The
University of Queensland
Sustainable Energy
Research Group
SERG History
The University of Queensland
Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG) was formed in 2000, within the School
of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE). Formation of this innovative research group
occurred when core members of the highly successful UQ SunShark Solar Racing
Team commenced postgraduate research study within the School of ITEE.
A triumphant SunShark team at the
completion of the 1999 World Solar Challenge!
At the outset, SERG consisted of a diverse team
of mechanical and electrical engineers, with skills in the core areas of mechatronic systems design, power electronics, energy systems, digital control,
systems integration and design innovation.
From their history of sustainable vehicle development, the SERG team gained familiarity with a number of emerging and cutting-edge energy
technologies, and their research philosophy centres on the incorporation of
these technologies into energy-efficient, cost-effective, real-world
applications.
A successful history in
sustainable vehicle development has gained significant recognition of SERG
activities. SunShark is an
internationally acclaimed solar racing vehicle, having received the prestigious
GM Award for Technical Innovation in 1996 and 1999. Sustainable vehicle projects have gained regular
interest from local and international media, providing a high profile for SERG
research within local industry and with international students from the
Asia-Pacific region. The Institution of
Engineers, Australia, has endorsed SERG for its innovative approach to
integrated learning through the involvement of undergraduate engineering
students in its projects.
In 2002 Dr Andrew Dicks came to the University from a background in energy research from the UK. His expertise in fuel cell technology added another dimension to the work of SERG. His interest in energy systems analysis, clean energy technology including the use of hydrogen as well as electricity as a future energy vector (sometimes known as hydricity) elevated discussions to a new level. Being based in the School of Engineering Division of Chemical Engineering, enabled SERG to link with other energy projects around the University. SERG became one of the first signatories to the Queensland Sustainable Energy Industry Development Group (QSEIDG), and continues to play an important role in the development of truly sustainable energy systems and technologies.
Sustainable
Energy Research Group / Email
SERG
School of Information Technology and
Electrical Engineering / The
University of Queensland
Page last updated 6 November 2008