Power is critical for space missions and Internet Of Things (IoT) networks. Join the team investigating photovoltaic and betavoltaic devices for their huge potential in powering off-Earth energy systems.
Research goals
We are investigating photovoltaic and betavoltaic devices for their huge potential in powering off-Earth energy systems.
ChallENG Area
Vertically Integrated Projects
Research Areas
- Photovoltaics
- Betavoltaics
- Space Science
- Power Systems
- Photovoltaics
- Data science
- Internet of Things
- Laser physics
- Radio-isotopes
The research includes:
- Developing photovoltaics (PV), betavoltaics (BV) and laser beaming systems for space applications
- Designing flexible PV and BV energy harvesting devices and integrated IoT solutions
- Enhancing PV efficiency and stability in space
- Improving BV device efficiency through new semiconductor materials that have greater energy conversion and increased radiation resistance
- Designing the ‘solar (power) ring’ device to power IoT networks
- Designing and fabricating PV and BV devices for IoT applications
- Designing and fabricating integrated power ring prototypes
- Researching radiation tolerance of PV devices
- