Project description
Advanced optical technology transforming sunlight into electricity
Solar energy stands out as a crucial part of the solution as the world looks for sustainable ways to address fossil fuel issues. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the OPTIFILT project is at the forefront of this effort, introducing a cutting-edge nanofilm spectral splitter within a hybrid system combining concentrated photovoltaics with thermal energy collection. This technology optimises solar energy conversion by filtering out wavelengths that are inefficiently used by photovoltaic cells, thus enhancing electrical efficiency and cell lifespan. Researchers aim to integrate nanofilm spectral splitters with photovoltaic cells to develop efficient ‘photovoltaic mirrors’, boosting the field of hybrid solar thermal power generation.
Objective
Efficient exploitation of solar energy is regarded as an effective solution to the problems induced by fossil fuel combustion. In the
proposed work, a novel nanofilm spectral splitter (NSF) will be deployed in a hybrid CPV/T collector acting highly efficient solar
energy conversion system contributing European Green Deal and UN Sustainable Development Goals. This collector will benefit from
a step-change improvement in electrical efficiency via the optical filtering of spectral wavelengths that are inefficiently utilised by the
PV cells in the form of heat, enabling the delivery of high-temperature heat and enhancing the life of the PV cells. This research aims
to break entirely from conventional design principles and develop PV mirror assisted solar thermal power systems, improving their
annual efficiency by 15-20%. A novel concept of integrating NSF and PV cells for developing efficient PV mirrors will be breakthrough
research in the field of hybrid solar thermal power generation. The OPTIFILT project is highly interdisciplinary and covers diverse
disciplines such as material science (nanofilm), physics (PV), energy engineering (solar collector development), mechanical and
chemical engineering (thermal power generation). The host supervisor is a world-leading researcher who will provide expert training
and support for design and development of the innovative hybrid PV/T concept. The researcher, a leading Indian researcher will bring
his knowledge on the novel application of nanotechnology in solar spectral beam splitting to the host. Also, design of concentrating
collectors will support OPTIFILT through planned short visits and secondment. The high-quality two-way transfer of knowledge
required for this project will ensure that research goals are achieved, whilst also presenting a great opportunity to accelerate the
academic career of the researcher. The completion of OPTIFILT will lead to significant economic and societal impacts within the EU
and global
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
- engineering and technologynanotechnology
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuels
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
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
35042 Rennes
France