FAQs

S2H2P is the acronym for Solar to Heat to Power. It describes the conversion route that takes advantage of solar radiation (by means of concentration solar systems) to generate thermal energy (S2H). First, this heat can be stored for later use (due to the characteristics of the latent heat storage systems). Then, this thermal energy can be converted into power on demand (H2P), through an efficient and novel solid-state technology. This technology is based on thermophotovoltaics for power generation.
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It is a flagship prototype of the proposed technology (S2H2P) integrating advanced optics for beam-down CSP technology, high-temperature latent heat storage and thermophotovoltaic conversion.
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It is a smart digital tool to help the design, management and replicability purposes based on a multidisciplinary optimisation. It additionally provides a set of features usable for dissemination, exploitation, training and communication actions.
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MDO is a field of engineering focused on numerical optimisation for designing systems that involve multiple disciplines. The underlying idea is to solve a given optimisation problem within a defined domain. Advancing computer technology and the availability of new decomposition methods for solving the design problem have made MDO increasingly useful in engineering practice.
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Phase change materials (PCM) are compounds that absorb and release heat energy when they change phase (known as latent heat). For example, when a material melts, it changes from a solid to a liquid phase. During the phase transition, many materials are capable of absorbing a significant amount of heat energy.
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A Solar Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system is based on a principle of conversion of concentrated solar energy into radiation by heating an intermediate photon emitter with the subsequent photovoltaic conversion of this radiation in low-bandgap photo-converters. TPV energy conversion stands out as the most efficient solid-state thermal-to-electric energy converter, with a record efficiency of nearly 30% at heat source temperatures higher than 1000°C. As a matter of fact, it is the most efficient small-sized heat engine.
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Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. Each technology project is evaluated against the parameters for each technology level and is then assigned a TRL rating based on the project's progress. There are nine technology readiness levels classified as follows: TRL 1 – basic principles observed TRL 2 – technology concept formulated TRL 3 – experimental proof of concept TRL 4 – technology validated in lab TRL 5 – technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies) TRL 6 – technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies) TRL 7 – system prototype demonstration in operational environment TRL 8 – system complete and qualified TRL 9 – actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space)