Project description
Nanowire solar technology could power smart devices
The number of sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT) will grow at unprecedented rates. As most of them will be connected wirelessly, smart, efficient and low-cost forms of energy are needed to power them. The EU-funded GuidedNW-PV project is tapping into the potential of core-shell semiconductor nanowires, which are ideal structures for efficient miniaturised photovoltaic cells. Using highly ordered nanowire planar arrays, researchers have already integrated several photovoltaic cells in series, multiplying their open-circuit voltage to virtually any desired value. The project now aims to develop a prototype of a high-voltage photovoltaic cell based on such nanowire arrays and integrate a working microsystem into the same chip.
Objective
The Internet of Things (IoT) relies on billions of autonomous miniaturized sensor nodes deployed over the environment, homes, offices, and our own clothes and bodies. Powering these sensors creates a huge and urgent demand for smaller devices capable of harvesting energy from the environment and supplying the required power characteristics. Photovoltaic (PV) cells are attractive sources of renewable energy in illuminated environments, but their output voltage is limited to a few volts, whereas MEMS sensors often require higher voltages to operate. Such voltages can only be achieved by connecting several PV cells in series, or using large converters, two solutions that are prohibitive in terms of size and weight. Core-shell semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are ideal structures for efficient miniaturized PV cells, but lack of control in their assembly has prevented their integration in series.
Using the guided growth approach developed in our ERC Advanced project, we have succeeded to produce highly ordered planar arrays of NWs with exquisite structural control, which enabled us to create efficient PV cells and integrate them in series to multiply their open-circuit voltage to virtually any desired value. This power supply is expected to outperform all existing miniature power sources for the IoT by orders of magnitude. The aim of this PoC is to develop a prototype of a CMOS/MEMS-compatible high-voltage micro-PV cell based on series-connected core-shell NW arrays, and demonstrate its on-chip integration with a working microsystem.
This demonstration will set the path to commercialization for various applications, including but not limited to IoT. A strong added value is expected for microelectronics manufacturers, who can integrate PV cells together with MEMS sensors on the same chip, thus gaining size advantage. We will prepare a commercialization strategy and carry out IPR considerations in order to obtain strong IP position in this immensely growing market.
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. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences internet internet of things
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics microelectronics
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2018-PoC
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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.
7610001 Rehovot
Israel
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.