Infrastructure Engineering - Research Publications
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ItemCool for school(Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH), 2024-05-23)Effective learning spaces that maintain optimum indoor environmental quality and inspire students to learn form a critical component of educating our youth. As part of the i-Hub initiative, a collective of designers, engineers and architects explored how integrated design might benefit ACT schools.
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ItemArtificial neural networks for predicting the performance of heat pumps with horizontal ground heat exchangers(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-06-12)A Ground Coupled Heat Pump (GCHP) is a highly energy efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that utilises the ground as the heat source when heating and as the heat sink when cooling. This paper investigates GCHP systems with horizontal Ground Heat Exchangers (GHEs) in the rural industry, exemplifying the technology for poultry (chicken) sheds in Australia. This investigation aims to provide an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model that can be used for GCHP design at various locations with different climates. To this extent, a Transient System Simulation Tool (TRNSYS) model for a typical horizontal GHE applied in a rural farm was first verified. Using this model, over 700,000 hourly performance data items were obtained, covering over 80 different yearly loading patterns under three different climate conditions. The simulated performance data was then used to train the ANN. As a result, the trained ANN can predict the performance of GCHP systems with identical (multiple) GHEs even under climatic conditions (and locations) that have not been specifically trained for. Unlike other works, the newly introduced ANN model is accurate even with limited types of input data, with high accuracy (less than 5% error in most cases tested). This ANN model is 100 times computationally faster than TRNSYS simulations and 10,000 times faster than finite element models.
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ItemNew circularity indicator for decision making in the stockpile management of construction and demolition waste: Perspectives of Australian practitioners(Elsevier BV, 2024-07-01)Despite the increasing popularity of the circular economy, there remains a lack of consensus on how to quantify circularity, a critical aspect of the practical implementation of this model. To address this gap, this article examines the industry's perspective and efforts toward implementing the circular economy in real-world scenarios. We conducted 40 interviews with engineers, project leaders, and top-level managers in the Australian construction sector. Using Saldaña's coding approach, we analysed their views on circular economy practices and efforts within their organisations. Our findings reveal while waste minimisation, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and cost considerations are widely regarded as essential indicators of a successful circular economy model, the significance of waste storage and long-term stockpiling while awaiting treatment has been overlooked or under-emphasised in industry practices and academic literature. Stockpiling of waste has often been seen as a staging process in waste treatment. However, based on industry insights, it accumulates to the point of mismanagement when it becomes a safety and environmental concern. Addressing this oversight, we propose a storage circularity indicator that allows incorporating waste storage and stockpiling in circular economy models. Our research contributes to various environmental and waste management aspects, supporting policies and strategies for solid waste management and excessive stockpile prevention. By emphasising the significance of storage circularity, we clarify waste prevention techniques and address socio-economic issues such as the urgent need to reduce long-term stockpiling of solid waste. This work highlights the importance of decision-support tools in waste management to facilitate the implementation of circular economy principles. Our proposed storage circularity indicator promotes industrial collaboration, aligning with the concept of industrial symbiosis to optimise resource use and minimise waste generation. By discussing these topics, we aim to contribute to the advancement of more robust waste management strategies and policies that promote sustainable production and consumption practices.
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ItemDevelopment and validation of a transient simulation model of a full-scale PCM embedded radiant chilled ceiling(TSINGHUA UNIV PRESS, 2023-06)Abstract The recent significant rise in space cooling energy demand due to the massive use of air-conditioning systems has adversely changed buildings’ energy use patterns globally. The updated energy technology perspectives highlight the need for innovative cooling systems to address this growing cooling demand. Phase change material embedded radiant chilled ceiling (PCM-RCC) has lately acquired popularity as they offer more efficient space cooling together with further demand-side flexibility. Recent advancements in PCM-RCC applications have increased the necessity for reliable simulation models to assist professionals in identifying improved designs and operating settings. In this study, a transient simulation model of PCM-RCC has been developed and validated using measured data in a full-scale test cabin equipped with newly developed PCM ceiling panels. This model, developed in the TRNSYS simulation studio, includes Type 399 that uses the Crank-Nicolson algorithm coupled with the enthalpy function to solve transient heat transfer in PCM ceiling panels. The developed model is validated in both free-running and active operation modes, and its quality is then evaluated using several validation metrics. The results obtained in multiple operating scenarios confirm that the model simulates the transient behaviour of the PCM-RCC system with an accuracy within ±10%. Aided by this validated model, which offers the user detailed flexibilities in the system design and its associated operating schemas, PCM-RCC’s potentials regarding peak load shifting, energy savings, and enhanced thermal comfort can be investigated more reliably.
