Future Energy and Resources

As ore grades decrease and mineralogy becomes increasingly complex, the importance of developing new reagents has become a significant area of focus within the resources industry. Simultaneously, the demand for environmentally sustainable solutions has boosted interest in the use of biomolecules, which provide environmental and safety benefits. These biomolecules consist of chains of building blocks known as amino acids, with the specific amino acids present and the order both influencing the effects observed. This project focused on the use of biomolecules in flotation processes, which use reagents known as binders in order to separate minerals from waste material. By examining the strength of binding between nano-sized silver particles and varying amino acid combinations using laboratory techniques, the active amino acids were identified. This work will allow for continued research into the mechanism and behaviours of the biomolecule, with the target of eventually replicating the effects on larger silver particles.

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Project by:

• Amelia Ryan

Copper is a crucial mineral needed for the global transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources. However, copper is becoming increasingly more difficult to mine as most of high grade near surface deposits are depleted. To address this challenge, innovative techniques are being explored to extract copper in more cost effective and environmentally friendly ways. One such technique is in-situ recovery (ISR). ISR involves pumping a liquid, known as a  'lixiviant', through the ground using wells. This lixiviant dissolves copper minerals, allowing copper to be extracted from the ground with minimal environmental damage. Our project focuses on optimising an ISR model for the historic Kapunda mine site which is aiming to reopen using this new ground-breaking technology. To do so we have developed a virtual model of the mine's wellfield design, refined to maximise the recovery of copper. The results found will help determine the feasibility of the mine's opening.

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Project by:

• Ben Barrow 
• Ryan Braes 
• Jack Haddad 
• Mitchell Roberts 

With global food demand on the rise, finding sustainable ways to produce fertilisers is crucial. Traditional wastewater treatment methods often fail to recover essential nutrients like nitrogen, leading to environmental pollution and the need for resource intensive fertilisers. This project explores an innovative approach called Plasma Bubble-Processing (PBP) to recover nitrogen and ammonium ions from artificial urine. By introducing plasma generated bubbles into the liquid, we enhance chemical reactions that convert urine into fertiliser ready nutrients. This project experimented with different catalysts and gas flow rates to optimise this process. The results demonstrate that PBP could offer a more sustainable way of producing fertilisers, reducing the reliance on traditional methods and minimising environmental impact.

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Project by:

• Sean Feldman 
• Dai Tuan Anh Nguyen 

This project explores how the fracture networks within three coal samples change during pyrolysis. The samples undergo thermal treatment in a tube furnace, and their fracture patterns are examined through micro-CT scan analysis before and after heating. The gases released during the thermal process are analysed using gas chromatography to identify the types of volatile compounds present. The findings from this study provide insights into how CO2, a greenhouse gas, can be geologically sequestered in thermally treated underground coal layers before injection.

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Project by:

• Andreas Louca
• Matthew Bony 

Climate projections indicate coastal erosion is a major global concern. According to the Australian Government $25 billion in residential property is at risk from coastal erosion accelerated by climate change. With growing environmental challenges, wave energy converters (WECs) are urgently needed to address current energy demands and combat natures destruction. Our project explores how arrays of WECs can be used to absorb wave energy thereby mitigating the effects of coastal erosion. It has been proven theoretically that an array consisting of two heaving buoys can provide near perfect absorption of the incident wave power in two dimensions. The current study is designed to provide experimental validation of these findings using small-scale laboratory experiments at the University of Adelaide's wave flume. The findings inspire a new vision for the future, where protected waves drive clean energy for Australia and the world.

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Project by:

• Harry Bennett 
• Daniel McArthur 
• Francesco Ciampa 
• Angus Higgins 

Decarbonisation of mining processes is at the forefront of sustainability efforts. Mineral tailings, such as those from iron ore processes, offer a large potential storage pool for carbon dioxide that could help mining operations reduce emissions. This uses mineral carbonation technology, where oxide minerals such as hematite and magnetite in tailings are reacted with carbon dioxide to form a stable carbonate such as siderite.

The application of carbonation technology to iron is still in early development, with this project conducting a review of existing research and developing an experimental plan to explore two key pathways: carbonation via leaching with water or acetic acid. The goal of the experiment is to determine reaction conditions, including pH, temperature, pressure and time, that will result in the greatest carbon uptake and minimise the reaction time.  

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Project by:

• Kahli Lock 
• Finlay Twining 

The report focuses on a research project aimed at developing a modified slake durability test to improve rock fragmentation analysis in block cave mining. The study addresses the issue of mud rushes, which occur when fine materials mix with water, posing significant safety and operational risks in mining. The research explores secondary fragmentation in the Carrapateena mine in South Australia, using a modified rock agitator to simulate rock fragmentation under various conditions. Variables like rotational speed, test duration, and salinity presence are analysed to assess their impact on rock durability and particle size distribution. The goal is to enhance predictive capabilities and optimise mining operations by obtaining a better understanding of fragmentation dynamics, ultimately reducing mud rush incidents and improving safety and efficiency in block cave mining operations.

