Solar-thermal devices have the potential to transform how we heat our homes and generate power on a larger scale. This is why three universities are investing time and energy in a joint project to further develop the renewable energy sector.

The team, led by the University of Surrey in collaboration with the University of Bristol and Northumbria University, was recently awarded a £1.1 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to continue their research within the solar-thermal sector.

Thermal panels

The main goal of this research is to create new designs for surfaces that can selectively absorb sunlight while also efficiently emitting heat in the form of near-infrared radiation.

These devices are different from solar cells, which typically convert sunlight into electricity; solar-thermal devices use sunlight to generate heat, which can then be used for driving mechanical engines or converted into electricity.

The research project sees the three universities combining their expertise in photonics, advanced materials, applied electromagnetics, and world-class nanofabrication facilities.

This project has several aims:

• To develop solar absorbers that can work well even at very high temperatures.
• Improve the efficiency of the team’s special solar-absorbing structures. The team plans to build prototype models to demonstrate how well they work.
• To better understand and ultimately improve how these devices handle and perform with the heat they generate from sunlight.

Harnessing abundant solar energy

Professor Marian Florescu, Professor of Physics at the University of Surrey says: “Our project is not just about innovating; it’s about responding to a global necessity. The sun showers us with a tremendous amount of energy every day, far more than we currently capture. By developing these advanced solar-absorbing surfaces, we are opening up new, efficient ways to harness this abundant solar energy. Our goal is to transform how we use sunlight, making it a powerhouse for clean and sustainable energy that meets our growing needs without harming the planet.”

Partnering in this study

Two other universities are partnering with the University of Surrey in this project: The University of Bristol has been developing thermionic solar cell technology for several years. While Northumbria University is at the forefront of thermophotovoltaic research, utilising a specialised microscope heating stage alongside an in-house built Fourier imaging spectroscopy system.

According to Professor Marin Cryan, Co-Principal Investigator from the University of Bristol, its technology uses concentrated sunlight to heat materials to the point where thermionic emission of electrons occurs, which can form the basis of high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells.

“This exciting project will develop very efficient solar selective absorbers, which will be an important component of the overall cell design,” states Professor Cryan.

Dr Daniel Ho, Co-Principal Investigator from Northumbria University, elaborates on his study: “Our advanced thermal analysis technique enables comprehensive and angle-resolved scattering analysis across both visible and infrared spectrums, even under vacuum conditions and at temperatures as high as 1000°C.

The three universities believe their combined work will help achieve pioneering developments in renewable energy research, and this £1.1 million grant ensures they can continue developing their joint project.