During this project, several work packages were performed as outlined in the proposal at the beginning of the project. The work packages are described here and results obtained including exploitation and dissemination are discussed.
WP 1. Conceptual design: A conceptual design for the PV-TE-MCHP system was developed during the first three months of this project and a design report which is the deliverable from this work package was also developed. The results from this work package formulated the foundation for the follow-on work package tasks.
WP 2. Computer modelling using the nodal analysis method and the system characterisation/optimisation: This work package was completed within 9 months thereby concluding the first year of the project. A computer model to predict the power generation of the PV-TE-MCHP and optimise its size and geometrical shape was developed using both MATLAB and COMSOL Multiphysics software.
WP 3. Experimental testing and computer model validation/refinement: Based on the results obtained in work packages 1 and 2, a PV-TE-MCHP prototype was designed and constructed. The system was tested at the Energy Technology Laboratory at University of Hull using the established solar test rig. All the measurement data were collected and used to analyse the performance of the new PV-TE-MCHP and determine its electrical power output.
WP 4. Economic and environmental performance analysis: This work package involved the examination of the cost target and other social-economic measures relating to the new PV-TE-MCHP. The electrical output and thermal performance of the new system were estimated and compared to existing PV-TE systems. The estimated payback period of the new system relative to existing systems was also obtained and preliminary results from this work package are already published.
WP 5. Project management and researcher career training: This work package involved the following tasks which were performed: planning and management of research activities, organisation of researcher’s training and secondment activities, administrative and financial coordination and project progress and risk management. Project meetings were arranged quarterly as planned, grant application was undertaken and several large proposals were submitted, supervision of PhD student ‘Samson Shittu’ was performed all through the project months and secondment activities to Germany was also undertaken.
WP 6. Dissemination and exploitation: This work packaged included dissemination, communication, exploitation, outreach and public engagement issues relating to the project. A project website was developed as part of the public awareness activities and can be accessed via
https://msca-pvtemchp.wixsite.com/hull(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre). A workshop/symposium was organised in Hull titled, EU-China Symposiums on Renewable/Sustainable Energy and Energy Storage Technologies (
https://hull-symposium.wixsite.com/hulluni(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)) several papers (17 published journal papers, 8 conference papers and 1 book chapter) were published with about 10 other manuscripts currently under review/about to be accepted.
