Technology

Robotics company Luminous has secured almost $5 million in federal government funding to support the deployment of a fleet of AI-powered robots designed to accelerate the construction of utility-scale solar farms.

The Chinese manufacturer said the result was confirmed by TÜV Rheinland. It was achieved through a sunken pyramid structure that reportedly achieves selective-texture on the non-electrode area of rear-side and a zebra-crossing passivation contact structure that is said to ensure excellent passivation.

Australian wave power technology company Carnegie Clean Energy has secured new funding to advance the design of a commercial wave energy generation system for offshore applications, starting with the moored vessels used in the aquaculture sector.

Researchers have simulated 160 cases of PV rooftop installation in southern and northern Italy. Among changing parameters were size and type of the panels, as well as their roof cover rate. The considered albedos were 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, representing different types of roof materials.

The feasibility of deploying floating solar systems on farm-based water storages to optimise water retention and generate renewable energy that could serve as an alternative income stream for landholders will be investigated as part of an Australian-first research project.

Queensland battery technology developer Li-S Energy has signed a supply and testing agreement with an unnamed defence technology company, targeting integration of lithium-sulfur battery solutions into advanced military and security systems.

The tandem device is based on a bottom organic cell that can achieve a power conversion efficiency of 17.9% and a high short-circuit current density of 28.60 mA cm2. Furthermore, it uses a top perovskite solar cell with an open-circuit voltage of 1.37 V and a fill factor of 85.5%.

Neara co-founder Jack Curtis says the opportunity to boost capacity of existing transmission networks is possible with smarter grid solutions and derisk reliance on new transmission projects facing potential delays.

Researchers have demonstrated that the theoretical optimal tilt for rooftop solar energy production in low-cost buildings in Nigeria is approximately 5.67°. Their modeling suggests to adopt south-facing roofs for PV generation in the southern hemisphere.

Victorian network company AusNet has launched a new program that entitles landowners of properties neighbouring the proposed Western Renewable Link transmission project to one-off payments of $20,000 or $40,000.