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PV Accelerator – Ultra Low-Cost Flexible and Versatile Organic Photovoltaics by a Reel-to-Reel Process for PV Power Applications
National Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC), Cenamps, VTT (Finnish Technical Research Centre), ECN (Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands), Johnson Matthey, Arup
Contact: Andrew Mill
To realise the potential of Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) we propose an ambitious accelerator programme from research through process demonstration to market acceptance. OPV has demonstrated the potential to be the lowest cost Photovoltaic (PV) technology capable of being manufactured at Gigawatt scale and has a major impact on carbon reduction targets. The objective of the programme is to create the most advantageous structure to deliver a stable, customer application focussed solar PV module based on optimally configured semi conducting polymers fabricated using advanced reel to reel process technology. The programme will be managed and delivered by a team of leading commercialisation experts, technology providers, researchers and major translational research facilities. Applications will range from building integrated power to stand alone systems in remote areas. The outcome will be a commercially viable OPV system.
Thin Flexible Film PV Process Development Centre
Cambridge University, The Technology Partnership
Contact: Richard Friend
In this programme, the University of Cambridge and The Technology Partnership (TTP) propose to combine their academic, technical and commercial know-how to develop the key processes for next-generation organic photovoltaic cells to the point of manufacture transfer. Based on our strong track record of technical excellence and business creation, we intend to enable a new range of products that will deliver high-performance organic solar cells to a broad range of applications from consumer electronics to on-grid electricity generation.
Enabling Technologies for OPV Energy Generation
Imperial College, Imperial Innovations
Contact: Omar Cheema
This proposal seeks to focus and accelerate the established research programme at Imperial College in organic PV technology, to produce commercially viable modules through versatile and scalable processing techniques. The systems-level approach of the team encompasses many aspects of OPV engineering including: (i) materials design, characterisation and processing, (ii) panel design, fabrication and optimisation, (iii) packaging methodologies. The programme will specifically target issues of enhanced efficiency, reproducibility, durability, processing (with online monitoring), and manufacturing scale-up.
Low Cost Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing of High Efficiency Flexible Solar Modules
Applied Multilayers, Centre for Renewable Energy Systems & Technology, Loughborough University (CREST), Scientific Vacuum Systems (SVS)
Contact: Mike Walls
A strong, industry-led, consortium has been formed to develop low cost manufacturing technology for CIGS and CdTe based Photovoltaics on flexible, lightweight, polymer sheet. Thin film CIGS and CdTe technologies may offer the best potential for application to polymer sheet with efficiencies and stability that can compete with conventional crystalline silicon on glass photovoltaics. The project is underpinned by the know-how developed by Prof. A.N.Tiwari and his team at Loughborough University who have already achieved the highest efficiency world records of 14.1% for CIGS and 11.4% for CdTe solar cells on polymer sheet. The challenge will lie in scaling up these processes to an industrial scale. The strategy is to develop a flexible, multi-station roll-to-roll manufacturing process suitable for use with either CIGS or CdTe absorbers. Novel encapsulation technology will also be developed in this project to enhance the durability of the module (and also applicable to other PV technologies). The objective is to exploit the technology’s huge potential for cost reduction using fast roll-to-roll manufacturing of monolithic interconnected solar modules.
Continuous Manufacturing of Functional Layers for a PV Coating System on Steel
Corus Colors, Dyesol, Oxford University
Contact: Maarten Wijdekop
In this project, a process for the manufacture of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) will be developed by integrating dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) technology into coating systems on strip steel. The envisioned DSSC PV system is targeted at commercial buildings, primarily large distribution, retail or industrial sheds. An affordable BIPV system for large buildings would be attractive both for building developers creating carbon neutral buildings and for owners/tenants to reduce the carbon footprints of their businesses. Research will focus on novel continuous deposition processes for the functional layers needed for a DSSC coating system, reducing the cost of the materials in the DSSC system and improving the durability of the DSSC coating on steel.
For further information on the shortlisted proposals, please contact the consortia directly. For general enquiries regarding the Carbon Trust’s Directed Research Initiative, please contact us at pvaccelerator@carbontrust.co.uk.
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