Active Chilled Beams

A novel method of providing entrained air-cooling was developed at the University of Adelaide to address acoustic noise and cooling capacity problems in perimeter air conditioning systems. The technology was patented and incorporated into active chilled beam products. The company Dadanco was formed in 1995 that manufactures these products and provides analysis and testing services.

Robotic Hand

A robotic hand, with very few moving parts, has been developed and patented by the School of Mechanical Engineering.A video of the hand operating can be seen on YouTube.

Please contact Prof Colin Hansen for more details.

Micro-Motion Stage

A 3-axis micro-motion stage, which is designed for the positioning of samples in a Scanning-Electron-Microscope (SEM) has been developed.

Please contact Dr. Tien-Fu Lu for more details.

Hexapod Robot Control System for Biomechanics Testing

A novel design of a Hexapod Robot is underway at the School of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics, Flinders University and the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide, to enable complex 6 DOF testing of bones, joints, soft tissues, artificial joints and other medical/surgical devices.

Please contact Assoc Prof Benjamain Cazzolato for more details.

Digital Acoustic Energy Density Probe

The probe permits the measurement of acoustic energy density and was built using digital signal processing chips.

Please contact Assoc Prof Benjamain Cazzolato for more details.

Engineering Noise Control Software

This software enables consultants and students to quickly perform common engineering noise control calculations.

Please see the Causal Systems web site for more details.

Active Noise and Vibration Controller

The Acoustics Vibration and Control group have developed several active noise and vibration controllers that are available for sale. These include the EZ-KIT lite, EZ-ANC, EZ-ANC2. A next generation controller is currently in development.

Please see the Causal Systems web site for more details.

Adaptive Tuned Vibration Neutraliser

An adaptive tuned vibration neutraliser (also known as a damper) was developed as part of a DSTO Capability Technology Demonstrator project. The technology is capable of automatically tracking two independent frequencies and provides significant vibration attenuation. The technology was demonstrated on a Collin Class submarine engine vibration isolator.

Please contact Dr. Carl Howard if you are interested in utilising this technology for your application.

Olympic Torch

The Centre for Energy Technology group developed the burner that was used in the torches for the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games and Doha 2006 Asian Games. As a result of significant research and development, the CET came up with a unique burner, known as the "crinkle burner", which has since been patented.

 Please contact Assoc Prof Richard Kelso for more details.

Ceremonial Flame Technology

The facilities and personnel at the Centre for Energy Technology have contributed to developing the technology behind some of the most watched man-made flames in history by adapting the technology developed for the Olympic Torch as other novel devices for ceremonial flames. Projects include:

• Sydney 2000 Olympic Cauldron
• Athens 2004 Olympic Cauldron
• Rings of Fire effect, 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
• Doha 2006 Sports City tower cauldron (at 22MW, amongst the largest flame of its type ever)
• A 2MW Line of Fire and a 1.6MW Ring of Fire for the Wagner Ring Cycle (Adelaide Festival Theatre)

 Please contact Dr. Jordan Parham for more details.

Coal dewatering technology using Mechanical Thermal Expression

The research conducted in Adelaide on behalf of the CRC for Clean Power from Lignite developed new coal dewatering technology using Mechanical Thermal Expression (MTE). This has the potential to significantly increase the thermal efficiency of brown coal-fired power stations.

Research included characterising the reactivity of the char produced by the dewatered coal under typical boiler combustion conditions and developing new boiler mathematical models. The commercial impact of this work can be judged by the fact that a 15 t/h coal dewatering plant is currently being constructed at Loy Yang Power Station, Victoria.

Please contact Professor Graham ‘Gus’ Nathan for more details.

Aerodynamic Pre-filter Technology

The CET group provided the under-pinning research for the aerodynamic aspects of the agglomerator and pre-filter devices of industry partner Indigo Technologies. These devices can achieve a reduction in fine particle emissions by 60% for 10 micron particles, to 90% reduction for the important range of PM2.5 particles (smaller than 2.5 microns) when installed upstream from electrostatic precipitators from coal fired power stations. These devices can also achieve an 80% reduction in capture by sorbents of gaseous pollutants such as mercury.

 Please contact Dr. Peter Kalt for more information

GyroTherm Burner

The CET group is the originator of, and remains the leading research group in, Precessing and Oscillating Jet “Gyro-Therm” Burner technology, commercialised by industrial partner FCT-Combustion. In rotary kilns within the cement and lime sector, these technologies typically provide a 50% reduction in NOx emissions while also increasing radiant heat transfer and translating the heat-flux profile to the front of the flame. The combined value of these benefits easily exceeds US$1m in a large kiln through reduced fuel consumption, improved brick life and improved product quality.

Please contact Professor Graham ‘Gus’ Nathan for more details.