Postgraduate research projects

Development of a phase change thermal storage system for medium temperature applications

Area:    Mechanical Engineering
Potential research area: Sustainable energy

Thermal energy can be stored as sensible heat whereby the temperature of the storage material varies with the amount of energy stored. Alternatively, thermal energy can be stored as latent heat which makes use of the energy stored when a substance changes from one phase to another by either melting or freezing. In the latter, the storage media is known as a phase change material (PCM). Ice is an example of a 0°C PCM. A number of PCMs have been developed however as yet there are only a limited number of applications. The reason for this is that PCMs are expensive and so their use has only been practical in a small number of applications. There are a number of industrial applications where PCMs could be cost effective. For these applications, thermal energy needs to be stored around 90 to 130^oC. The objective of this project is to develop a medium temperature (90 to 130^oC) thermal storage system that use phase change material as the energy storage medium. The thermal storage system is to be used to store heat collected from a solar system. The work will involve the following:
1.    Literature review on medium temperature phase change materials and thermal storage systems.
2.    Using the Transient Energy System Simulation Tool (TRNSYS) software to model a solar system with a phase change thermal storage system.
3.    Construction of a prototype phase change thermal storage system.
4.    Testing of a prototype and validation of the TRNSYS model.

Integrated solar heating and PV cooling system

Area:    Mechanical Engineering
Potential research area: Sustainable energy

The efficiency of electric generation from photo-voltaic (PV) modules reduces as the temperature of the panel increases. The objective of this project is to investigate a cost-effective cooling technology for the PV module. The possibility of using the heat collected during the cooling process will be investigated. The work will involve the following:
1.     Extensive literature review of PV cooling systems
2.     Development of design concepts for a PV cooling system
3.     Mathematical/computer modelling of a PV cooling system
4.     Construction of a prototype
5.     Testing of prototype and validation of the model.

Development of an evaporative cooling system with thermal storage

Area: Mechanical Engineering
Potential research area:    Sustainable energy

Evaporative air conditioners are used in large numbers in many parts of Australia and throughout the world as energy efficient cooling systems. The use of direct evaporative coolers is restricted, however, to regions of low humidity due to the limitation that the wet bulb temperature is the minimum temperature attainable, and the reduced comfort associated with the rise in relative humidity. Indirect evaporative coolers have been developed where humidified air is passed through one side of an air-air heat exchanger, and outside air is passed through the other side so that it is cooled sensibly only. These systems expand the climatic zones where evaporative cooling can be used to achieve thermal comfort. However, the energy efficiency of these indirect coolers is reduced due to the high pressure losses associated with the heat exchanger. This project involves the development of a conventional evaporative cooling system operating in conjunction with a thermal storage system. Phase change material (PCM) is the storage medium proposed to store the cooling. PCMs are materials which store heat by changing from a liquid to a solid at a desired temperature. The work will involve the following:
1.     Literature review on evaporative coolers and phase change thermal storage systems.
2.     Development of a computer model of an evaporative cooler with phase change thermal storage.
3.     Design and construction of a prototype.
4.     Prototype testing and validation of the model.

Performance of large scale solar dish for solar electricity generation

Area: Mechanical Engineering
Potential research area: Sustainable energy

The project involves experimental and computational investigation of the environmental factors and operational parameters influencing the electricity generation and storage from large solar dishes currently being built in Whyalla.

Integrated solar-biomass systems for regional areas

Area: Mechanical/Chemical Engineering
Potential research area: Sustainable energy

The project investigates available solar and bioenergy resources in regional areas and aims to develop hybrid renewable energy supply systems.

Evaluation and monitoring of energy consumption and potential reduction strategies in existing housing

Area: Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical), Physics
Potential research area: Sustainable energy

UniSA is leading a national program for evaluation and monitoring energy use in housing and investigating potential technologies for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the housing sector. This project aims to develop a roadmap for facilitating emission reduction from the housing sector in line with the emissions targets and to develop a methodology for tracking progress towards achieving them while minimising economic impact on households. The potential energy reductions through retrofitting existing dwellings (building envelope and major fixed appliances) will be investigated and monitored. The project aims to develop a network for detailed monitoring energy use and consequent emissions for houses and units. Baseline and post retrofitting monitoring will enable accurate evaluation of outcomes from various available retrofitting alternatives and provide guidelines for the best options in different urban and rural Australian locations. The research will develop computer models for energy use in existing housing and investigate the impacts of various energy reduction strategies.

Investigation of potential high temperature thermal energy storage technologies

Area: Engineering (Mechanical/Chemical)
Potential research area: Sustainable energy

One of the main drawbacks of large scale solar thermal electricity generation is the daily and seasonal variability of the solar energy resource. This project aims to investigate potential alternative systems for high temperature energy storage with particular emphasis on thermochemical and thermophysical systems. The project involves reviews of available materials and technologies, mathematical modelling and prototype development. The work builds on previous research at UniSA in low temperature energy storage and utilises our involvement in the evaluation of electricity generation using large solar dishes currently under construction.

Optimisation and integration of waste heat and water desalination for large scale industry

Area: Mechanical Engineering
Potential research area: Water desalination/sustainable energy

The project involves a study of available waste heat in large industrial sectors and the development of a thermal desalination system for utilising waste heat in the production of deionised water.

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