MUERI: Leading edge energy research
Renewable energy offers alternative sources of supply which are often more attractive than conventional sources. It provides a clean, reliable approach to the energy needs of remote communities and developing nations and it is now seen as a major option for greenhouse gas abatement.Understandably, keeping up-to-date with the latest on renewable energy research and energy systems makes good business sense.Murdoch University is widely regarded as one of Australia's leading centres for energy research, development and education -- something of a one-stop shop for expertise on renewable energy.The University, the host institution for the Australian Co-operative Research Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) and its own Energy Research Institute (MUERI), is setting the pace with research into renewable energy systems .Operating through the Institute, Murdoch's staff have partnered with government and industry to help develop a wide range of renewable energy systems, some of which are now in commercial production.Expertise
MUERI staff provide consulting and contract research services to government and industry in many aspects of power generation and use.
Interest in the work being carried out by the Institute is heightening, particularly among international markets in Asia and the Pacific.The Institute has developed six main areas of expertise:- research and development of renewable energy devices;
- advanced systems for energy storage;
- design and optimisation of renewable energy systems;
- testing and evaluation of energy conversion devices and systems;
- research and consulting services on energy policy and technology; and
- education and training in renewable energy systems.
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| Zinc-bromine battery research is being led by Murdoch and its commercial partner, and has the potential to create a new billion-dollar industry. |
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The Institute is at the forefront of energy research and has more than 10 years experience in providing services to industry, government and the community. Clients include the WA Office of Energy, the World Health Organisation, the Department of Primary Industries and Energy, AusAid, the United Nations International Centre for the Application of Solar Energy and many major renewable energy firms.
Some of its projects have included the design of mobile energy units for remote areas, and research on renewable energy conversion devices such as wind turbines, amorphous silicon solar cells and biomass processing.Already, mobile power stations designed by MUERI are providing an energy source for isolated Aboriginal communities around Australia.Exciting developments in energy storage are emerging from zinc-bromine battery, fuel cell and lead-acid battery research.Zinc-bromine battery research, for example, is being led by Murdoch and its commercial partner, ZBB Technologies, and has the potential to create a new billion-dollar industry.Apart from the energy conversion devices themselves, the issue of energy management is targeted, particularly in remote communities which may need to access a combination of energy sources, or where demand fluctuates and the power supply needs to cover low loads and peak times efficiently.At a policy level, the Institute actively investigates greenhouse issues, transport energy use and sustainable energy options, as well as keeping its finger on the pulse of broader energy-use issues.Energy education is one of Murdoch's recognised strengths. Training courses and award courses are available to suit a wide range of needs.| Further information | |
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