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Project by:

• Henry Hill 
• Arseny Galliamov 
• Luke Webb 
• Marlon Schneider 

Household electrification is the process of households converting their non-electric appliances to electric counterparts. SA Power Networks operates the electricity distribution industry, and it is their role to predict where equipment failures may occur and plan solutions. Their current software monitors the performance of transformers which are key in the operation of the distribution network. The aim of this project is to expand upon this software to account for the change in demand due to the electrification process in 30-minute intervals from 2025 to 2050. This has been achieved through researching household appliances that would significantly impact energy consumption when electrified. Several factors that influence the uptake of electric alternatives have been explored and publicly available data has been used to allocate electrification scores for South Australian postcodes. From this score, rates of electrification are calculated, and when applied to baseload profiles, forecasts of future demand are produced.

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Project by:

• Jude Varghese 
• Euan Fetherstonhaugh 
• Lucas Billich 

A global target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 combined with an increasing global energy demand has led to the development of renewable energy solutions. This project explores underground hydrogen storage (UHS) as a sustainable solution, recognising hydrogen's potential as a high-density clean energy carrier. Due to the underdeveloped nature of UHS, critical gaps exist in understanding hydrogen migration, compatibility with geological materials, and the sealing integrity of reservoirs. Thus, this research project aims to bridge these gaps by comprehensively investigating hydrogen compatibility with geological formations through computer simulations. The project's primary objectives are to enhance safety, optimise storage capacity, inform the design of reliable storage systems, and enhance UHS. The project was divided into a comprehensive literature review and computational numerical simulations. The literature review analysed the significance of simulations and their limitations for UHS, leading to the selection of the UHS system and simulation software. The simulations aimed to: identify the impact of pressure and temperature on hydrogen sorption in subsurface geological formations, determine the fundamental mechanisms that influence hydrogen migration in UHS, and evaluate the ability of sealing rocks to contain stored hydrogen without structural failure.

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Project by:

• Callum Martin 
• Salomon Mobutu Sese 

This project focuses on addressing a major environmental challenge: the increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. One of the promising ways to reduce CO2 emissions is through Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), wherein CO2 is injected deep underground for long-term storage. However, injecting CO2 into underground formations can cause some difficulties since it can cause blockages called formation damage, that leads to reduction in the effectiveness of the storage. To understand this better, this project aims to compare how CO2 and nitrogen (N2) gases affect the injectivity of gas through laboratory experiments, specifically using core flooding set-ups. These experiments were conducted to compare the amount of formation damage caused by both gases. By assessing the laboratory results, conclusions found in this project can help find ways to improve the injection process, making CCS more efficient.

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Project by:

• Allana Sagubo

In future space exploration and development plans, resource management will become a crucial strategic issue. Among them, water resources will play an indispensable role. Water is not only a necessity for survival in space, it is also an extremely versatile resource. Not only can it be directly supplied to astronauts for drinking, it can also be decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen through electrolysis, becoming a renewable resource that provides the oxygen and fuel needed for life.Numerous studies have confirmed the existence of water on the Moon, although most is stored in solid form beneath the lunar surface.  

The project hopes that by simulating the environmental conditions of the lunar regolith on Earth, researchers can conduct more precise and controllable experiments. These experiments can help scientists verify technical solutions for mining solid water resources and evaluate their suitability and reliability on the lunar surface.

Project by:

• Qi Liu

This project focuses on optimising fragmentation at Carrapateena through drill and blast parameters. When rocks are blasted into fragments that are too big or too small, it causes downstream problems such as higher costs, more wear on equipment, and safety risks. The primary goal of the project is to measure fragmentation by collecting photos of freshly blasted rock and then analysing the data with purpose-built software. The second goal is to design and trial a new blasting plan aimed at improving rock fragmentation or other important factors such as powder factor or reducing safety hazards. By achieving these goals, the project aims to make the mining process smoother, safer, and more cost-effective.

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Project by:

• Mitchell Jakab 

Scaling is a common issue observed in hot water systems, such as boilers, characterised by the formation of solids like calcium carbonate. Scale can lead to decreased efficiency or corrosion in the system. Some water bath heaters utilised by SEA Gas to heat natural gas before decompression were recently discovered to have scaling issues on some of the internal pipes. The aims of this project were to determine the origin and effect of this scale within the heaters and potential methods for removing the scale. Bench-scale experiments were conducted to test the various factors impacting scale formation on a metal surface. It was found that the corrosion inhibitor used has a critical role in scale formation and prevention, contributing to scaling when diluted but inhibiting scaling when concentrated. This shows the importance of inhibitor concentration as an operating condition that should be considered by SEA Gas and industry in general.

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Project by:

• Samuel Harris

Ever wondered what your trip to the airport may look like in 15 years' time. This project explores how Adelaide Airport might adapt to new, environmentally friendly planes powered by hydrogen. By examining and modelling the existing operations of the airport this study identifies the key challenges and considerations of transitioning to an alternatively powered aircraft. Hydrogen fuel requirements were estimated under a transition scenario where which approximately 20% of daily departures are hydrogen powered aircraft. In analysing the entire process from production to utilisation, production, storage and refuelling have been identified as key hurdles in implementing a hydrogen accommodating airport. Within these domains, key safety and regulatory challenges are investigated, with these outcomes providing a roadmap towards a more sustainable future in aviation.

