Liquid Filter with Plasmonic Nanoparticles

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Program:
FOCUS
Award:
$1,762,075
Location:
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
05/15/2014 - 02/14/2017

Technology Description:

The University of Tulsa is developing a hybrid solar converter that captures ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths of light in a thermal fluid while directing visible wavelengths of light to a photovoltaic (PV) cell to produce electricity. The PV cells can be kept at moderate temperatures while high-quality heat is captured in the thermal fluid for storage and conversion into electricity when needed. The thermal fluid will flow behind the PV cell to capture waste heat and then flow in front of the PV cell, where it heats further and also act as a filter, passing only the portions of sunlight that the PV cell converts most efficiently while absorbing the rest. This light absorption control will be accomplished by including nanoparticles of different materials, shapes, and sizes in the fluid that are tailored to absorb different portions of sunlight. The heat captured in the fluid can be stored to provide dispatchable solar energy during non-daylight hours. Together, the PV cells and thermal energy provide instantaneous as well as storable power for dispatch when most needed.

Potential Impact:

If successful, the University of Tulsa’s hybrid solar conversion system will provide both electricity and heat to dispatch solar energy whether or not the sun is shining.

Security:

Developing new hybrid solar systems will provide clean, domestically-sourced solar power at costs comparable to traditional sources, for use at all times of the day.

Environment:

Replacing energy systems powered by fossil fuels would provide an immediate decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, 40% of which come from electricity generation today.

Economy:

Cost-effective, dispatchable solar energy alternatives would stabilize electricity rates for consumers as the penetration of renewable energy increases in the coming years.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Eric Schiff
Project Contact:
Dr. Todd Otanicar
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
todd-otanicar@utulsa.edu

Partners

nanoComposix
Cogenra Solar, Inc.

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Release Date:
07/16/2013