Objective Integrating a thermoelectric (TE) module into a PV module can convert the accumulated heat of the PV into electricity, thus increasing electricity yield of the unit. A traditional spectrum integration PV-TE unit, by coupling the equal sized TE and PV modules, can harvest 30% more electricity than the PV unit alone. However, the pair-arrangement between the PV and TE modules appears to be economically unfeasible, owing to the significantly higher cost and lower power output of the TE module. By introducing a low cost and high efficiency micro-channel heat pipe (MCHP) and placing the PV onto the evaporator of the MCHP and TE underneath its condenser, the system’s cost will be significantly reduced while its power output remains almost same as to the pair-arranged PV-TE system. The proposed MSCA programme aims to characterise and optimise the novel PV-TE-MCHP, by integrating the excellence of the host applicant in PV and MCHP and the expertise of the researcher applicant in TE, solar energy and heat transfer technology, and by sharing the knowledge of both the host and researcher applicants in PV/T and computer simulation. The tasks involved include (a) conceptual design; (b) computer modelling/optimisation; (c) prototype construction & testing; and (d) economic and environmental performance analyses. As a result, the programme will deliver a novel PV-TE-MCHP prototype that, compared to the existing PV-TE systems, has a significantly lower cost while the electrical output remains the same. From the MSCA point of view, the project will attract an experienced researcher with particular knowledge in PV/T, TE and computer simulation into Europe. This will (a) achieve transfer of knowledge from outside into Europe, thus helping growing EU’s knowledge-based economy and society; (b) develop a long term contact network among the researcher, host organisation, partner organisation and other associated institutions; and (c) enable advanced training to the researcher. Fields of science engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringelectric energy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator UNIVERSITY OF HULL Net EU contribution € 195 454,80 Address Cottingham road HU6 7RX Hull United Kingdom See on map Region Yorkshire and the Humber East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire Kingston upon Hull, City of Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00