SNSF Starting Grant awarded to Prof. Sophia Haussener
System-scale schematic adapted from © www.photovoltaic-solar-power.net
Sophia Haussener, Professor at the Laboratory of Renewable Energy Science and Engineering, has been awarded a STARTING GRANT by the SNSF in the context of the so-called “Temporary Backup Schemes” for the European Research Council (ERC) grants. This transitional measure of the SNSF offers the awardee an adequate substitute for ERC grants.
Abstract - SCOUTS: Strategic Computation and Optimization of Unified Templates for Solar Fuels
The project “Strategic Computation and Optimization of Unified Templates for Solar Fuels” (SCOUTS) aims to substantially advance the practical implementation of integrated photoelectorchemical (PEC) devices through the development of quantitative design guidelines for the operational conditions, component characteristics, and overall integrated design of competitive solar fuels and material processing devices. The resulting templates will be based on coupled multi-scale and multi-physics transport models in chemically reacting multi-phase media as part of an interdisciplinary device approach proposing a paradigm shift towards rapid development of integrated PEC systems utilizing the current state of materials development.
The SCOUTS project aims to develop a holistic approach to modeling and assessing PEC device templates. This requires tackling methodological challenges and knowledge gaps in the PEC community, necessitating the development of advanced multi-physics and multi-scale modeling tools, the incorporation of detailed submicron component morphology, the introduction of a unifying homogenization theory, and the coupling of modeling with experimental assessment of (long-term) component characteristics.
SCOUTS will develop a modular, experimentally supported predictive modeling framework, applicable to a wide variety of devices, capable of answering the corresponding relevant research questions, but specific enough to be strategically applied to the development of three potentially disruptive approaches towards economic and efficient PEC devices: particle-based devices, guided microscopic structural engineering of photoelectrodes, and operation of devices at elevated temperatures.
If successful in these multiple pursuits, SCOUTS will provide breakthrough predictive modeling tools (virtual prototypes), with the ability to quantitatively assess and compare the performance and long-term stability of PEC devices, answering many relevant research and development-related questions for PEC devices on the quest for industrial and large-scale implementation. The results of this research will lead to further innovation and contribute to the vision of increased utilization of renewable energy.
Details of the Grant
Requested Funding: CHF 1’455’643.-
Duration: 60 Months
Host Institution: EPFL
Project Acronym: SCOUTS
Domains: Engineering Sciences, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Mechanical Engineering