Project description
Creating clean energy from waste heat
Wasting energy is a major obstacle to reaching net-zero emissions. In the case of waste heat, it can be transformed into electricity by thermoelectric generators (TEGs). However, the materials used for this depend on rare elements. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SWEET project uses hybrid materials that combine conductive polymers and ceramics to produce flexible, printed TEGs. SWEET’s photothermal materials use sunlight to create greater heat gradients to overcome efficiency constraints caused by minute temperature changes. By converting waste heat into clean energy, SWEET seeks to pave the way for a net-zero future for remote sensors, wearable technology, and renewable energy sources.
Objective
The UN's Sustainable Development 2030 report highlights the urgent need for net-zero emission energy to combat climate change. Renewable energy and improved energy efficiency are key, as a significant portion of energy is lost as heat. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) offer a solution by converting waste heat into electrical power through thermal gradients. Recognising the significance of thermoelectric energy conversion materials, the Henry Royce Institute and the Institute of Physics have identified them as a critical area of materials research to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Current ceramic thermoelectric materials face sustainability challenges due to their reliance on scarce, toxic elements. In this context, the search for efficient ceramic materials is a necessity. Moreover, the development of hybrid materials combining ceramics with conductive polymers provides a promising alternative due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and low thermal conductivity Notably, recent developments have yielded printed TEGs based on conductive polymers for energy harvesting. Nonetheless, challenges impede their optimal power output, including limited temperature differentials across the TEG.
Conventional cooling solutions like pumped fluids or rigid metal fins are unsuitable for flexible TEGs, hindering their progress. This project aims to enhance flexible TEG efficiency by integrating photothermal materials, which increase the thermal gradient through sunlight-induced photothermal conversion. Comprehensive TEG modelling will guide materials optimization, fabrication, and testing.
The project has broad applications, including energy-efficient wearables, remote power sources, and sustainable energy harvesting systems. Improving printed organic TEGs and addressing thermal management aim to contribute significantly to global net-zero efforts, reduce energy waste, and advance sustainable energy solutions for society and the environment.
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 chemical sciences polymer sciences
- engineering and technology materials engineering ceramics
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
100 44 Stockholm
Sweden
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.