Presentations

The solar research projects will be presented as a group in one single session. You can download a PDF of the combined presentations after the conference.

Projects

Assessing and mapping the performance of novel Hybrid PV-T technologies to identify the most promising

Student: Nicolas Beltran
Supervisor(s): Dr Christos Markides (Department of Chemical Engineering), Dr Alba Ramos Cabal (Department of Chemical Engineering)
Poster: #35 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE

This research aims to understand the different characteristics and trade-offs between CPV electricity generation and solar-thermal use either for electricity or heating and cooling uses. By coupling high-temperature PVs and special thermodynamic cycles (such as ORC) a hybrid PV-T system will be optimized to provide energy services to specific sectors of the industry.

Domestic solar-driven trigeneration system for equatorial climate

Student: Grace Gunsalam
Supervisor(s): Dr Christos Markides (Department of Chemical Engineering), Dr Alba Ramos Cabal (Department of Chemical Engineering)
Poster: #36 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE

Business models is one of the mechanisms that could help the electric automobile industry advance EV uptake. However, sustainable business models are not yet prevalent in the market. Especially in the area of charging infrastructure, which is very difficult to overcome due to the famous analogy - “chicken and egg”. This project investigates existing EV business models of charging infrastructure, evaluates the financial performance of the business models, and identifies the key factors in the strategy that contribute to the success of sustainable charging infrastructure.

Global mapping of solar photovoltaic performance

Student: Hanna Kozak-King
Supervisor(s): Dr Salvador Acha (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering), Gonzalo Bustos-Turu (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering), Dr Koen van Dam (Deptartment of Chemical Engineering)
Poster: #37 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE

Solar photovoltaics is rapidly becoming a key electricity generation technology. Despite the existence of a variety of different technology types, the market is dominated by crystalline silicon. As the performance of different technologies varies under different operating conditions, it is important to be able to find the optimal panel type for each location globally. This will be achieved through modelling energy output in high spatial and temporal resolution.

Towards the highest solar-to-power energy conversion efficiency

Student: Niovi Papanikolaou
Supervisor(s): Dr Salvador Acha (Department of Chemical Engineering)
Poster: #38 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE

This project will produce a novel design for a hybrid photovoltaic (PV) panel with high solar energy conversion efficiency. The work includes the integration of a Rankine cycle with a hybrid PV panel in order to increase the power output.

Modelling the global levelised cost of solar energy

Student: Kelvin Chia Han Sim
Supervisor(s): Dr Iain Staffell (Centre for Environmental Policy), Mr Daniel Hdidouan (The Grantham Institute for Climate Change)
Poster: #39 Download PDF AVAILABLE AFTER THE CONFERENCE

Investments in solar PV have increased dramatically over the past decade. This research is aimed at quantifying the potential of solar PV globally by assessing the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE), capacity of PV installed, electricity prices, solar resource and the GDP per capita of respective countries. The result will generate a signal for locations at which investments in solar PV are viable, and it will also act as a guide for governments to put in place appropriate policies.