Research: Energy Studies

The energy studies group undertakes its research within the International Technologies Centre (IDTC). The group is involved in the following research areas of sustainable energy technologies:

• Applied Solar Energy Engineering
• Energy from Biomass and Wastes
• Energy Efficiency and Energy Management

The group has a track record of national and industry competitive grant funding leading to quality research publications. The energy studies research group currently has 3 staff and 16 postgraduate students.

Applied Solar Energy Engineering

Australia has a vast solar resource and a long history in the development and use of solar technologies. Postgraduate students at The University of Melbourne have been undertaking applied solar energy engineering research since the early 1970s, mainly under the leadership of Emeritus Professor Bill Charters. This research continues today under the supervision of the Energy Studies staff. Current projects focus on the application of solar thermal and electric technologies for buildings, both commercial and residential. Opportunities also exist for supervision of other projects in the areas of thermal modelling, drying and industrial applications.

Energy from Biomass and Wastes

Biomass will play an important part in future energy supplies based on renewable energy sources. Developing successful renewable energy technologies, which use waste products from agri-business, offers the opportunity to solve disposal problems, while simultaneously providing useful energy at the point of use. Current research projects focus on biomass waste utilisation, while past research has focussed on theoretical and experimental studies of biomass technologies such as gasifiers and improved wood stoves.

Energy Efficiency and Energy Management

Energy efficiency and good energy management is the essential first step to a future sustainable energy supply. Huge opportunities exist to reduce our current energy consumption by simply using energy more efficiently. Opportunities exist in every sector of our society and current research projects reflect the wide range of applications of energy efficiency technologies and strategies. While the settings are different, the principles of energy efficiency need to be applied in both industrialised and developing countries.