Energy for Development Stream 2
Influence of photovoltaic water pumping systems operation on groundwater sustainability
Anne Charpentier
Pumping water from the ground affects the borehole water level. The relationship between the pumped flow rate and the borehole water level is usually estimated during initial constant rates pumping tests but seldom recalibrated later in the PVWPS’s lifetime. Modelling the borehole using solar pumping data allows for a recalibration of the initial model without impacting the normal use of the PVWPS.
Supervisors:
Dr. Judith Cherni, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London
Dr. Simon Meunier, KU Leuven
Dr. Loic Queval, CentraleSupelec
An analysis of adapted storage approaches for photovoltaic water pumping systems
Camille Soenen
Photovoltaic water pumping systems usually store water in a tank to be able to provide water even when the solar panels are not generating. Alternatively, it is possible to choose to store energy in a battery bank, and still be able to provide water at any time. This alternative has benefits as it is not necessary to construct a tank, but it also brings new difficulties, especially because of the short battery life, making regular replacements necessary.
Supervisors:
Dr. Judith Cherni, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London
Dr. Vincent Reinbold, Universite Paris-Saclay
Dr. Loic Queval, CentraleSupelec
Dr. Simon Meunier, KU Leuven
Low-Temperature Measurements of Charge-Transfer States in Organic Solar Cells
Daniel Lopez Garcia
Organic solar cells utilise conductive organic polymers to produce electricity from sunlight. These present many benefits to that of their inorganic counterpart: ultra-thinness, low weight, semi-transparency and flexibility, which make them suitable for innovative applications. The best OSCs have achieved efficiencies around 20% over the last 2 decades, however, little is known about some of the underlying processes that govern them. This project aims to combine the capability of computational models and low-temperature measurements to create new pathways to further increase the efficiency of these devices and understand the impact of charge-transfer states in electricity generation.
Supervisors:
Prof. Jenny Nelson, Department of Physics, Imperial College London
Dr. Flurin Eisner, Department of Physics, Imperial College London
Dr. Mohammed Azzouzi, Department of Physics, Imperial College London
The value of derating: Gaining insight into li-ion degradation for mini-grids in the global south
Jake Sowe
Derating strategies can be used to increase the lifetime and ensure safety of electronic equipment. In the case of li-ion batteries, they can be used to minimise battery degradation. This project uses detailed modelling approaches to better understand li-ion battery degradation for locations in India and Rwanda, and how derating can be used to minimise the extent of degradation for these case studies. The study considers important factors for mini-grid operation such as battery lifetime and impacts on system reliability.
Supervisors:
Dr. Sheridan Few, The Grantham Institute, Imperial College London
Dr. Jorge Varela Barreras, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London
Semi-transparent Organic PV in Unassisted Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting and Greenhouses
Ow Kai Rong, Wesley
Semi-Transparent Organic Solar Cells (STOSCs) extract power from parts of the solar spectrum whilst allowing other parts to be transmitted. These STOSCs have garnered attention for utilising cost-effective manufacturing processes, earth-abundant materials, and their potential use in building-integrated photovoltaics. Recently, studies have looked into the novel application of using STOSCs in unassisted photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting devices as well as in greenhouses. This study seeks to elucidate the viability of STOSCs in these applications by modelling their performance in a Photovoltaic-PEC tandem water splitting device and in a greenhouse.
Supervisors:
Prof. Jenny Nelson, Department of Physics, Imperial College London
Dr. Flurin Eisner, Department of Physics, Imperial College London
Solar microgrids for rural development in the Brazilian semi-arid: Case Study of Remanso, Bahia
Paloma Gallegos Alvarenga
The aim of this thesis is to perform a techno-economic assessment of solar microgrids for rural electrification in the Brazilian semi-arid considering a case study in a remote community in Remanso, state of Bahia. Possible productive uses of energy to enhance the livestock and honey production in the area will be accounted for, aiming to bring development and poverty reduction for the community. The project is in the scope of the energy utility of the state and assesses different options to meet the autonomy of 48 hours required by the local energy regulator.
Supervisors:
Dr. Sheridan Few, The Grantham Institute, Imperial College London
Dr. Philip Sandwell, Department of Physics, Imperial College London
Demand estimation improvement to size solar off-grid systems using data analysis
Matthias Durand
Researchers and governments have been doing studies about the use of solar off-grid systems to electrify remote area of developing countries. The consumption cannot be forecasted precisely, so improving demand estimation could lead to astounding cost reductions, by avoiding over/undersizing, while improving systems operation and reliability. The aim of this thesis is to use utilisation data to define a methodology able to improve demand forecasting methods, for future electrification projects. Project Jua, financed by OVO Foundation and developed by Energy 4 Impact, (an electrification project targeting 320 schools and clinics in Kenya) provided me with consumption and production data.
Supervisors:
Dr. Philip Sandwell, Department of Physics, Imperial College London
Mr. Hamish Beath, Department of Physics, Imperial College London