Projecte matriculat
Títol: Characterization of innovative materials and composites for concentrated solar power applications
Director/a: ROJAS GREGORIO, JOSEP IGNASI
Departament: FIS
Títol: Characterization of innovative materials and composites for concentrated solar power applications
Data inici oferta: 27-01-2026 Data finalització oferta: 27-09-2026
Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
GR ENG SIST AEROESP
| Tipus: Individual | |
| Lloc de realització: EETAC | |
| Segon director/a (UPC): IQBAL, NABEEL | |
| Paraules clau: | |
| Characterization; microanalysis; innovative; materials; composites; concentrated solar power; CSP; applications; SEM; XRD; mechanical properties | |
| Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats: | |
| Description: This thesis is framed within the Unite! Alliance Seed Fund Project "Concentrated Solar Power and Solar cells - Innovative Materials and Technologies (CSP-IMT) sustainable electricity and heat generation - Training and Innovation". Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems harness solar radiation by concentrating sunlight to generate high-temperature heat, enabling electricity generation via thermodynamic cycles and integration with cost-effective thermal energy storage (TES) systems [1]. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) technologies, CSP provides dispatchable renewable power, making it attractive for flexible grid operation and industrial heat applications [1]. In recent years, significant research has focused on improving the efficiency, durability, and economic viability of CSP systems, considering also the application in remote areas. Key innovations include advanced receiver designs capable of operating above 800-1000 °C and novel materials with enhanced optical, thermal, and corrosion resistance properties [2]. This work presents preliminary results on the characterization of innovative materials and composites for applications in CSP receivers, including solid particle and ceramic volumetric receivers, etc. [3]. Current challenges and future research opportunities in these CSP materials will also be highlighted, with emphasis on extending operational lifetimes, reducing cost, and enabling next-generation CSP architectures.
[1] O. Behar, A. Khellaf, K. Mohammedi, A review of studies on central receiver solar thermal power plants, Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 23 (2013) 12-39, doi: 10.1016/J.RSER.2013.02.017 [2] Y. Liu, Y. Wang, D. Huang, Supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle: A state-of-the-art review, Energy 189 (2019) 115900, doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.115900 [3] F. Nie, F. Bai, Z. Wang, X. Li, R. Yang, Solid particle solar receivers in the next-generation concentrated solar power plant, EcoMat 4(5) (2022) e12207, doi: 10.1002/EOM2.12207 Work plan: 1. Literature review and analysis of relevant bibliography on the state of the art about innovative materials for the receiver/focal/receptor in concentrated solar power technologies and systems 2. Formation on suitable software and experimental equipment to be used, e.g., X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), universal testing machine (UTM), etc. 3. Experimental analysis of the studied materials: a. preparation of samples for XRD and realization of tests b. preparation of samples for SEM and realization of tests c. preparation of samples for UTM and realization of tests 4. Post-processing of the XRD, SEM and UTM experimental results 5. Draw conclusions from the experimental results obtained in this study 6. Write thesis and prepare final oral presentation Forma prevista de seguiment i orientació a l'estudiant en la realització del treball: Durante el proyecto, la forma prevista de seguimiento y orientación al estudiante se basará en la realización de reuniones periódicas con los supervisores del proyecto (aproximadamente una reunión de 1h por semana), y la elaboración por parte del estudiante de informes de progreso, que serán evaluados y comentados por los supervisores del proyecto. |
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| Orientació a l'estudiant: | |
| La memoria del proyecto se realizará en inglés. Preferentemente, el/la candidata/a debería tener especial interés por la materiales, composites, experimentación con máquinas de ensayos mecánicos y las técnicas X-ray diffraction (XRD) y scanning electron microscope (SEM), etc. Es muy recomendable tener conocimientos de software CAD y de análisis estructural, e.g., SolidEdge, SolidWorks, Catia, 3Dexperience, ANSYS, etc., y/o multi-physics software, e.g., COMSOL, Inventor (from AutoDesk), etc. | |
| Requereix activitats hardware: Si | |
| Requereix activitats software: Sí Sistema operatiu: Disc (Gb): | |
| Horari d'atenció a estudiants per a l'assignació de projecte: Trucar per telf o concertar trobada/reunió via email |
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