This year, for the first time, the APSRC will be hosting a number of Special Sessions that focus on particular topics that may be of particular interest to industry. A brief description for each is provided below.
Solar Hot Water for 2030
This session is to investigate solar thermosyphon and solar photovoltaic (PV) hot water heating systems because we believe these represent keystone technologies for sustainable hot water production in 2030. Both technologies avoid pumps, require little maintenance, and have relatively low up-front capital costs. Both technologies also offer the potential for innovation through ‘smart’ control systems, real-time monitoring, and integration with other energy systems (e.g., heat pumps). The Task meeting will cover recent developments in the market, best (and non-ideal) practices, and some of the emerging trends for these two technologies.
PV for Zero Emission buildings in 2050
Buildings account for 40% of global energy consumption. Energy efficient buildings with photovoltaic (PV) systems are a promising alternative for zero emission buildings in 2050. This session will focus on new technologies and demonstration of zero emission buildings by 2050.
Solar Energy in the Water Industry
This Special Session aims to host an engaging forum on the latest progress in research, industry and government on reducing water pollution and expanding clean water access that uses renewable energy including solar. Understanding the water-energy nexus is vital to lead us on a path to a more secure and sustainable future. Discussions on the latest work are needed from a diverse range of experts as we rapidly turn to solutions and technologies to achieve our goals, where the IEA projects the water sector will exceed 4% of the global energy requirements by 2040. Submissions are invited to the session on a range of topics such as technologies, planning, policy, operations, etc. harnessing renewable energy enabling a sustainable water-energy nexus in Australia and around the world.
PV forecasting and firm power
Firm power generation represents the capability for a resource or combination of resources to meet demand at all times. With the greater uptake of renewable resources, generation technologies, such as that from solar, which are variable and intermittent in nature will require more accurate forecasts and a rethink on the optimum sizing of these systems. Consequently, accurate forecasts of solar irradiance are also highly beneficial for the planning, operation and management of these plants.
PV recycling and circular economy
As a renewable energy solution PV must also address concerns about its environmental impact. This is the subtopic for abstracts related to environmental science and engineering, circular economy and LCA of PV: Life-cycle analysis (LCA) of modules, systems, and applications, CO2 footprint, ecological effects of PV applications on land and water; sustainability of materials; customised products and sustainable design; reuse and recycling of PV modules; PV decommissioning; raw material availability; resource efficiency and material flows; and PV in the circular economy.
Building Integrated PV
The benefits of Building Integrated PV go beyond clean energy generation and aesthetic visual impact. BIPV can also offset conventional building envelope elements and potentially balance the energy generation patterns to maintain grid stability. The major hurdles of BIPV implantation spread across the PV and building aspects including but not limited to energy and durability performance, economic viability, safety, operation and maintenance. This session with presentations from both industry experts and academics, attempts to showcase the good practices of BIPV experiences, as well as tackle the hurdles for adoption.
Vehicle Integrated PV
The integration of PV into vehicles, such as cars, trucks, ships, and planes, is an emerging area that presents new technical challenges and opportunities. Vehicle-integrated PV has the potential to significantly reduce emissions from the transport sector by increasing energy autonomy and partially replacing grid power with onboard solar electricity. The session on VIPV seeks to showcase progress and developments in PV component design, new cell/module technologies, manufacturing concepts, safety/standardization, and real-world applications.
Community batteries and community microgrid
The rising popularity of community batteries and microgrids is driven by the numerous benefits they offer to community stakeholders including distribution network service providers. These benefits include enhanced electricity network reliability and resilience, reduced renewable energy curtailment and greenhouse gas emissions, and deferred network investments. This session will explore successful community battery and microgrid projects, along with the latest trends and developments in the community energy sector.
Agri-PV
Come along to hear the latest progress in Australian Agrivoltaics research from local experts and understand the opportunities, challenges and innovations in the field.
PV manufacturing
PV manufacturing is currently concentrated in China, and with increasing interest in diversifying the PV supply chain, this special session will look at Manufacturing potential, including in Australia. We will hear from industry and academic studies about the plans, potential benefits and challenges of international and Australian PV manufacturing.