Project description
A novel approach to improving solar thermal energy production
Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ONESTEP project aims to improve photothermal energy generation in northern European countries that lack consistent sunlight. ONESTEP will enhance understanding of solar radiation-induced boiling in nanofluids. This is a key factor to photothermal energy steam generation as it facilitates more efficient solar collector technology. Researchers will characterise two novel nanofluids and develop new measurement techniques. By conducting boiling tests and extending existing models, ONESTEP will provide new research methodologies, equipping the researchers with skills for industrial research.
Objective
As part of its Green Deal, the EU aims to decarbonize energy production by 55% compared to 1990 levels and must turn to renewable energy sources. While the northern European countries have some access to these sources, they do not have consistent amounts of sunlight for photothermal energy (PE) generation. Novel approaches are under development to allow these regions to benefit from solar resources. Solar radiation-induced boiling in nanofluids can be used for PE steam generation as it facilitates more efficient solar collector technology. However, knowledge of the mechanisms behind this boiling is severely lacking because the methods to measure these systems are inaccurate at scale and cannot be used for practical, opaque nanofluids, limiting the focus to macroscopic properties. Understanding these mechanisms is the key to advancing PE technologies. Therefore, this project endeavours to develop and use new methods to qualify and quantify the photothermal boiling process in nanofluids at the microscale. I will move from Canada to Europe to complete this ambitious project with three specific aims. First, I will characterize two novel candidate nanofluids: plasma-functionalized graphene and carbon nanofibers (mass-produced by the project exploitation partner). Second, I will develop new, distinct measurement techniques that separate this study from existing ones which only measure temperature and steam flow rate. One method will use bubble bursting acoustics to quantity the number and size of bubbles. The other will use a medical X-ray technique, computed tomography, to image photothermal boiling for the first time. Finally, I will perform boiling tests to determine potential mechanisms and extend the existing models. With these objectives fulfilled, new information and methodologies will be developed for future research, I will gain new skills and competencies to prepare me for a future in industrial research, and Europe will be ONESTEP closer to a greener future.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
5020 Bergen
Norway