Joe Coventry

Joe Coventry is a Professor at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, specializing in concentrating solar thermal (CST) and thermal energy storage (TES) technologies. He leads projects under the Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative (ASTRI) and previously served as Principal Engineer at Wizard Power, developing the Big Dish CSP technology. His research focuses on advancing low-cost heliostats, sodium receivers, and high-temperature storage solutions.

Education:

• PhD in Engineering, Australian National University (2004)
• BEng/BSc in Mechanical Engineering and Science, University of Melbourne (1997)

Research Interests: Coventry's work centers on CST and TES innovations to decarbonize energy and industry. Key areas include heliostat cost reduction, optical absorber coatings, and hydrogen supply for industrial applications. He collaborates on projects like the 'bladed' solar-thermal receiver and Gen3 liquids pathway for CSP systems.

Grants & Projects:

• Leadership in multiple ANU research initiatives, including HILTCRC projects on thermal energy storage and green steel production.
• Co-investigator in projects addressing sodium-based systems, PCM storage, and solar simulator optimization.

Labs & Teams: Active in the Solar Thermal Research Group and contributes to the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions. His work spans experimental testing (e.g., high-flux solar simulators) and computational modeling of solar systems.