Project to identify best energy options for remote QLD communities

A three year, $100K project being undertaken at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) aims to remove the guess work for rural Queenslanders in choosing reliable, cost-effective energy sources.

Funded through a generous donation to the University from the Brazil family, the project will consider different supplies of energy ie. solar power, gas and diesel driven generators, to identify the most suitable energy supply scenarios for remote and rural communities.

USQ's Deputy Head of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering Dr Tony Ahfock said the project will work towards making up-to-date energy information and decision making tools accessible to remote and rural communities of Queensland.

'The project aims to identify how to best use what is available to the specific community to allow people to make informed decisions about their energy supply.

'To achieve this objective, the project will link with other research projects currently being undertaken in the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying in the areas of photovoltaics (solar panels), electrolysis, solar thermal energy, biodiesel, and Stirling engine and internal combustion engine efficiency improvement.'

A partner in a successful broad-scale dryland and irrigation farming business, Lyn Brazil and his wife (and USQ Chancellor), Bobbie are proud to support the project.

'We own properties in Queensland and a remote area of the Northern Territory, so I understand the challenges associated with sourcing and storing energy supplies,' Mr Brazil said.

'Similar challenges exist throughout the Pacific and in Africa and I think this project will help the depth of the work on renewable energy within the Faculty.'

USQ Alumni and Engineering consultant, Andreas Helwig will complete the project.

'The opportunity for this project motivated me to complete my PhD, as it matches my interest in remote areas and developing nations.'

A rail and transport electrical machine specialist, Andreas has conducted various research projects in the field of axial-flux electrical machines, since graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering in 1979.

'Capital costs are a problem out west and lifecycle costs also need to be built in. For example, deep cycle batteries do not have the lifespan they are meant to have under certain conditions, because of current demand transient peaks and troughs resulting from equipment use such as refrigerators.

'Given this, my research will look at maximising and extending the life of batteries and putting together a unique group of technologies that work in remote areas and developing nations that will optimise the supply and demand of energy.'

Andreas is confident the outcomes of the project will have international relevance.

'I am honoured to lead an aid program called ‘Project Madagascar', so as an aid development worker this new project is a great privilege as I will be able to use its outcomes in the future.'

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559