The science and engineering of defects and impurities in photovoltaic silicon. This project will create the knowledge and techniques that are essential to make low-cost, impure silicon suitable for producing highly efficient solar cells. This will help to drive down the cost of solar electricity, since the silicon material itself is a significant component of the overall cost of most photovoltaic modules.
Nanophotonic tandem designs for high efficiency solar cells. This project will develop high-efficiency tandem solar cells that combine established silicon cell technology with novel low-cost thin-film solar cells. It will incorporate nanostructured layers between the cells that selectively trap different wavelengths of light, maximising light absorption in the top cell. This will make it possible to use a very thin top cell, reducing the requirements on electronic quality of the material. This p ....Nanophotonic tandem designs for high efficiency solar cells. This project will develop high-efficiency tandem solar cells that combine established silicon cell technology with novel low-cost thin-film solar cells. It will incorporate nanostructured layers between the cells that selectively trap different wavelengths of light, maximising light absorption in the top cell. This will make it possible to use a very thin top cell, reducing the requirements on electronic quality of the material. This project will also develop self-assembly techniques to enable the new nanostructures to be fabricated quickly and cheaply but with a high degree of control. Such cells will allow open the door to higher efficiencies, and lower costs, than is achievable with conventional solar cells.Read moreRead less
The dynamics of convection - insights for ocean and climate physics and for solar thermal energy system design. This project will inform our understanding of, and response to, climate change by improving knowledge of ocean circulation and technology for renewable energy generation. The results will lead to better climate prediction models and understanding of ocean CO2 uptake, acidification and sea-level rise, and will help to reduce energy sector emissions.