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Project by:

• Thomas Clegg 
• Charles Keegan 
• Henry Warren 

The traditional AC power grid faces challenges in terms of efficiency, power quality, and renewable energy integration. Over time, numerous upgrades have made the network complex and difficult to manage. To address these challenges, there is growing interest in DC grids that offer lower conversion losses, better power quality, and easier integration with modern technologies. The goal of this project is to develop a DC-powered residential nanogrid with intelligent power management to reduce demand peaks and save costs. The main component is the Universal DC Smart Switch (UIDCSS), designed to manage residential loads through a central controller using the Least Slack First (LSF) algorithm. The project also focuses on communication protocols, choosing ZigBee for internal communication and LoRa for connecting multiple nano networks. Eventually, this project explores energy sharing strategies in the housing community using a distributed approach to enhance efficiency and self -tolerance.

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Project by:

• Savinu Jayasuriya 
• Prometheus Gomes 
• Darcy Joseph 

Light-fuelled hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production from seawater for a sustainable future? yes, it is a possibility. In a world increasingly driven by the need for green and eco-friendly solutions, renewable H2O2 synthesis has gained widespread interest due to fossil fuel depletion. H2O2 is used in bleaches, rocket fuel, disinfectants and water treatment. Traditional methods of production for H2O2 involve large energy consumption and produce toxic by-products. In this project, we use engineering methods to alter the structure of the metal free carbon nitride catalyst from its standard (bulk) structure to a porous form. It is then tested in natural and artificial seawater with a catalyst exposed to solar energy, and analysed using advanced characterisation methods. These cutting-edge techniques unveil the hidden properties of the material on an atomic level. By converting ocean water into H2O2, production occurs in a sustainable, less energy intensive and environmentally friendly manner.

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Project by:

• Elisha Bialowas

Our project focuses on making solar cars more efficient and reliable for racing competitions. The main challenge we address is how to get the most energy from the sun while ensuring that the car can perform at its best, even under tough conditions.

To achieve this, we are working on two key areas: the solar cells that capture sunlight and the MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) system that helps the car use that energy as effectively as possible. We design and test different solar cells and MPPT systems to find the best combination for our solar car.

In the end, our goal is to create a solar car that not only competes well in races but also shows how renewable energy can be used in exciting and practical ways. This project could inspire more people to consider sustainable energy solutions in their daily lives.

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Project by:

• Xiangfei Tian 
• Ka Ming Chan 
• Sze Ho Wu 

Light is one of the most abundant energy sources on our planet. In this project, we explore how photocatalysts use light to provide the energy for chemical transformations. Photocatalysts are small particles that absorb light and convert the light energy into electrical charge, which is then used to drive chemical reactions. The photocatalyst is not consumed in the process and can be used for many cycles before needing replacement. Here, we demonstrate some applications of photocatalysts. Photocatalysts can be used to drive the water splitting reaction, producing hydrogen from water. This green hydrogen is a clean fuel that can be used in transportation and heavy industry. The hydrogen production photocatalysts can also be used to convert chemical waste products into more valuable chemical feedstocks. Additionally, photocatalysts can be used to sustainably break down harmful and persistent environmental pollutants such as PFAS.

Project by:

• Jessica de la Perrelle 
• Andrew Dolan 
• Harrison McAfee 
• Zi Goh 
• Rachael Matthews 
• Mahmoud Gharib 
• Muhammad Adnan  

Peak Iron Mines' Hawk's Nest iron ore hub in South Australia features the Kite deposit, rich in magnetite with estimated reserves over 1 billion tonnes. The deposit offers opportunities for selective mining of high-grade direct ship ores (DSO), but the presence of hematite complicates this process, potentially increasing costs and reducing efficiency. Additionally, the arid climate poses challenges for water usage in processing. Efficiently managing these factors is key to optimising ore value.

This project aims to determine a feasible means of beneficiation, reducing power and water consumption and maximising potential profits. Dry beneficiation techniques such as magnetic separation provide a promising solution. Further developments in this field, such as x-ray separation techniques, may also provide efficient separation but at a higher cost. It is expected that a combination of grinding, magnetic separation and other techniques will provide the most feasible option for hematite and magnetite recovery.

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Project by:

• Francesca Tew 

As South Australia (SA) transitions to 100% renewable energy, it is becoming increasingly important to manage fluctuations in weather patterns to ensure a consistent electricity supply for consumers. One way of doing this is with energy storage. This project assists in the transition to 100% renewables by collaborating with ElectraNet to create an interactive model that estimates the energy storage needed for SA to meet the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) reliability standard. To determine the storage required for each region of SA, the model uses a mathematical technique called optimisation, which works in a similar way to how Google Maps finds the quickest way to get from point A to point B. The final model is one that allows users to experiment with different inputs and forecast scenarios, ensuring that the planners of SA's electricity grid can best model the uncertainties of the future.

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Project by:

• Harrison Payne 
• Patrick Moriarty 

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are essential in supporting the increasing demand for electronic devices, appliances, and electric vehicles. However, due to limited recycling and finite raw materials, the circular economy is challenged, impacting the sustainability of LiBs. Additionally, the impact of microplastics is escalating, affecting human life and the environment significantly. Therefore, urgent advances are required to recycle critical metals from LiBs and find sustainable solutions to address the issue of waste plastics.

This project will focus on investigating the efficiency and viability of the co-pyrolysis of micro-plastics, containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from waste plastic bottles, and LiB waste.

