engineers australia event

This might be of interest for anyone in the Newcastle(NSW) area.

http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/events/ceramic-fuel-cells-smart-grid-mr-nicholas-batt

Ceramic Fuel Cells & the Smart Grid - Mr Nicholas Batt
Short Description Mr Nicholas Batt is an engineer on the Energy Resource Management stream of the Smart Grid, Smart City project at Ausgrid.
Venue Engineers Australia Auditorium, 122 Parry Street Newcastle West,
Date Wednesday 8th May 2013
Members Cost free

Ceramic Fuel Cells are one of the most efficient systems for converting hydrocarbon fuels into electricity. This efficiency is achieved at a household scale of 1.5kW, meaning it can be produced at the point of supply, reducing transmission line losses and further improving overall efficiency. The output of the fuel cell is stable and controllable, as opposed to more common distributed generation technologies such as solar and wind. These devices also produce significantly less emissions compared with the current electricity generation mix in Australia.
Distributed generation technology is rapidly developing, improving performance and reducing costs. This, along with government incentives, is leading to a dramatic increase in distributed generation systems connected to the grid. While there are many benefits to this outcome, it also presents significant challenges when it comes to planning and managing a grid originally designed for one-way power flow. This presentation discusses Ausgrid’s experience installing 25 natural gas fuel cells in Newcastle in an area with significant existing solar penetration.

Wednesday 8th May 2013

Time: 5.30pm for 6.00pm start
Venue: 122 Parry Street, Newcastle West
Cost: Free for EA Members, $30.00 Non-Members