Photo-thermal composite Phase Change Materials for Photovoltaic and Thermal Hybrid Applications

The UK government is committed to reaching Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Due to the global economic landscape and energy market, the pathway towards “Net Zero” must be accelerated to release the economic pressure on households and businesses. Among the strategies, increasing the solar capacity is vital for the goal of sustainable net-zero buildings, particularly on domestic and commercial rooftops. One priority is to increase the efficiency of existing technologies, such as photovoltaic (PV) and explore how to design and install a combination of technologies, such as rooftop PV-thermal (PV/T), battery and thermal storage. 

Photovoltaic (PV) is becoming the low-cost option for electricity generation (IEA, 2022). PV panels convert approximately 20% of incident solar radiation into electricity, and a significant part is lost, either reflected or through thermalization. This waste heat is limiting the efficiency and lifetime of the PV systems. Therefore, further efforts are required to increase their lifetime and efficiency, decreasing the cost and waste of energy. Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) technology can improve overall efficiency by more than 80% by effectively controlling the PV cell temperature and delivering renewable combined heat and power (CHP). Recent studies demonstrate that integrating phase change materials (PCMs) into PV/T systems as passive cooling or heat storage media improves system performance. However, it is necessary to develop thermal response and heat transfer in PCMs and their optimum integration into PV/T systems. 

This project aims to design and develop prototype PV/T systems integrating composite PCMs with enhanced photo-thermal properties as thermal storage and passive cooling. The project will involve energy materials research to increase the photo-thermal conversation efficiency of PCMs using carbon-based and metal-oxides-based additives. Different configuration concepts of PV/T systems will be evaluated, such as air, fluid, and heat pipes, to propose a new conceptual high-performance PV/T system. Such high-performance PV/T will promote the broader utilization of solar energy, supporting the “Net-Zero” targets towards the decarbonization of heating. 

The innovation potential of this project can directly contribute to two sustainable development goals: climate action and affordable and clean energy and the proposed project is aligned with the principles of responsible innovation to generate a positive impact on society ethically and responsibly. 

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr Carolina Costa Pereira ([email protected]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

Contact details

Should you need more information, please email [email protected].

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here. To be considered, the application must use:

• “SCEBE1024” as project code.
• the advertised title as project title 

Download a copy of the project details here