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Project by:

• Michael Reitmaier

The transition to cleaner energy solutions has heightened the need for effective carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen storage technologies. However, ensuring the safe and long-term storage of these gases in deep saline aquifers and depleted gas fields poses significant challenges. This project aims to develop a computational tool that models how CO2 and hydrogen move through micro-heterogeneous porous media, such as the complex rock formations found underground.

By building on previous analytical models and applying them to different flow scenarios, the project seeks to predict potential formation damage caused by salt precipitation and fines migration – two key factors that can impact storage integrity. The outcome aims to provide industry stakeholders with a reliable tool to better assess and manage underground gas storage, contributing to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Project by:

• Aoibh Greenshields 

The Adelaide University Solar Racing Team next participates in the World Solar Challenge in 2025. This project aims to design and build a prototype telemetry system for the solar car that wirelessly transmits real-time data from on-board sensors to a graphical interface in an escort vehicle. The ultimate purpose of the system is to support informed safety and strategic decisions, to achieve a positive outcome from the challenge.

Throughout the project, a study of different wireless communication technologies and evaluation of their practical viabilities was conducted. In addition to the delivery of a working prototype, the project includes designing a PCB for integrating the system into the vehicle before the challenge next August. Testing of the prototypes revealed positive outcomes for the use of Wi-Fi and 915MHz radio technologies, and the team is well positioned to take the designed PCB for fabrication and integration into the solar car next year.

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Project by:

• Jak Collins 
• Will Montgomery 
• Will Smart 
• Jamie Tang 

Global warming is one of the biggest threats to life on earth and in response to this Australia has form The Net Zero Plan. As 85% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels for energy the Net Zero Plan includes details of how renewable energy technology will be used to reduce emissions, however, the production of renewables requires large amounts of critical minerals such as copper, aluminium and nickel which release high amounts of GHGs when being extracted for use. This project aims to assess the role of critical minerals in the production of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind and batteries. The project involves a life-cycle analysis and global warming potential estimation of the critical minerals needed to reach the Net Zero targets by 2050. The findings present the question of whether the transition to renewables really will lead to a greener future.

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Project by:

• Isabella Barry 
• Man Kit Ip 

Imagine repurposing the pipelines that carry natural gas today to safely transport clean hydrogen tomorrow. Hydrogen is a type of fuel that can be difficult to work with, as it has the potential to weaken metals like steel over time. Our project focuses on making sure these pipelines can handle hydrogen, finding ways to prevent structural issues such as cracking or leaking. To tackle this, we utilise computer simulations to investigate how exactly hydrogen will flow throughout different shapes of pipelines, and the subsequent response of the pipes to stress. By doing so, we can determine where exactly these cracks are more likely to form, and how they may grow over time. Preventing these issues will ensure the safe transport and storage of hydrogen tomorrow. This research will help Australia progress toward a future with cleaner energy, using infrastructure that is already available to us.

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Project by:

• Nicholas Adams 
• Chloe Colgrave 
• Harrison Georgiadis 
• Jackson Rees 
• Jack Woodward 

With decarbonisation efforts increasing across the world, new fuels in industrial applications are being investigated. One such fuel is hydrogen, which does not produce carbon emissions during combustion and as a bonus, can be mined sustainably as opposed to natural gas. Although an excellent alternative as hydrogen flames burn at higher temperature than natural gas - thus providing higher thermal input - its chemical properties may have a negative effect on its efficiency. This leaves us with a major question - is it viable to use pure hydrogen, or will a natural gas and hydrogen fuel blend be more applicable to furnace heating? This project focuses on providing an insight into whether the fuel bend ratio, excess air and insulation have an effect on the flame temperature and heat transfer within furnaces using real fuel data in Hottlel's zero-dimensional modelling approach.

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Project by:

• Anastasia Andryushkina 

Climate change is our biggest challenge of the last 100 years, and one way to help is by storing carbon dioxide deep underground. Old gas fields and water-filled rocks called aquifers provide great storage solutions. However, predicting how the gas moves and stays trapped there is complex. This project uses mathematical techniques to create simpler models that will help us better understand carbon dioxide storage, without the need for complicated computer simulations. By studying how carbon dioxide and water interact underground, we aim to find safer and more efficient ways of storage. The results will help scientists and engineers choose the best sites and methods for storing carbon dioxide, reducing the impact on our atmosphere and contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.

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Project by:

• Monty Jason Kemsley 

The winemaking industry uses approximately 4.5 litres of water for every litre of wine produced displaying the importance of wastewater treatment. Biogas, a product of the winery wastewater treatment process, can generate power as a sustainable energy source. However, the contamination of hydrogen sulfide diminishes the quality of biogas resulting in operational challenges for its utilisation in power generation. This project aims to investigate hydrogen sulfide removal techniques before and after biogas is produced. The design explores chemical and physical separation techniques; however, the findings question if increasing the quality of biogas is really worth the investment.

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Project by:

• Noah Alt 

The world's greatest innovation and engineering challenge driving decarbonisation through sustainable mobility. The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is a Bi-annual event where teams from around the world compete to race from Darwin to Adelaide only with the power of the sun.  The Adelaide University Solar Racing Team (AUSRT) are building a brand new vehicle for the 2025 race with a new design to meet the 2025 regulations. This project focuses on designing and optimisation the aerodynamic shape and chassis layout of AUSRT's new car, the Lumen III. Ensuring aerodynamic drag as well as vehicle weight is minimised whilst also completing the race safely are at the forefront of this project. With the design being completed, manufacturing will commence of the summer ready for testing prior to the race next year in August.

