Research
Our research targets innovative technologies with strong potential to lower the cost of CO2 mitigation in the near- to mid-term, in partnership with industry.
We have a strong track record in this area, having developed twelve thermal energy technologies to commercial implementation – including the Olympic torch and stadium flames for the Sydney, Athens and Rio Games and a low-NOx kiln burner.
We use a range of technologies in state-of-the-art facilities to address four main research challenges: sustainable secure power, sustainable fuels, sustainable minerals, and sustainable networks and grids.
Research themes
Solar thermal
Solar Thermal research, including the ARENA Solar Thermal in the Bayer Alumina Process Project and our contributions to $87 million Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative (ASTRI).
Two phase flow
Two phase flow research, in which we aim to improve our understanding of the interaction between particles and the surrounding fluid.
Sooting flames
Sooting Flames research, in which we explore the interdependency of parameters controlling soot evolution in flames.
Biomass to energy
Biomass to Energy research, including the $645,000 ARC project that is enabling commercial scale production of biocrude from microalgae or biosolids. More information on the technologies involved: Torrefaction, Solar Gasification, Hydrothermal Liquefaction.
Wind, wave and tidal power
Wind, wave and tidal power research, focusing on optimising components in wind and wave turbines.
Chemical looping
Chemical looping research, which aims to reduce emissions in fuel combustion and oxygen production.
Low carbon materials
Research, in which we are developing novel technologies to produce industrial materials such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, ammonia, power and water using low carbon alternative methods. With these technologies we aim to increase the viability of resource recovery and value addition to commodities that are presently wasted. Contact Professor Gus Nathan for further information.
Energy materials
Energy materials research, including developing high performance catalysts to increase the efficiency of fuel cells, water-splitting cells and batteries.