Monash Energy Institute congratulates our energy researchers recognised by $1.3 million ARC research funding

Accurate Fault Location Methods for Complex Power Networks

This project aims to devise novel algorithms to tackle one of the longstanding and challenging problems in power networks; finding the fault location in power lines. Recent bushfire preventive technologies that have been installed in power networks make the fault location process extremely challenging and time-consuming, leaving communities without power for many hours in extreme heatwave conditions. The intended outcomes of the project are innovative algorithms that are able to pinpoint the fault location more accurately in complex networks, with many fewer measurement devices than conventional methods. This is expected to provide significant benefits for public safety and power supply reliability.

Reliable Integration of Distributed Low-Carbon Energy Resources

This project aims to generate new knowledge that will facilitate the integration of low-carbon distributed energy resources into electricity grids. This project expects to advance the theory, algorithms, and methods in the area of smart grids using innovative approaches of optimisation and data analytics. Expected outcomes of this project include novel algorithms and tools to enable the reliable integration of low-carbon distributed energy resources and unlock their value in electricity grids. This should provide significant benefits, such as affordable electricity for Australian consumers, improvements in the reliability of grids in Australia, and increased and more effective use of sustainable energy for emission reduction.

Novel Hydroxide Ion Conductive Membranes for Advanced Ammonia Fuel Cell

This project aims to address a longstanding challenge in the development of direct ammonia fuel cells for utilization of ammonia as a green energy carrier. It proposes to develop advanced hydroxide ion conductive membranes based on novel porous framework materials to achieve high hydroxide ion conductivity and lower ammonia crossover simultaneously, thereby substantially enhancing the energy efficiency of direct ammonia fuel cells. The proposed research expects to create new knowledge in the fields of membrane science and energy. The successful development of advanced membranes will improve the efficiency of storage of intermittent and fluctuating renewable resources, thereby contributing to the reduction of carbon footprint in Australia.