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Project by:

• Callum Cooper 
• Hei Yin Cheung 
• Hitkanvar Singh 
• Marcus Ly 
• Taylor Lewis 
• Thomas Rooney 

With increasing demand for energy and food, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the role of agriculture and renewables is ever so vital. Wine growers are finding ways to be more self-sufficient and reliant on their power requirements as they look towards renewable energy. Solar energy utilises large amounts of space, hence, to address this, a Vitivoltaic system, the placement of a photo-voltaic system over grapevines was proposed. The university is conducting a study of the effects of shading over grapevines, to provide results and create a proof of concept for other businesses. The project aimed to design and build a structural and electrical solar system that goes over a section of a grapevine row that can produce energy that is modular and transportable. The final design consisted of a lightweight structure that holds the solar panels, with an adjustable angle. The electrical subsystem consisted of a 600W 36V Solar System providing power to a battery and inverter.

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Project by:

• Alex Circelli 
• Guanting Chen 
• Aryaan Pala 

According to the International Energy Agency, global CO₂ emissions from steel production must decrease by 91% to limit Earth's surface temperature rise to 1.5 °C in 2050. Reinvigorating Australia's domestic steel industry by integrating green hydrogen presents a promising avenue to achieve carbon neutrality and gain a competitive edge in global markets that demand low-carbon products. To realise this potential, industry must first address the challenges of selecting resource optimised hub locations and lower production costs. This project focuses on developing a multi-criteria methodology for evaluating prospective hydrogen hubs, incorporating stakeholder perspectives such as co-locating renewables and steel operations. Additionally, a site-based model was developed to explore the trade-offs between system layouts, using sensitivity analyses to highlight the appeal of selecting green hydrogen over coal blast furnace routes. Overall, our study demonstrates that the least-cost system configuration is dependent on having a well-optimised generation mix, adequate storage capacity, and existing infrastructure.

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Project by:

• Joseph Tripodi 
• Tomas Walker 
• Nathan Valentini 
• Rino Mercorella 
• Luciano Mercorella 

Our project will focus on giving countries with limited access to electricity. We will be designing the wind turbine such that it can be easily put together and used to create electricity from the wind. The assembly will be small to allow easy of packaging and the blades of the turbine can be 3D printed, making it cheap and easy to fix or replace parts.

We started by thinking about how to make this turbine as simple as possible so anyone can build it. We aim to find the optimal wind speed ranges for the design and further aim to provide power to small devices like lights or chargers, helping communities that don't have reliable access to electricity.  

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Project by:

• Shirzat Shalar 
• Jared Lai 
• Aatman Pandya 
• Ka Wai Wong 
• Bijayan Shrestha 

As global energy demand surges and the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions intensifies, the significance of renewable energy continues to grow. This project focuses on a critical challenge: extracting clean Hydrogen, a powerful and non-polluting energy source, from hard granite rocks deep underground.

This project focuses on designing a well that is capable of efficiently and safely extracting Hydrogen and Helium from these formations. The project explores various extraction methods and uses specialised software to simulate well performance, analysing existing research to identify the most effective techniques.

Successfully accessing Hydrogen from these challenging geological formations could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease carbon emissions, and support the global shift toward renewable energy. This innovative approach to energy extraction represents a step forward in developing sustainable energy resources.

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Project by:

• Amr Usmani 

Adelaide University competes in the biannual Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge, racing from Darwin to Adelaide in a solar powered car. For the upcoming 2025 race, the Adelaide University Solar Racing team is building a new car, Lumen III, which will be more reliable than ever before. This project focuses on the electronic control systems of the new car, designing a new vehicle control module, and steering wheel interface. The updated vehicle control module interfaces with all other electronic control units in the car, and will provide a basis for future development, allowing for smarter vehicle control, and handling. This project includes new hardware design for the steering wheel and vehicle control module, as well as new firmware and documentation for future teams to build on. The new system will be more approachable by new developers, and open a new world of opportunity for the Adelaide University Solar Racing Team.

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Project by:

• David Sutton 
• Yuchen Zhu 
• Ziyi Wang 

As air travel becomes more sustainable, Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) aircraft are leading the way with quieter, more efficient designs. However, frequent low-altitude flights in urban areas may still pose noise challenges. This project investigates methods to reduce propeller noise on DEP aircraft, specifically examining the interaction of vortices from multiple propellers. The project employs a combination of simulations and experiments to analyse how variations in propeller configurations – such as inter-propeller spacing, rotation direction, and motor speed – affect noise levels. The findings aim to provide actionable recommendations for minimising noise pollution, thereby enhancing the viability of DEP aircraft for urban air mobility.

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Project by:

• William Emina

We intend to explore the innovative Chemical Looping Hydrogen Production (CLH2) method, which generates hydrogen (H2) from biomass while concurrently capturing CO₂. Our research will focus on developing an integrated conversion system that waste biomass as a feedstock with high energy potential, to achieve maximum energy efficiency. The system will include various stages such as superheated steam drying, steam gasification, chemical looping, and the Haber-Bosch process.
We aim to design a Syngas Chemical Looping (SCL) system where a mixture of Fe2O3 and Al2O3 will act as oxygen and heat carriers within the CLH2 module. We will meticulously optimise key operating parameters such as reactor temperature, pressure, oxygen carrier flow rate, and gas enhancer flow rate to enhance system performance, focusing particularly on efficiency.  

