Project description
Changing atmospheric humidity into renewable power
Building on previous work that successfully established the viability of converting atmospheric humidity into electricity, the EIC-funded CATCHER project now intends to develop this highly innovative concept. The project will utilise an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach involving research teams and businesses across the EU and Ukraine to optimise and scale up power conversion that will ultimately be suitable for incorporation into the power grid. This ground-breaking technology represents a brand new renewable energy source. It not only integrates with EU programmes on renewables and sustainability, but it also bolsters the EU’s reputation as a global renewable leader.
Objective
CATCHER project is aimed at development of innovative technology to exploit the atmospheric humidity for direct conversion to the electricity, thus gain a new sustainable source of renewable energy and to contribute to implementing the specific priorities for strengthening the EU leadership on renewables.
The successful realization of the project is assured by implementation of knowledge sharing in material science, physics, nanoelectronics, green chemistry, nanoengineering, sustainability and research marketing via international and intersectorial collaboration of highly qualified research and business from Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Spain, Poland and Ukraine.
Up to date we developed the theoretical basis for the “humidity to electricity” conversion mechanism, delivered proof of the concept and elaborated the first-generation converter Prototype - advanced “humidity to electricity” converter within accomplished 2016-2019 H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 HUNTER project; attested and further patented [PCT/UA2019/000147] in 2020.
Project is targeted on advancement, optimization and scalability of a previously developed technology that converts atmospheric humidity into electrical current [up to date value of 3.6 mW/g or 1.82 mW/cm2], with an expected output power density of ~36 mW/g or [15 - 20 mW/cm2], which will be ready for scaling up, thus could be prepared for further integration with existed EU electrical system for general energy use.
The proposed solution is expected to contribute to implementing the specific priorities for strengthening the EU leadership on renewables laid out in the Communication for Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation. Sharing the culture of research and innovation, the CATCHER project will allow applying recent advancements in nanotechnology science and engineering to address DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, EU Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and EU Re-thinking 2050 strategy.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinator
1749-024 LISBOA
Portugal