Over the last 20 years, photo voltaic solar cells (PV) for power generation has grown an industry that focuses on getting better materials to more efficiently use the solar energy that is available. With efficiencies approaching 10%, huge effort has been focused onto improving efficiency by using multi layer materials & thin film technologies such as DSSC to improve performance due to the huge positive impact they have on the carbon economy and on their downstream scalability. A previous programme (CONVERT) developed long life down converting phosphors that could be used in cells and coatings to transfer more of the suns energy into preferred PV frequencies - in this TSB DSSC Grand Challenges programme, we will aim to take these innovative materials and develop an optimised DSSC approach. We aim to combine this with enhanced light handling technology to use more of the suns energy that hits the non converting part of the DSSC which can be up to 30% of the total area. By combining these two techniques, applicable to all cells, we aim to enhance the Grand Challenge PV systems and put a the first part of a supply chain in place ready for production and scale up in the UK.

Awaiting Public Project Summary

The CEMLED project is an investigation into the amalgamation of novel thermal management substrate technology and the use of printed electronic materials to revolutionise the High Brightness LED substrate market. It aims to move manufacturing away from wasteful, subtractive manufacturing techniques towards very simple and efficient additive manufacturing technology.

The Automotive industry has experienced a substantial increase in the integration of electronic control systems. Electronic sensor systems are now routinely employed to monitor linear motion, for example, to control accelerating, braking and fuel sensor levels. Although these systems are relatively low cost their performance is highly compromised and there is an urgent need to provide cost effective solutions that increase the sensing performance and miniaturise system dimensions. This project, HICAST, will seek to use alternative manufacturing processes based on advanced conductive nanoparticle pastes, novel printing technology and innovative laser curing technology. This will lead to a demonstrator showcasing a low cost, environmentally friendly manufacturing process (over conventional PCB technology), with improved performance and reduced size and manufacturing costs.

This project will develop a range of novel polymer additives that are able to downconvert UV light to other parts of the electomagnetic spectrum, by incorporating phosphor particles into the polymers. By down converting the UV and visible (blue and green) light into red and near infra -red, these materials will be longer lasting (not be degraded by UV light). This generic technology will have a huge range of industrial applications generating large market share for UK industry, including car side & roof windows, conservatory windows & roofing, stadium roofing and thermal insulation.