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Project by:

• Tristan Chen 

Within intensely weathered regions of arid or semi-arid Australia such as those associated with cratons, shields and continental lowlands and plateaus, fresh bedrock outcropping is scarce. Therefore, a geochemical understanding of cover sequences in regolith-dominated terrains is becoming increasingly important, especially given the exhaustion of major mineral deposits in the near surface (<50m) over the last decade. The scope of this project involves investigating complex geochemical cycling of copper (Cu) through the profile of a mineralised IOCG (iron-ore-copper-gold) site in the Gawler Craton of South Australia. The study site, Hillside, is a high tonnage, low grade (0.6%) IOCG deposit, located in the Olympic Cu-Au Province of the Gawler Craton. Investigative techniques of this project include pXRF and ICP-MS analyses of regolith, and  µXRF, MLA SEM imaging and reflected-light microscopy for rock samples.

Project by:

• Britney Russell

The Australian electricity grid is rapidly shifting towards renewable energy, which poses new challenges for maintaining grid stability. Traditionally, synchronous generators, which are mostly driven by fossil fuels have helped balance the power system, but as more renewable energy is integrated, it is becoming paramount to explore alternatives that can replace the beneficial characteristics of synchronous generators. This project investigates how Grid-Forming Inverters (GFMIs) could play a key role in keeping the grid stable and reliable with very few synchronous machines.   While Grid-Following Inverters (GFLIs) are predominantly employed in the current grid system, they are unable to operate without the system strength and inertial support provided by synchronous machines or that might potentially be provided by GFMIs. The project will implement simulation models of GFMIs, which will be used to explore technical challenges and viability of integrating GFMIs into large grids to contribute to Australia's transition to 100% renewable energy.

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Product by:

• Gyuri (Taylor) Kim

The aim of this project is to develop a Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU), which can be used to monitor the health of an electrical grid. This tool will be used to help detect and solve issues ranging from power outages, and damaged power lines to ensure everyone can have access to safe energy. Through a combination of GPS technology and measurement displays, engineers will be able to precisely determine the occurrence of any safety issues. The desired outcome for the project is to adopt the findings of previous students and solve the issues they were unable to overcome. This will be achieved through creating efficient measuring devices, and comparing different GPS technologies, ensuring the PMU operates at the best of its ability.

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Project by:

• Maxwell Elphick 
• Hugh Kiddy 
• Gefei Du 

The project aims to explore the lightweight internal design for the solar vehicle of the Adelaide University Solar Racing Team (AUSRT), focusing on key structural components like the torsion box, roll hoop protection, interior layout, and battery box container. The torsion box is crucial in providing strength and stability to the vehicle, while the roll hoop ensures the driver's safety in case of a rollover. The interior layout aims to enhance comfort and optimise the ideal location for vehicle system components, considering the limited space within the vehicle. A battery box container is also incorporated to secure the power source of the solar vehicle. By examining these areas using CAD software to meet the design requirements, the project seeks to enhance the safety and efficiency of the solar vehicle while being optimised through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), guiding future designs.

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Project by:

• Tom Gordon 
• Wing Nam Lo 
• Zemin Wong 
• Thomas Egan 
• Yinghao Zhu 
• Ethan Fitzgerald

Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT) is a relatively new technology pioneered in the early 2000s. The primary goal of this project is to evaluate a custom ECVT machine with planar sensors recently acquired by the University of Adelaide in order to test its capabilities regarding 2-3 phase flows, in this case bubbles in water. Data under analysis includes bubble velocity, frequency, size as well as the void fraction of the water column. The secondary goal is to promote ECVT system adoption in industry due to its multitude of beneficial capabilities as compared to traditional systems. These include spacial as well as temporal resolutions, lack of ionising radiation generation, its unobtrusive nature and the ability to observe flows in opaque vessels.

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Project by:

• Clement Frost 

This project focuses on predicting how the stock market will behave in the future using advanced computer techniques. The stock market is affected by many things, like current trends and news from social media. Traditional methods used by economists and analysts often simplify these complex relationships and need a lot of human input, such as expert opinions. This project aims to use machine learning, specifically methods that understand cause-and-effect and analyse text (like news), to figure out what really drives the stock market. The goal is to create a fully automated investment model that can make good financial decisions over time.

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Project by:

• Ke Lin 

Maptek Core Logger is designed for geologists working in remote areas, where they drill and log core samples for large mining operations. The aim of this project is to make core logging easier and more efficient by using real-time data sharing. Geologists can log their data directly into Google Sheets, where it is instantly sent to the cloud and integrated with Maptek's proprietary modelling software. The application allows sheets to be customisable and replicable. Logging geologists can submit sheets for immediate analysis to support quick decision-making. This approach helps geologists stay connected, reduces delays, and ensures that the data collected is accurate and useful for remotely connected mining operations, paving the way for more informed decisions in mineral exploration.

