Current Projects
A number of exciting sustainability research projects are currently underway at the University of Melbourne.
Parkville Campus
Biofuels from Microalgae
This project is working to develop technology to produce biodiesel and other valuable by-products from large-scale cultivations of microalgae. In this project researchers from the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering have partnered the Victor Smorgon Group’s Bio Fuels Pty Ltd to improve downstream processing methods that will bring biofuel production closer to commercial reality. Compared to using fossil fuels, the production of biofuel from microalgae is an essentially carbon neutral process, with the CO2 released during fuel combustion originating from the CO2 absorbed by the algae.
Shallow geothermal bores have been established near the Beaurepaire (Sports) Centre. It is expected that these geothermal bores will generate enough energy to regulate atmospheric temperatures in the Beaurepaire weights room eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling.
How shallow geothermal bores can be used to regulate temperature.
Organic Solar Cells
A demonstration of organic solar cells is being developed by Chemical Engineering and may be suitable on University buildings. Organic solar cells are made of very cheap and durable polymers, rather than the very fragile and expensive silicone that photovoltaic cells are made from. UoM is lead research partner, working with other academic, research and industry bodies as part of the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium, see:
http://www.musse.unimelb.edu.au/august-11-66/cheaper-efficient-solar-power-sight-funding-boost
http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/
Burnley Campus
Sustainability Research Projects at Burnley Campus
Across All Campuses
On campus Renewable Energy Generation
There is current interest in assessing the viability of on-campus energy generation through wind, geothermal and solar. Research in this field and feasibility studies will be conducted in the near future.
To have your sustainability-related research profiled on the Achieving a Sustainable Campus website, please Contact Us