Electrical Research Board

Thus we have seen evolving a vast system extending over several thousands of kilometres; as a consequence, research and development (R&D) in Australia has been concerned largely with electric power systems technology. This work has been carried out in the universities with funding provided by the State power utilities and electricity distribution Councils through the Electrical Research Board.

The Electrical Research Board was set up in 1945 and consisted of representatives of the Electricity Supply Association of Australia, the universities, and CSIRO. Its general objective was to be the fostering of electrical research in universities and it has provided extensive funding for a large number of projects. The Board has also made possible the establishment of a number of major research and test facilities.

Early projects concentrated on systems development and analysis. These led to the establishment of a model power system facility at the University of Sydney in the 1960s and an electronic simulation facility at Monash University in the 1970s. Other universities are now using digital computers for system simulation.

A high voltage test laboratory was set up in the University of Queensland in the 50s and has been used to develop methods for protecting electrical equipment from lightning strikes. For high power testing, a facility using synthetic testing techniques has been established at the University of Sydney with a capacity of 4.5 GVA.

MHD

Magnetohydrodynamic, MHD, processes, which can generate electricity without using the conventional turbo-alternator, offer the prospect of more efficient use of coal for power generation. Researchers at the University of Sydney are using an MHD facility which has been set up at the White Bay Power Station of the Electricity Commission of New South Wales to study and further develop these processes.

Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering