Objective "Photovoltaics (PV) based on Silicon (Si) semiconductors is one the most growing technology in the World for renewable, sustainable, non-polluting, widely available clean energy sources. Theoretical and applied research aims at increasing the conversion efficiency of PV modules and their lifetime. The Si crystalline microstructure has an important role on both issues. Grain boundaries introduce additional resistance and reduce the conversion efficiency. Moreover, they are prone to microcracking, thus influencing the lifetime. At present, the existing standard qualification tests are not sufficient to provide a quantitative definition of lifetime, since all the possible failure mechanisms are not accounted for. In this proposal, an innovative computational approach to design and durability assessment of PV modules is put forward. The aim is to complement real tests by virtual (numerical) simulations. To achieve a predictive stage, a challenging multi-field (multi-physics) computational approach is proposed, coupling the nonlinear elastic field, the thermal field and the electric field. To model real PV modules, an adaptive multi-scale and multi-field strategy will be proposed by introducing error indicators based on the gradients of the involved fields. This numerical approach will be applied to determine the upper bound to the probability of failure of the system. This statistical assessment will involve an optimization analysis that will be efficiently handled by a Mathematica-based hybrid symbolic-numerical framework. Standard and non-standard experimental testing on Si cells and PV modules will also be performed to complement and validate the numerical approach. The new methodology based on the challenging integration of advanced physical and mathematical modelling, innovative computational methods and non-standard experimental techniques is expected to have a significant impact on the design, qualification and lifetime assessment of complex PV systems." Fields of science agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturegrains and oilseedsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrymetalloidsnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputational sciencemultiphysicsengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energyphotovoltaicnatural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE8 - ERC Starting Grant - Products and process engineering Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111012 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution SCUOLA IMT (ISTITUZIONI, MERCATI, TECNOLOGIE) ALTI STUDI DI LUCCA EU contribution € 1 422 790,10 Address PIAZZA SAN PONZIANO 6 55100 Lucca Italy See on map Region Centro (IT) Toscana Lucca Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Marco Paggi (Prof.) Administrative Contact Daniele Altamore (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all SCUOLA IMT (ISTITUZIONI, MERCATI, TECNOLOGIE) ALTI STUDI DI LUCCA Italy EU contribution € 1 422 790,10 Address PIAZZA SAN PONZIANO 6 55100 Lucca See on map Region Centro (IT) Toscana Lucca Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Marco Paggi (Prof.) Administrative Contact Daniele Altamore (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data POLITECNICO DI TORINO Participation ended Italy EU contribution € 61 189,86 Address CORSO DUCA DEGLI ABRUZZI 24 10129 Torino See on map Region Nord-Ovest Piemonte Torino Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Claudio Scavia (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