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Project by:

• Pandula Gajadeera 
• Tony Dinh 
• Shriya Somasundara Narasimha 

Optimisation of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) using optimisation algorithms to simulate various scenarios to decrease cost, increase efficiency and renewable share.

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Project by:

• Simarjit Singh 

Australia's long-term plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through increased reliance on renewable energy, technological innovation, and sustainable practices across industries. The objective of the project is to enhance the generation of green hydrogen by tackling both economic and environmental issues. The main goal is to decrease the price of hydrogen while minimising its carbon emissions. An optimisation model incorporates these estimates to compute the levelised cost of hydrogen based on meteorological data. It uses artificial intelligence to predict forthcoming weather patterns, spanning the availability of wind and solar energy, necessary for the generation of renewable energy for hydrogen manufacturing. Furthermore, a bi-objective optimisation framework that includes both cost considerations and a function to compute the overall carbon emissions generated during hydrogen production has been formulated. The result of this investigation provides valuable insights into the optimisation of hydrogen production in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.

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Project by:

• Vinayak Shastri 

Rockbursts are a big danger in deep underground mines, creating unsafe areas for miners. A new support system that reduces the number or severity of rockbursts would be very helpful, especially as more deep mines are built. The project will use mXrap software to test this system, using a method called Excavation Vulnerability Potential (EVP) to measure rockburst risk. The project aims to improve EVP by change in ground support system energy absorption. Consider new Negative Poisson’s Ratio bolt (HE bolt) it can reduce the EVP significantly and increase safety of underground mining operation.

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Project by:

• Elzat Kaiser  
• Lianliang Wang 
• Thomas Hill  
• Daniel Turner 

My project focuses on developing a sustainable method for recycling old batteries from electric vehicles (EVs). As the use of EVs increases, many spent batteries are improperly disposed of, posing environmental risks due to the valuable materials they contain, such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium.

To address this challenge, I am employing Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) in the leaching process to efficiently extract these critical metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. DESs are environmentally friendly, operate at lower temperatures, and offer high efficiency in metal recovery.

The aim is to create a recycling process that minimizes energy consumption and environmental impact while maximizing the recovery of valuable materials. The expected outcome is a more effective and sustainable approach to battery recycling that not only supports the growing EV market but also contributes to a circular economy by reintroducing these essential metals back into production.

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Project by:

• Vuong Mai Khanh Tran 

Imagine building complex structures layer by layer, like a 3D printer, but using molten metal instead of plastic. This isn't the future it's happening now with wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), a process that could revolutionise industries from aerospace to marine engineering. This project partners with AML3D to explore how well Nickel-Aluminium Bronze (NAB), a desirable alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance and strength, performs when made using WAAM. While NAB is ideal for harsh environments like marine applications, WAAM still needs optimisation to ensure the parts can handle extreme stress, such as in ship propellers or airplane components. Using the WAAM printers at AML3D, we printed two sets of NAB specimens, one using higher and the other using lower temperature printing parameters. We then conducted various tests to research and determine the material's mechanical properties as well as its internal structure and defects. The project hopes to contribute research towards the overall implementation of WAAM-printed components in defence structures.

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Project by:

• Anthony Carey Jr 
• Kavan Dave 
• Gurleen Kaur 
• Seaton Siegfried 

Current awareness of the use of machine learning within the mining industry is not up to the same standard across other engineering disciplines. This project combines current machine learning (ML) technologies with the Mining industry, specifically for the Olympic Dam sub-level open stoping mine. This is done with the purpose of enhancing operational efficiency within underground production and development. This will be achieved using predictive modelling, real-time data analytics, and process optimisation. The methodology centres on the development of machine learning algorithms tailored to optimise resource allocation, time management, and improved ore recovery rates. Initial phases involved comprehensive data collection from various operational metrics, followed by the training of ML models to predict and enhance production outcomes.

Significant achievements would include the successful integration of predictive maintenance models that have decreased machinery downtime with flexibility to be implemented with real-time monitoring. Aspirations beyond project completion include scaling the ML system to encompass broader operational processes within the mine and mining method, then adaptation to other mine sites and methods. Continuous improvement from testing and feedback is vital to ensuring the value and potential profitability of the model. This strategic approach ensures that the project not only meets its initial objectives but also establishes a framework for further value. The findings and methodologies of this project are intended to serve as a benchmark for similar mining operations worldwide, making significant strides toward more sustainable and efficient mining practices.

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Project by:

• Adam Faisal 
• Kimberley Wyatt-Read 

This project aims to improve the efficiency of the WD10 Workover Rig, used by Beach Energy for maintenance and repairs in oil and gas wells. A key challenge is Non-Productive Time (NPT) when the rig isn't working due to equipment failures, bad weather, or logistical delays. NPT increases costs and slows production.

To address this, the project analyses historical data provided by the Completion, Production, and Cost teams at Beach Energy to identify the main causes of downtime. By identifying inefficiencies, the data enables better decision-making around scheduling and operations, aiming to reduce delays.

The expected outcome is a more efficient workover process, reducing NPT and allowing the rig to complete more tasks in less time. This will not only lower operational costs for Beach Energy but also improve the productivity of their oil and gas wells, leading to smoother and more cost-effective operations.

