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http://www.fcci.com.au/2011/08/1246/

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is hoping that the appointment of Professor Michael Grätzel (often spelled “Graetzel”), will result in advancements in the manufacture of cheaper, more efficient solar cells.

The Swiss professor is the pioneer of applying artificial photosynthesis principles to solar technology

The University says Professor Graetzel will take the lead as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Energy Research Institute at NTU and has established a new Centre for Nanostructured Photosystems aimed at further developing and commercialising Graetzel’s dye-sensitised solar cells; along with other innovations in solar technology.

A dye-sensitised solar cell mimics the ability of plants to absorb sunlight and produce energy. Special dyes are added to the surface of the cells which capture photons from different light wavelengths, like chlorophyll in plants. Also known as Graetzel cells, NTU say they “represent an exciting breakthrough and show great promise as an inexpensive alternative to costly silicon solar cells.”

The Professor’s work won him 2010 Millennium Technology Prize, and to honour the appointment of their VIP chairman, NTU have awarded Graetzel a Doctor of Engineering degree.

At the launch of the Energy Research Institute, NTU President Professor Bertil Andersson said it was vital to foster growth in alternative fields of solar cell technology in an environment of growing concern among governments and industry groups about the sustainability and security of global renewable energy supply.

“The new Centre will be, literally, “taking a leaf from nature” to produce energy harnessed from the sun. Development of sustainable energy solutions is today a sunrise industry, with solar energy being the most abundant and promising renewable energy source on our planet.”
Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Teaching your drivers to save fuel
Presenter: Wayne Striplin

Strategix Training Group
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Wayne discussed the questions: “Why organisations need to develop internal processes of eco-driving? What barriers you would face in adopting these processes?”. Wayne introduced their ‘Eco-Drive’ Driver Training Program via a case-study, i.e. what benefits the company obtained.

Received & published by Henry Sapiecha

Energy efficient lighting e-Bulletin

On 21 July 2010 QWESTNet held its second lighting forum in Brisbane. Held in association with

the Illuminating Engineering Society (ies), the forum focused on energy efficient lighting

technologies including LEDs, lighting controls and the use of daylight.

Click on ‘listen to presentation’ or the presenter’s photograph to hear the presentation

ies Partner Presentation
Presenter:Gillian Isoardi
ies/University of Queensland
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Gillian’s presentation gives an overview of the role of IES and outlines the positive reasons

for businesses to pursue energy efficient lighting.  Adhering to best practices in lighting will

ensure an installation that meets the needs of all users. Further benefits can, of course,

be realised by lowering operating costs of buildings but also by improving the quality of

workspaces and the appearance of products.

LED: good, bad and best practice
Presenter: Gorana Jusufovich
Lumascape
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A brief discussion of some of the benefits and pitfalls of using LED

based lighting systems. How do LEDs compare to conventional light

sources; what to be aware of when selecting an LED based lighting product; and busting

some of the myths surrounding LEDs.

Facility management and lighting controls
Presenter:Lance Stewart
Creative Lighting
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Why do we need lighting control systems and what do we need from them?

Can best lighting practice be achieved under the Building Code of Australia

and what is good lighting practice any way? Lance discusses recent trends in efficient lighting

and control.

Daylighting and Greenstar
Presenter: Carl N Gray
MGF Consulting NQ
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A brief primer on daylighting as applicable in Queensland workplaces,

specifically what can and cannot be done with daylight? Why we should

do more; why we should be very careful about it; how it can be done; and who to ask.

Top

Case Studies

Queensland Police Service fit-out Presenter: Caitlyn Young Norman Disney & Young Listen to Presentation The Queensland Police Service CBD facility fitout was completed in 2004/2005. Utilising an Energy Conservation Systems (ECS) lighting control system, occupancy based switching and daylight harvesting have delivered an efficient lighting design and flexibility for future changes. The integration of this system has led to a significant saving in energy and CO2 emissions. William McCormack Place Presenter: Carl N Gray MGF Consulting NQ Listen to Presentation The Queensland Government’s newest office building located in Cairns has attained ‘World Leader’ green status – the first outside of a capital city. In line with the lighting engineer’s vision, an emphasis on real world performance was placed before Greenstar ‘point scoring’ to achieve a highly energy efficient yet highly comfortable building. Highlights include effective daylighting and shading, a novel approach to daylight harvesting, direct/indirect lighting and the integration of ceiling fans. Queesland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Presenter: Doug Brimblecombe QPAC Listen to Presentation Between November 2008 and March 2009, QPAC refurbished its major theatres and public spaces for the first time since the centre was constructed 25 years ago. This was an opportunity for QPAC to introduce more efficient lighting practices without compromising the nature of the building and its use. As part of the refurbishment, aged incandescent and large wattage fixtures were replaced with LED and halogen lights. In the Concert Hall auditorium, the original 2500 watt profiles were replaced with three-colour LED lighting and theatrical fixtures, each of 1200 watts. These changes have minimised the amount of lights required to produce colour on stage, while backstage, single watt LED bulbs have replaced 60+ watt ‘blue’ light circuits. One year and three months after the refurbishment, QPAC is seeing energy savings which are expected to improve with further work due to be completed by the end of 2010. CitySwitch Program Presenter: Mark Taylor Brisbane City Council Listen to Presentation Brisbane City Council is partnering in a national office tenant energy management program called CitySwitch Green Office. This program gives your business: a structured process to improve energy efficiency and operating costs; positioning and promotion as an environmental leader; networking opportunities with like-minded companies; regular updates and resources. Key elements to effective lighting Presenter: Darrin Schreier Aurecon Listen to Presentation Efficient lighting is something everybody appears to be looking for, whether it be to meet legislated government criteria, to achieve a Greenstar or NABERS rating, or to save money in the face of rising energy costs. To achieve efficient lighting 4 key elements need to be addressed. Energy efficiency regulation and quality lighting Presenter: Steve Coyne Light Naturally Listen to Presentation There are two levels of energy efficiency which have the potential to affect quality lighting outcomes: energy efficiency of lighting product and energy efficiency of lighting design. The type of regulatory tool implemented for each can have a significant impact on quality lighting outcomes and compliance levels. Whatever form the regulation takes, it is apparent that in the future, quality lighting outcomes will require knowledge, expertise and training in lighting design Received & published by Henry Sapiecha