This project gives a student the opportunity to work closely with a senior researcher and be part of a diverse and supportive research group that includes postgraduate and PhD students working on photovoltaic (PV) characterisation, imaging techniques, artificial intelligence based analysis for PV module quality assessment related topics. The student will receive regular guidance and feedback while learning how research is carried out in an academic environment.
The aim of the project is to understand and estimate the environmental impacts of a large solar power plant in Australia over its full lifetime. Instead of assuming that conditions stay the same, the project looks at how things change over time, such as improvements in the electricity grid, the gradual ageing of solar panels and future advancement in the PV manufacturing. Using computational modelling and publicly available Australian data, the student will compare a traditional one off static assessment with a time based dynamical approach and explore what this means for the climate benefits of large scale solar energy.
School
Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
Research Area
PV recycling | Techno economic environmental modelling | Life cycle assessment of PV modules | Quality assessments using machine learning based analysis
Suitable for recognition of Work Integrated Learning (industrial training)?
Yes
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
The student will work in a supportive research group, closely supervised by an experienced researcher, with regular interaction with postdocs and postgraduate/PhD students. The environment provides opportunities for discussion, feedback, and learning how academic research is conducted in practice.
- Develop a python based/computational model to simulate dLCA and compare results with the static LCA
- Project report summary (aims, method, results and key findings), Poster presentation
- Improved research skills, including working with data and interpreting results
- ISO 14040 (2006): International standard defining the principles and framework for Life Cycle Assessment.
- IPCC AR6 (Working Group III): Authoritative source on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of energy technologies, including solar PV.
- Jordan & Kurtz (2016): Key reference on long term photovoltaic degradation rates used in PV performance modelling.
- AEMO (2024) Integrated System Plan: Australia specific projections of electricity system evolution and grid decarbonisation.
- Australia specific life cycle inventory data. Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society (ALCAS). (2023). AusLCI: Australian Life Cycle Inventory Database. https://www.auslci.com.au