when floating debris blocks cooling water intake facilities, cause substantial operational risks, capital loss and affect the reliability of the electricity supply. The laboratory demonstration prototype, to be built as part of this project, could be scaled-up to demonstrate industrial applications such as the mitigation of blockages in water intakes of power plants and oil spill containment in estuaries. Anticipated outcomes are reduced operational risks in the electricity supply sector, and improved energy security.Read moreRead less
Multi-region relaxation dynamics in fusion and stellar plasmas. This project aims to apply a static plasma modelling approach to linear modes of vibration and nonlinear explosive events in toroidally confined fusion plasma experiments and stellar atmospheres. The long-term survival of advanced civilisation depends on the development of reliable and ecologically sustainable energy sources. One of the most promising approaches for baseload electrical power is magnetic confinement fusion: harnessin ....Multi-region relaxation dynamics in fusion and stellar plasmas. This project aims to apply a static plasma modelling approach to linear modes of vibration and nonlinear explosive events in toroidally confined fusion plasma experiments and stellar atmospheres. The long-term survival of advanced civilisation depends on the development of reliable and ecologically sustainable energy sources. One of the most promising approaches for baseload electrical power is magnetic confinement fusion: harnessing, in a magnetic field, the nuclear reactions that power stars. This project will develop powerful new ways of modelling strong plasma instabilities in magnetised plasmas. Learning how to avoid these would remove a key barrier to fusion power.Read moreRead less
Modelling and distributed control of large infrastructure networks. The main outcome of this project will be the capability to study systematically basic questions on the operation of large infrastructure systems. Methodologies for control of larger systems and security issues will be developed. Application of the techniques to several applications areas will include power grids and traffic networks.
Anisotropy and flow in fast-particle dominated and burning tokamak plasmas: stability of ITER and the coming demonstration fusion power plant. This project will identify how beam injected and fusion born alphas affect the magnetic ?eld and excite wave modes in spherical tokamaks, where these particles have the most impact. Understanding these effects is critical to long pulse operation of high performance tokamaks with burning plasmas. In the UK spherical tokamak MAST for instance, fast ion driv ....Anisotropy and flow in fast-particle dominated and burning tokamak plasmas: stability of ITER and the coming demonstration fusion power plant. This project will identify how beam injected and fusion born alphas affect the magnetic ?eld and excite wave modes in spherical tokamaks, where these particles have the most impact. Understanding these effects is critical to long pulse operation of high performance tokamaks with burning plasmas. In the UK spherical tokamak MAST for instance, fast ion driven bursty “chirping modes” and “?shbone” modes evolve into "long-lived" modes damaging plasma performance. This project will resolve the physics of the seed fast ion driven mode, its linear threshold and fully nonlinear evolution. Wider outcomes include scoping the impact of beams and alphas in next step burning plasma experiments, such as a nuclear facility for materials development, ITER, and a fusion power plant.Read moreRead less
Emergence and control of self-organisation in fusion plasmas: through the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and beyond. Fusion is a carbon free technology, which promises millions of years of base-load power. The promise has led to massive support for the proof-of-principle experiment, ITER. A challenge facing ITER is minimising edge instabilities, which can destroy the plasma facing wall. The project will explore if a new model can describe and control these instabilities.
Efficient PV-Thermal Micro-concentrator. Australia must reduce its dependence on carbon sources for electricity, heating, and cooling. The PV-thermal hybrid micro-concentrator development will deliver a light-weight, low-profile, cost-effective system that can be installed in almost any situation, with versatile output that can deliver electricity at grid parity as well as providing water heating, space heating, industrial process heat, and solar cooling capabilities. The nation will benefit thr ....Efficient PV-Thermal Micro-concentrator. Australia must reduce its dependence on carbon sources for electricity, heating, and cooling. The PV-thermal hybrid micro-concentrator development will deliver a light-weight, low-profile, cost-effective system that can be installed in almost any situation, with versatile output that can deliver electricity at grid parity as well as providing water heating, space heating, industrial process heat, and solar cooling capabilities. The nation will benefit through enhanced energy independence, international research recognition, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Further, successful commercialisation of this technology will enhance Australia's research standing and provide a good royalty income that will fund future research and development.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101264
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Carbon nanotube-based supercapacitors: breaking the energy density limit. Novel electrodes will be nano-architectured by using ultralong single-walled carbon nanotube arrays and transition metal oxides to produce next-generation supercapacitors. The outcomes will lead to unprecedented energy densities in energy storage devices for sustainable future energy solutions.
The dynamics of convection - insights for ocean and climate physics and for solar thermal energy system design. This project will inform our understanding of, and response to, climate change by improving knowledge of ocean circulation and technology for renewable energy generation. The results will lead to better climate prediction models and understanding of ocean CO2 uptake, acidification and sea-level rise, and will help to reduce energy sector emissions.