Project description

TPV research team at IES-UPM focuses on the development of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices, which convert incandescent thermal radiation into electricity with high efficiency. Unlike conventional solar cells that rely on visible light, TPV devices harness high-temperature heat sources, enabling them to generate 50 to 200 times more electrical power. Our goal is to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and expand the practical applications of this technology, particularly in renewable energy storage and industrial waste heat recovery. Our expertise covers the fabrication, characterization, simulation, and integration of TPV semiconductor devices into real-world applications. This includes photolithographic processes for cell manufacturing, optoelectronic characterization, and the assembly of TPV cells into complete systems. Additionally, we develop high-vacuum and high-temperature experimental setups to simulate real operating conditions, enabling the precise evaluation of TPV devices. We are currently coordinating two European projects, THERMOBAT and SUNSON, and participating in BLAZETEC, all of which focus on advancing TPV technology. In THERMOBAT, we are developing a thermal battery that operates at over 1200°C, utilizing TPV devices for highly efficient thermal-to-electric energy conversion. The project involves THERMOPHOTON, a UPM spin-off dedicated to commercializing this technology. The SUNSON project takes this concept further by integrating solar thermal storage, capturing concentrated solar radiation as high-temperature heat and using TPV to deliver continuous, cost-effective electricity production. Finally, in BLAZETEC, we are exploring hybrid TPV systems, combining thermophotovoltaics, thermionics and thermoelectrics to enhance efficiency and power density. 

Brief description of the Centre/Research Group

The Institute of Solar Energy (IES-UPM) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid has been a leader in photovoltaic (PV) research since the late 1970s. Despite its modest size, it has made groundbreaking contributions to silicon solar cells, III-V multijunction cells, and advanced PV concepts. IES-UPM pioneered the bifacial solar cell, leading to the foundation of ISOFOTON in 1981, once Europe’s largest solar cell manufacturer. It has also fostered multiple spin-offs, influencing industries worldwide in PV development, monitoring, and tracking systems, with technology acquired by companies like SOLFOCUS and BOEING. The institute set a world record efficiency (32.4%) for GaInP/GaAs cells in 2008 and introduced novel PV concepts like the Intermediate Band Solar Cell, widely cited in scientific literature. Today, it continues to drive innovation, including energy storage using molten silicon and thermophotovoltaic recovery. The TPV research team at IES-UPM consists of 10 researchers (4 PhD students, 3 postdocs, and 3 professors) and is part of the Silicon and Novel Concepts for Solar Cells group, dedicated to silicon-based PV technologies and emerging solar concepts.

Documents to be submitted

Letter of motivation, letter of references and CV.

Deadline: April 30