The province of North Brabant, the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) and TNO, partner in Solliance, signed a covenant. The aim is to usher in a new phase for the application of solar energy. Indeed, at the Brainport Industry Campus (BIC) in Eindhoven, TNO is working on a new research line to develop innovative solar energy products. This is part of a strategy in which perovskite also has an important role.
The aim is to be able to produce flexible solar laminates for subsequent processing into components for buildings, infrastructure and vehicles. With this 'mass customisation' production concept, the Netherlands is leading the way worldwide. TNO conceived the research line while it is being built by industry partners such as MAAN and Duflex with financial support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.
Industrialisation
In parallel, the research programme on the industrialisable production of perovskites is ongoing. This is a promising thin-film material for solar energy applications. The aim is for both studies to also converge in mass customisation based on perovskite. Perovskite is a relatively new material for use in solar cells. It has potential advantages over conventional silicon. The raw material for perovskite is abundantly available. The material and production costs are lower and the efficiency is also potentially higher. In addition, it is possible to combine perovskite with silicon cells, for example, to create a so-called tandem application. This creates a solar cell with a very high efficiency.
Concrete steps
The cooperation with the province of North Brabant enables concrete steps to be taken in the development of integrated PV components. The covenant with province and BOM is hereby the starting signal for a solar energy innovation coalition. It offers plenty of opportunities for industry in Brainport and Brabant to help shape this innovative development. The strategic investment by the province in making mass customisation and perovskite ready for the market could amount to EUR 4.3 million.
Tailor-made
The aim is to make mass customisation marketable. Large-scale production of customised pv laminates. The research line, essentially a programmable collection of robots, focuses on process development. Consider, for example, processes for making flexible semi-finished products with pv functionality in every conceivable size, shape and electrical power. Component manufacturers can then incorporate such semi-finished products into their own products without radically changing their production process.
Smart manufacturing industry
Province Administrator Martijn van Gruijthuijsen: "In Brabant, we work on the solutions for the social issues of today and tomorrow. This is where you find the knowledge to solve a problem and the smart manufacturing industry to realise that solution. With this new cooperation, we hope to make solar energy better, more affordable and more available. And we are laying the foundation for more production in Europe."
Innovation is indispensable
Brigit van Dijk - Van de Reijt, general director of BOM: "Innovation is indispensable for realising the energy transition. As BOM, we are therefore fully committed to making innovative companies that take solar-energy to the next level ready for market and investment."
Semi-finished products
Semi-finished products can be made for all possible integrated pv products on the same production line. This allows existing companies to break new ground. It also offers opportunities to new market entrants. The research line will also play a major role in the European MC2.0 project. Led by TNO, this project will start in January 2023. Twenty partners from different countries will provide input for this.
Cost-effective
Harm Jeeninga, Market Director for Energy & Materials Transition at TNO: “Automated production of integrated PV elements is feasible in a cost-effective manner in both existing and new markets. We intend to demonstrate this together with our partners across the entire supply chain. Initially, this will focus on building elements in façades and roofing. However, we have also demonstrated that PV components can be incorporated aesthetically and effectively into the roof and bonnet of cars, or into noise barriers. We are therefore convinced that integrated PV components can be produced at a cost tens of per cent lower by developing this value chain regionally. The introduction of affordable semi-finished products will create an entirely new market. The ecosystem in Brabant can play a leading role in this.”
North Brabant
The province of North Brabant wants to establish several innovation coalitions. Including with research institutes and industry. By joining forces in these coalitions, innovations can be accelerated to provide solutions for societal challenges.
Source: TNO, BOM
Image: Image by PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay
