Decarbonising the Grid with Renewables

Work on a range of thin film solar cell technologies to offer a renewable solution to generate electricity. These not only enable flexible photovoltaic products, but also lower the cost of silicon PV by increasing solar photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency through the use of high-efficiency tandem cells

Developing and releasing open-source codes specifically designed to model the electronic and optical response of inorganic solar cells, notably III-V solar cells and silicon tandem solar cells, to a high level of accuracy using computer simulations.

Using a range of different molecules to manipulate light for more efficient energy applications. Laboratories specialising in the characterisation and application of several molecular technologies. Leading expertise in spectral manipulation and exciton management using photochemical upconversion and singlet fission, and concentrating light using molecular luminescence.

Using various forms of advanced scanning probe microscopy to characterise the properties of grain boundaries, and other material interfaces, with nanometre lateral resolution under light illumination.

Understanding the nanoscale properties of energy materials is critical in optimising their performance. Nanoscale functional imaging, using the atomic force microscope to measure local electrical and structural behaviour to gain deeper insight, is superbly suited for this purpose.

High penetrations of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) can have a range of impacts. Successful integration of DER will be critical to managing system cost and reliability. This involves managing a range of technical and financial impacts, which in turns involves public participation, regulatory development and appropriate business models.

Unravelling the defects grown during the processing of state-of-the-art silicon solar cells to ensure high quality and high efficiency.

Advanced inspection systems and characterisation methods have been developed that cover the entire photovoltaic chain of wafers, cell and modules. These unique techniques are then used to investigate defects and degradation mechanisms at any level of a photovoltaic system.

Testing the stability of silicon solar cells, including accelerated degradation testing of susceptibility to light-induced degradation and the recently identified light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation mechanisms.

The Water Research Laboratory (WRL) is a world-leading fundamental and applied research organisation that tackles some of the world’s most challenging water engineering problems. It offers laboratory facilities to test waves and currents in 2D and 3D, at scales appropriate for coastal engineering, device and array testing.

Developing new materials and design tools to overcome the technical challenges that have previously limited membrane distillation technology, to open up an innovative method for the co-production of water and electricity which can handle transient solar and water quality inputs.

Geothermal energy can provide the cheapest, cleanest and most abundant source of baseload power. Innovative solutions for cascaded heat use and direct heat applications are scalable and can provide clean power for industrial and domestic applications.

Industry and academic experience in commercial assessment of photovoltaic technologies from a combined cost, performance and market perspective.

>Providing expertise in broad areas of non-linear control engineering, including the application of control design and algorithm analysis for microgrids.

Using expertise in analysis and control of microgrids to develop and implement novel solutions.

The development of innovative inverter control techniques that improve the overall response of microgrids during both normal operation and grid disturbances.

The Water Research Laboratory (WRL) provides specialist services to dam engineering at its laboratory facilities in Manly Vale, Sydney. It provides both fundamental research of flow dynamics on spillways, and commercial large-scale physical modelling of hydraulic structures.

Research into wind technologies to analyse the impact wind energy has on electricity markets, develop models, and assess the technical impacts of integrating it into the grid.