Solar Thermal Group
The Group conducts research and development activities that to improve the conversion of solar energy using flat plate non concentrating systems and mirrored solar concentrators. Our activities are roughly split into low temperature and high temperature areas.Solar-thermal systems can be used for small and large-scale production of heat and electricity. The new ANU 500m2 solar dish is the largest paraboidal dish solar concentrator in the world. It concentrates the sun's radiation over 2000 times and can drive high temperature processes such as steam for power generation and chemical reactions for fuel production. The new approach to solar concentrator systems offers a cost-effective, sustainable and viable solution for the world's large-scale energy needs, and is set to be part of the rapidly growing global renewable energy industry. The dish technology is being commercialized by Canberra-based Company, Wizard Power. The prototype was developed with funding from Wizard Power and the Australian Government Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI).
We are interested in hearing from potential students who are considering a PhD pathway.
Or, you might like to try us out during our annual summer research scholar program.
There are many ways in which we collaborate with industry, government and other research institutions.
We welcome involvement with international and national research networks. Contact the relevant member of academic staff to discuss a visit to our research group.
