Engineering

Mohamadreza Chalak Qazani

Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering
mohamadreza.chalakqazani@jcu.edu.au

Judy Yang

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Applied AI for Forestry Weed Detection and Mapping
judy.yang@jcu.edu.au

Bouchra Senadji

Head, Engineering
bouchra.senadji@jcu.edu.au

Alzayat Saleh

AIMS@JCU Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Science Technology
alzayat.saleh@jcu.edu.au

Anne Steinemann

Adjunct Professor
anne.steinemann@jcu.edu.au

Nico Adams

Professor, Electronic Systems & IoT Engineering
nico.adams@jcu.edu.au

Elsa Antunes

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
elsa.antunes1@jcu.edu.au

Eric Wang

Senior Lecturer, Electronic Systems and IoT Engineering
eric.wang@jcu.edu.au

Yang Du

Senior Lecturer, Electronic Systems and IoT Engineering
yang.du@jcu.edu.au

Application of Coordinative Management Schemes for Inverter Connected Energy Resources in Electric Distribution Networks

Jiajia Yang - Engineering

01 May 2024 - 31 Dec 2024

The objective of this project is to implement these proposed innovative operational and control mechanisms for managing DERs within real-world systems, ultimately contributing to the development of plug-and-play operational devices and systems tailored for inverter-connected energy resources within electric distribution networks.

Optimising vanadium extraction and processing from the Toolebuc Formation through advanced characterization

Mahmood Sadat Noori - Engineering

01 Nov 2025 - 31 Oct 2027

This project is part of the Critical Minerals Trailblazer. This project has two main objectives: • To advance the projects related to vanadium extraction and processing from the Toolebuc Formation in North Queensland • Develop capacity in North Queensland to assist with the emerging vanadium economy The project will be conducted as a collaboration between James Cook University (JCU), Critical Minerals Queensland (CMQ) and industry partners consisting of Velox, QEM, Richmond Vanadium Technology and Critical Minerals Group. The extraction of vanadium has already been validated by the industry partners through R&D and pilot testing thus the commercial viability of the techniques have been confirmed. However, certain vanadium ores pose processing challenges and impede the extraction process and limit the economic viability of vanadium mining. Preliminary test work has indicated that the extraction and recovery of vanadium from the oxidised portion of the Toolebuc formation face a series of challenges. Based on the above information there are three main R&D items that need addressing to help advancing the vanadium projects in north Queensland. 1. Vanadium deportment in fresh and oxidised Toolebuc Formation 2. Characterization of tailing samples 3. Identification of instrumental methods and development of calibration for fast characterization techniques for routine analyses during mining.

Off-Grid EV Charging Solution with Cyclone-Resistant Solar Carport for Remote Mining Operations

Yang Du - Engineering

30 Jun 2025 - 30 Jun 2027

This project will develop an off-grid EV charging system tailored for remote mining operations, combining solar carports, battery storage, and AI-driven energy management. The system will be cyclone-resilient, with structural components tested at JCU’s Cyclone Testing Station. A full prototype will be demonstrated at JCU Cairns campus, showcasing reliable, grid-independent charging for electric mining vehicles. The project is a collaboration between JCU and Umax, aiming to reduce diesel reliance, lower emissions, and improve energy resilience in remote areas. Outcomes include a feasibility report, structural analysis, and a fully operational demo system supporting decarbonisation and innovation in the mining sector.

REEF PLACE-BASED INTEGRATED PROJECTS GRANTS 2024

Bronson Philippa - Engineering

01 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2027

This multi-partner project is poised to deliver tangible water quality improvements in the crucial Proserpine catchment. Our robotic spot-spraying technology has already proven highly effective in reducing herbicide usage in the sugarcane industry, resulting in markedly improved farm runoff water quality in the Burdekin region.

Enhancing Battery Control and Market Integration for Renewable Support: Applications in Solar Firming and Dispatchable Generation

Yang Du - Engineering

30 Jun 2025 - 30 Jun 2026

This project explores how advanced battery control strategies can enable renewable energy—particularly solar PV—to provide reliable, dispatchable power. It involves collaboration with US experts to develop market-aligned battery applications and educational materials that support Australia’s clean energy transition.

Enhancing Battery Control and Market Integration for Renewable Support: Applications in Solar Firming and Dispatchable Generation

Yang Du - Engineering

30 Jun 2025 - 30 Jun 2026

LoRaWAN Rain Gauge Prototype Field Testing (Old ID 26229)

Wei Xiang - Engineering

01 Oct 2018 - 23 Nov 2018

This project involves conducting field testing of a LoRaWAN rain gauge prototype that was developed collaboratively between JCU and CSIRO. The prototype system uses cutting-edge low-power long-range IoT communications technology to transmit rainfall data from rain gauges in to a cloud system designed by CSIRO. The objective of the field testing is to determine whether the developed prototype is suitable for a deployed system in the Wet Tropics.