A Novel Integration of Radiative Cooling into Photovoltaic/Thermal Panel in Buildings by Applying a Spectrally Selective Micro/Nano Coating

ended

This fellowship aims to train a talented early career researcher and contribute to the EU scientific excellence by investigating and developing an innovative coupled radiative cooling and photovoltaic/thermal (RC-PV/T) collector for building-integrated applications. The Incoming Researcher is a winner of Grand Gold Medal of Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, Excellent Doctoral Dissertations Award of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Excellent PhD Graduate Award of the President of CAS, attributed to his original proof-of-concept study of the novel RC-PV/T technology. The Incoming Researcher is a highly dedicated and motivated young researcher and has been stimulated to devise this novel design. Solar thermal collection and photovoltaics are the dominating technologies, however, the combined photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) technology is expected to become popular due to its higher overall efficiency, more cost effective and better match with building energy demand as well. Integration of radiative cooling into a PV/T collector can further contribute to such merits by adding a night sky cooling function, so a RC-PV/T collector can produce electricity and heat during the daytime and provide cooling during the nighttime. To achieve such triple functions, the applicants have analysed and proposed the ideal spectral selective characteristics of the RC-PV/T panel, and a desirable RC-PV/T micro/nano coating as well as a RC-PV/T collector will be designed and trial-manufactured. The project has been carefully designed to match the Incoming Researcher’s profile with the strengths of the University of Nottingham in solar energy, micro/nano coating and low carbon buildings, and thus facilitates a two-way knowledge transfer and training. Successful completion of this fellowship will contribute to the European excellence in renewable energy technologies for Zero Energy Buildings, and promote the professional competence and career prospect of the Incoming Researcher.