26 March 2026
EVs at the Margins: Remoteness, Inequality and Transport Decarbonisation in Australia
Electric vehicles (EVs) are central to Australia’s decarbonisation agenda, yet uptake remains low in remote and very remote Australia, despite the potential for disproportionate benefits in these communities.
13 March 2026
Modelling and PID control of Vacuum System
Experimental modelling of the dynamic behavior of a vacuum control system and using the resulting system model to redesign and tune the PID controller for improved performance.
13 March 2026
Spark Detection and Control in the Detector
The project involves analysis of high‑voltage current measurements from a detector, to model and predict the onset of avalanche‑induced sparking.
The work aims to develop a control system to reduce sparking while maintaining detector operation.
12 March 2026
Developing Learning Materials to Explain Energy vs Power for Homeowners and Household Energy Users
Homeowners frequently confuse power (instantaneous demand) with energy (total consumption), which affects decisions about:
- Choosing a battery size (kWh) vs battery discharge rate (kW)
- Understanding why appliances can run at the same time or trip circuits
- Managing peak demand and selecting efficient devices
- Interpreting electricity bills, demand charges, and inverter ratings
These misconceptions create barriers to:
- Effective battery usage
- Safe home electrical practices
- Accurate financial expectations from solar + battery investments
- Consumer participation in programs such as VPPs
The materials produced will be used in microcredentials designed for homeowners, trades, and policy staff.
12 March 2026
Evaluating Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Offers Against Consumer-Centred Criteria
Household participation in VPPs is growing, but many consumers struggle to interpret offers, understand risks, and evaluate value streams.
The VPP Literacy microcredential project identifies consumer comprehension and decision barriers as a core challenge that limits VPP uptake and trust. Clear, evidence-based comparisons of VPP offerings are needed for both consumer education and the development of applied learning content for policy, industry and training partners.
12 March 2026
Threat Modelling and Cybersecurity Analysis for Home Battery Systems
Battery cybersecurity research highlights a complex threat landscape — including false data injection, malware, wireless interference, supply chain vulnerabilities, and cloud-based BMS attack surfaces — but notes that most solutions remain theoretical, with low industry adoption and no battery-specific cybersecurity standards.
Residential battery systems are becoming highly interconnected through cloud monitoring, mobile apps, and VPP participation. Yet, classic BMS designs lack essential security mechanisms, making home systems potentially vulnerable.
The VPP microcredential programme requires clear, accessible cybersecurity content to support homeowner, installer, and policy learning.
24 February 2026
Design and optimisation of hydrogen-fuelled industrial burners
This project focuses on the design and optimisation of hydrogen-fuelled industrial burners for high-temperature applications such as steelmaking, glass manufacturing, and power generation.
The project aims to provide design guidelines for industrial-scale hydrogen burners, supporting the transition to decarbonised industrial energy systems.
24 February 2026
Development of hydrogen-based reduction processes for recovery of iron, alumina, and other valuable materials from bauxite residues
This project focuses on developing low-emission processes for recovering valuable elements from bauxite residue (red mud) using hydrogen-based direct reduction combined with mineral additives. The work aims to improve iron reduction efficiency, prevent undesirable phase formation, and enhance downstream separation of iron and alumina.
23 February 2026
AI technologies in nuclear applications
This project is a literature review focusing on cataloguing and classifying the types of artificial intelligence models being discussed in academic literature discussing nuclear applications. This work will underpin future studies of AI integration in nuclear systems and the potential safety implications of such activities.
23 February 2026
Rethinking catchment models for the future of the Great Barrier Reef
This project will apply the INCA water quality model to one or more reef catchments in the Great Barrier Reef, to trace pollution sources and guide management.
23 February 2026
Theoretical modelling of state-of-the-art solar cells
The next generation of solar cells will use "tandem" structures that combine two solar cells in one device. This creates new challenges in designing the cells and integrating them into modules. In this project, you’ll model tandem devices using different theoretical approaches to explore how to maximise the performance of future solar technologies.
23 February 2026
Light–Matter Interactions in chalcogenides materials for Solar Energy Applications
This project investigates light–matter interactions in scalable thin-film absorber materials for next-generation solar cells, including WS₂, WSe₂, selenium (Se), and Sb₂S₃.
Explore more student research projects across the ANU College of Systems and Society.
Looking for a Capstone project? These placements are managed separately through the Engineering Design Capstone course.
For more Work Integrated Learning opportunities, including internships and work experience, head to ANU Career Central or any questions please email engagement.eng@anu.edu.au