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Plasmon Coupled Luminescent Solar Concentrators and their Application in Self-Supplied Electrochromic Windows

Project description

Luminescent 'reactors' could enhance energy sustainability of buildings

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are a promising technology for building integrated photovoltaics. However, optical loss mechanisms such as light scattering are preventing prototype devices from achieving the theoretical energy conversion efficiencies. The aim of the EU-funded PLECTRA project is to further understand, control and harness light scattering mechanisms to design more efficient LSCs. To achieve its goals, the project will leverage plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence – a phenomenon in which the efficiency of a luminescent species (e.g. quantum dots) is enhanced by plasmon scattering. As proof of principle of the idea, the project will integrate LSCs into an electrochromic glass.

Objective

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have the potential to facilitate widespread deployment of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) into our cities. However, prototype devices still fail to achieve the theoretical efficiencies due to contributions from optical loss mechanisms, including light scattering. The aim of PLECTRA is to understand, control and harness the contribution of light scattering mechanisms to design efficient LSCs that can be used in BIPV. The phenomenon of plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence, in which elastic scattering from plasmonic nanoparticles boosts the photoluminescence efficiency of a luminescent species (e.g. quantum dots), will be exploited to harness scattering and improve the LSC performance. To achieve this we will use a layer-by-layer deposition approach to prepare resonator-emitter core-satellite structures, in which the two species are separated by a quantifiable distance. Single particle scattering and photoluminescence studies, will be used to determine the required separation to obtain plasmon-coupled photoluminescence (rather than quenching). Optimised species will be incorporated into LSCs and sophisticated angle-resolved scattering measurements, in conjugation with numerical simulations, will be used to evaluate the scattering pathways in the device. Finally proof-of-concept integration of the LSCs with PV cells, and subsequently electrochromic glass will be demonstrated as evidence for potential application in BIPV.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
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.

€ 212 933,76
Address
TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom

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Region
East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

€ 212 933,76
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