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Project by:

• Ahad Kajani
• Huynh Nguyen Dac Khoa 

With the global push to drastically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 sequestration and storage in underground oil and gas reservoirs offers a potential technology for CO2 reduction. However, the mobilisation of fine clay particles within porous host rocks presents a significant threat as blocking of pores and permeability damage result in a significant reduction in CO2 storage potential.  

The project aims to model a series of particle mass balance and force balance equations pertaining to the detachment of colloidal particles during CO2 injection. Subsequently, the model will predict the critical velocity for particle detachment based on key parameters including reservoir pH, salinity, particle size and particle shape. Sensitivity analysis and resulting plots will be produced to demonstrate the application of the model. The results will be used to predict CO2 well injectivity from micro-scale properties of particle-substrate system.

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Project by:

• Timothy Blyzno 
• Samuel Blyzno  

The Australian electricity grid is rapidly shifting towards renewable energy, which poses new challenges for maintaining grid stability. Traditionally, synchronous generators, which are mostly driven by fossil fuels have helped balance the power system, but as more renewable energy is integrated, it is becoming paramount to explore alternatives that can replace the beneficial characteristics of synchronous generators. This project investigates how Grid-Forming Inverters (GFMIs) could play a key role in keeping the grid stable and reliable with very few synchronous machines.   While Grid-Following Inverters (GFLIs) are predominantly employed in the current grid system, they are unable to operate without the system strength and inertial support provided by synchronous machines or that might potentially be provided by GFMIs. The project will implement simulation models of GFMIs, which will be used to explore technical challenges and viability of integrating GFMIs into large grids to contribute to Australia's transition to 100% renewable energy.

Project by:

• Taylor Kim

The aim of my project is to create a material that helps a reaction generate hydrogen more efficiently, which will be used as a fuel alternative and additionally help address the issue of high carbon emissions within industries that require large quantities of oil-based fuels. This material is created using high temperatures and reagents, which creates a black powder to be used for reaction. This powder is inserted into an electrolytic cell, which generates hydrogen from water using electricity, with the electricity usage being measured to determine efficiency. The outcome of this project found that this material was much more efficient, hopefully using urea from sewage to create green hydrogen.

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Project by:

• Liam Crossland

Supporting increased copper production for future renewable resources.

The research project focus is to collate and analyse Electric Furnace [EF] blister taphole [BTH] data at the BHP Copper SA Smelter based at Olympic Dam [OD]. The project uses the data available to support safe increase of throughput of the taphole tonnes of blister copper to meet the uplift in Smelter throughput planned over the next 5 years. The increased throughput is required to support future renewable resources, whilst handling reduction in copper grades. The project data has supported a potential for 40% uplift in throughput for the taphole components to date with future potential to achieve more. 

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Project by:

• Abigaile Gibson

Imagine we’re working on a super tool that helps make a special type of battery called a “liquid zinc battery” even better! These batteries are really useful for storing energy, but to make them work just right, we need to find the best ingredients, like a recipe. This project aims to build a computer program that can help us find the perfect “recipe” for these batteries.

First, we collect a lot of information on how these batteries have worked before. Then, we teach a computer to look at this information and suggest what ingredients to use for the best results. The program will show these suggestions on a simple dashboard, so people can easily pick the best options.

In the end, this tool will help scientists and engineers make better batteries that are more powerful, last longer, and are safer to use!

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Project by:

• Austin Davidson

Wine evaporation during barrel storage has posed a significant challenge for the wine industry since its inception in 350BC. When stored in an oak barrel, wine reacts through several chemical processes within the barrel. The result is a more durable and stable wine with a more full-bodied, complex and concentrated palate. For example, colour and tasting notes become deeper, bolder and intensified. The barrel imparts hundreds of different substances/chemicals to the wine. Typically, 2-5% of a barrel’s volume is lost per year to evaporation resulting in significant economic losses and potential changes in quality. This research project aims to explore the current environmental conditions employed, especially ambient temperature and humidity, and methods used to control these factors to ultimately minimise evaporation without compromising quality and mitigating mould growth. 

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Project by:

• Kade Dejanovic

Solid-State batteries are an emerging alternative to traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries as there is a rising demand for batteries with more efficiency and safer in terms of energy storage. They contain a higher energy density, improved safety and potentially a longer lifespan. The downside to this option is the low electronic conductivity. This project aims to build a database focusing on solid-state batteries and recording their conductivity to learn the best alternative to traditional Li-ion batteries. The database was built by utilising ChemDataExtractor, a python library that can take in multiple literature sources and extract the data from them to collate the information into one database. This way, the optimal batteries of energy storage can be easily observed.

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Project by:

• Max Semenov

The renewable energy transition has never been more important; however, heavy industries like alumina production which rely on fossil-fuel-generated heat for over 90% of their energy needs are in danger of being left behind. Thermal energy storage (TES) offers a potential solution to provide the continuous supply of renewable heat required for the alumina digestion process, despite the intermittency of solar and wind power generation. The project aimed to investigate the thermal distribution and heat loss from a TES tank during charging and discharging cycles using FEA and CFD models, which were later experimentally validated using a small-scale tank model. A system model was also developed to explore the optimal integration of TES subsystems to maximise system efficiency and reduce the levelised cost of heat. These model results help to understand how best to implement a large-scale and commercially viable TES system with the potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries.

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Project by:

• Amy Liew 
• Andy Yew 
• Clifford Tan