Research projects

solar energy

DEL undertakes research in a range of solar energy related areas with a main focus on Photovoltaics (PV).

Activities include investigation of novel designs for solar energy concentration using PV, incorporation of PV into current state of the art devices adding autonomous power functionality, investigation of issues relating to building integrated photovoltaic applications and feasibility studies of PV and Irish industry for Government based organisations and private companies

• autonomous lighting systems for buildings
• combined PV and cellular antenna panel for building façade integration
• design of an energy-based controller for an active solar collector
• PV control system investigation into total and partial shading and non-ideal insolation conditions
• quantum dot solar concentrator
• SEAR: Ireland Solar Energy Application & Research 
• transpired air heating low concentrating solar energy collectors

• use of phase change materials for thermal control in building integrated PV systems

For further information on any of the above projects please contact Prof Brian Norton