Researchers at the Tulane University reportedly announced that they have developed a hybrid solar energy converter that makes steam and electricity at lower cost and with higher efficiency. The breakthrough was led by Matthew Escarra, Assoc. Prof. of Physics and Engineering Physics, Tulane University, and Daniel Codd, Assoc. Prof. of Mechanical Engineering, University of San Diego.

This development is a culmination of the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E that started in 2014. The project received $3.3 million in funding with years of prototype development done at Tulane while its testing was conducted in San Diego.

Mr. Escarra claims that thermal energy consumption plays a crucial role in the global energy economy, even large than electricity use. There has been an surge in the solar integrated power and heat systems to process heat for greenhouse-gas-free and zero-net-energy development as well as to develop electricity.

Escarra added that researchers are delighted to have evaluated the high-performance field operation of the solar converter and are looking forward to its current commercial development. 

The newly developed hybrid converter uses a technique that entirely captures the entire spectrum of sunlight. The device generates power through highly efficient multi-junction solar cells which redirect infrared rays to a thermal receiver which further transforms them into thermal energy.

Thermal energy can be preserved until required and used to offer heat for various industrial and commercial uses like chemical production, food processing, enhanced oil recovery, or water treatment. The research team reported that the system showed 85.1% efficiency, it delivered steam at about 248°C. The hybrid solar energy converter is also estimated to cost 3 cents per kilowatt hour.

With follow-on investments from Louisiana Board of Regents and a local commercialization company Reactwell, researcher team is continuing its work to enhance technology and further progress pilot-scale validation. 

Source Credit: https://news.tulane.edu/pr/tulane-scientists-build-high-performing-hybrid-solar-energy-converter