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Novel Beam-Down Concentrator with Advanced Thermal Storage and Management for High-Performance Outdoor Thermophotovoltaic Systems

Objective

Europe's transition to net-zero energy requires dispatchable renewable technologies. The EU mandates 32% renewable energy by 2030, yet current solar systems face fundamental limitations preventing simultaneous modularity and dispatchability. Conventional photovoltaics offer modularity but lack dispatchability due to intermittency, while concentrated solar power provides dispatchability through thermal storage but suffers from poor modularity due to scale requirements. Solar Thermophotovoltaic (STPV) technology offers a promising solution by converting thermal radiation to electricity, yet current research remains confined to laboratory settings using controlled heat sources rather than real solar concentrators. The critical gap lies in the laboratory-to-field transition. BEAM-STPV addresses this gap through four interdisciplinary research objectives: developing a beam-down solar concentrator achieving >1000 suns concentration ratio and 65% optical efficiency; creating integrated cavity-receiver with thermal storage sustaining emitter temperatures above 1000°C for ≥3 hours; designing microchannel cooling systems maintaining TPV cell temperatures below 50°C; and establishing comprehensive optical-thermal-electrical system models with economic, environmental assessment. The key deliverable is a validated BEAM-STPV system from concentrator to TPV thermal management. The project employs systematic methodology integrating theoretical modelling, Monte Carlo ray-tracing simulations, finite element thermal analysis, and experimental validation using PROMES solar facilities. BEAM-STPV will establish the foundation for transitioning STPV technology from laboratory demonstrations to practical outdoor deployment, positioning European leadership in next-generation renewable energy systems capable of competing with conventional solar technologies through enhanced efficiency and dispatchable electricity generation, supporting EU renewable energy targets and carbon neutrality goals.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 242 260,56
Address
RUE MICHEL ANGE 3
75794 PARIS
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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