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ItemAssessing the opportunity for producing hemp-based insulation in the Australian market(EJSE International, 2024-04-29)By-products (wastes or residues) of renewable materials have the potential to be manufactured into higher value fibre insulation products for the Australian market. Currently, such products have been imported for servicing the Australian market. This presents a potential opportunity to divert considerable quantities of waste from landfill and produce a high performance, locally made, low carbon, natural fibre insulation product for the Australian domestic and commercial building industry. This article assesses the hemp-based bulk insulations available in the Australian market.
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ItemMechanical properties and life cycle greenhouse gas analysis of textile waste fibre-based concrete(Elsevier BV, 2024-05-17)The application of textile waste as an aggregate in concrete enhances sustainability in construction and promotes circular economy. This work develops a novel fibre-based concrete incorporating textile waste fibres. The experiments showed that including textile waste fibres reduces flowability of concrete and improves its tensile and compressive strengths, alongside strain resistance. The fibres enhance concrete’s ductility and resilience against environmental damage. Textile waste fibre exhibits a lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to other non-polymer fibres. This work emphasises the benefits of textile waste in enhancing construction sustainability and highlights the need for expanded exploration.
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ItemSizing behind-the-meter solar PV for pumped water distribution systems: A comparison of methods(Elsevier BV, 2024-01-01)Water distribution systems (WDSs) are vital urban infrastructure systems. To meet increasing pumping energy demands and minimise environmental impacts, behind-the-meter (BTM) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been considered by water utilities. However, there currently is not a systematic approach to size BTM solar PV for WDSs, considering the life cycle performance of the integrated systems. This study evaluates three methods to size BTM solar PV in pumped WDSs: 1) the heuristic method developed from current industry practice; 2) the minimum total life cycle cost (TLCC) method based on the system minimum TLCC; and 3) the minimum payback method to minimise the time needed to pay off the solar capital investment. The performance of the integrated water-solar system has been assessed against economic, energy and emissions performance metrics using two case studies. The results indicate that the heuristic method leads to the largest solar PV size, potentially oversizing the system. The minimum payback method leads to the smallest solar PV system, potentially under-sizing the system. The minimum TLCC method leads to more balanced system performance, but the solar PV size determined using this method is sensitive to the discount rate used. The insights into the performance of the system sized using the three methods provide decision-makers guidance to select appropriate solar PV systems for WDSs.
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ItemMore sustainable agriculture: Energy perspective( 2023-11-27)Invited Lecture, 4th International Conference on Natural Resources Management and Sustainability, Udayana University (UNUD), Bali, Indonesia, 26-30 November 2023
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ItemTransdisciplinary education for multidisciplinary students( 2023-11-14)Distinguished Speaker, Presented at 45th IEOM Global Engineering Education, 2nd Australian Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, 14-16 November 2023
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ItemNo Preview AvailableDataset - EMA protocol in action: Unlocking Mexico's clean energy potential( 2023-10-26)This dataset presents the outcomes of implementing the exploratory modelling and analysis (EMA) protocol for identifying robust policy mixes for clean energy transitions. The protocol, detailed in Protocol Exchange (https://protocolexchange.researchsquare.com/), is designed to explore the consequences of diverse policy alternatives and multiple uncertainties within energy transitions through computational experiments. EMA, a computational experimentation technique, plays a key role in systematically exploring the potential impacts of various policy alternatives and uncertainties within complex systems, particularly in the energy domain. This publication outlines the application of the EMA protocol in the specific case of Mexico, offering a detailed approach for researchers, policymakers, and energy analysts to explore the complex interactions between policy alternatives and uncertainties in the clean energy transition. The dataset provides insights into how different policy alternatives perform under various conditions, shedding light on their robustness and potential trade-offs. The dataset encompasses the outcomes of an open exploration and directed search processes, along with analytical sub-processes integrated to provide a comprehensive analysis. The results from implementing the EMA protocol offer a valuable resource for decision-makers and researchers seeking to navigate the complex interactions between policy alternatives and uncertainties in energy transitions.