Read about some of the AMCRC’s recent project successes:
Project Name: Algae Systems for Carbon Capture and Renewable Products
Program Theme Area: Next Generation Processes
AMCRC is helping to fund and facilitate an exciting algae to fuel project in partnership with MBD Energy and James Cook University. The group is commercialising technology to use algal strains to generate algal bio-products such as animal feedstocks and fuels through the capture of carbon waste (e.g. from power plant emissions). Significant progress has been made in the past year with the setup of a one hectare trial plant at the Tarong Power Station in South East Queensland as well as a demonstrator plant at James Cook University. MBD is providing the engineering skills, James Cook is contributing the biochemistry expertise and strain selection and AMCRC is matching MBD for funding on a one to one basis. The next stage plan is to conduct similar carbon capture and recycling programs at two other plants where it has struck agreements: Loy Yang A in Victoria and Eraring in NSW. Following the success of the pilot stage and strong interest in the project MBD energy has brought forward plans for an IPO from 2013 to 2012. The project has the potential to transform the energy and agricultural industries.
Click here to read more about the Algae Systems for Carbon Capture Project
Project Name: Surface Modification Technology
Program Theme: Advanced Materials Manufacturing
An AMCRC sponsored project to develop a revolutionary new surface treatment for tools, die casts and metal parts with global application moved forward with the installation of the technology at a new plant in Altona, Victoria in 2010. The consortium led by HARD technologies includes Deakin University, Capral and the Victoria Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM). The AMCRC has contributed funding and material support to the project which is now in a commercialisation phase. The technology uses surface moficiation technology to improve wear resistance of aluminium and other metal components to be used by tool manufacturers. Applications range from tools, die casts and metal parts. HARD’s technology is unique in that it changes the atomic structure of the metal surfaces to make the part more durable while competitors coat the tools surface. The technology can increase the life span of tools, dies and metal components by as much as 300% or more.
Click here to read more about the Surface Moficiation Technology project
Project: Permanent Magnetic Motor Technology
Program Theme: Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicle Components
Since 2010 the AMCRC has been funding and facilitating the transfer of expertise and technology from the CSIRO to Marand Precision Engineering in the area of brushless permanent magnetic motor technology. These smart electric motors were initially developed by the CSIRO for solar powered racing cars in the late 90′s. These high torque, high power, compact electric motors are 98% efficient compared to about 70% for standard induction motors. This efficiency makes the motors well suited for situations where energy has to be used efficiently such as when it is coming from solar cells or batteries. With the introduction of semi-automation and the first motors rolling off the production line in January 2011 Marand is focusing on the growing market for electric and hybrid vehicles. However many other potential applications have been identified including: tidal turbines, propulsion drives and side thrusters for large ships, washing machine motors, machine tool motors, electric power steering motors, computer hard disk drive motors and solar powered drone planes.
Click here to read more about the Brushless Permanent Magnetic Motor Technology project
Project: Innovativity Innovation Management Training
Program Theme: SME Engagement, Education and Innovation Management
Commencing in June 2011 the AMCRC launched a first of its kind innovation management training program for the Australian manufacturing industry. The inagural program dubbed ‘Innovativity’ was heralded a Success by the 16 industry leaders in attendance. Innovativity training teaches the specific skills needed to consistently generate business-changing technology, powerful ideas and other innovative solutions. The program is uniquely tailored to the needs of Australian manufacturers and manufacturing innovators of all sizes who are aiming to reach global markets with their ideas and know-how.
Click here to read more about the Innovation Management Training Project
