The Hardware & Thermal Engineering Lab
A purpose-built 180 m² hands-on teaching laboratory located at 19 Victoria Street, Cowwarr VIC 3858. Built specifically to stress-test high-amperage mining hardware, calibrate thermal management enclosures, and conduct precision component diagnostics.
Where Hardware Theory Meets Physical Benchwork
Unlike conventional computer classrooms, our lab floor in Gippsland features dedicated 230V/400V 3-phase power distribution, HEPA-filtered solder fume extraction, acoustic attenuation chambers, and direct closed-loop hydronic cooling benches.
Whether students are learning to diagnose faulty LDO regulators or testing custom intake plenums against 40°C summer ambients, every station is equipped with industrial instrumentation and personal protective equipment.
Specialized Testing Benches
Every student has access to dedicated workbench stations and professional diagnostic instruments.
6 Dedicated Student Workbenches
Each ESD-protected station is equipped with calibrated Fluke digital multimeters, FLIR thermal imaging cameras, torque-limiting precision drivers, and 230V monitored C19 power taps.
Single-Phase & 3-Phase Test Rig Switchboard
An open-architecture training switchboard featuring visible DIN-rail power meters, Type C/D breakers, transient surge arrestors, and current transformers (CTs) for live phase balancing demonstrations.
Single-Phase Dielectric Immersion Tank
A 12-slot transparent acrylic demonstration tank coupled with a 25 kW closed-loop dry cooler, Danfoss plate heat exchanger, and flow meters for live fluid dynamics training.
Micro-Soldering & SMD Rework Station
High-magnification trinocular stereo microscopes with 4K HDMI live feeds, preheating plates, Hakko programmable hot air reflow guns, and diagnostic test fixtures for Antminer and Whatsminer hashboards.
Acoustic Attenuation Test Enclosure
A calibrated sound measurement room with Type 1 sound level meters (dBA/dBC) for evaluating custom baffle silencer boxes, duct silencers, and fan noise curves under real thermal loads.
High-CFM Variable Static Pressure Test Tunnel
Wind tunnel apparatus with digital manometers and hot-wire anemometers for measuring static pressure drops across intake filters, louvres, and sound mufflers.
Rigorous Laboratory Safety Protocols
Working with 3-phase electrical supplies, hot air reflow tools, and pressurized fluid circuits requires uncompromised safety standards. Our facility operates under strict Australian electrical and occupational health guidelines.
- AS/NZS compliant emergency stop trip switches on all high-voltage test circuits
- Active extraction ventilation system with HEPA filtration for solder smoke and flux fumes
- Continuous automated carbon monoxide and thermal monitoring alarms
- Class C and CO2 fire suppression equipment dedicated to electrical equipment zones
- Full personal protective equipment (PPE): anti-static coats, ESD wristbands, safety eyewear, and thermal gloves
Visiting the Cowwarr Lab
Our lab is located at 19 Victoria Street, Cowwarr VIC 3858 in regional Victoria. Visits and lab workbench hire are strictly by advance appointment to ensure no scheduled workshop classes are interrupted.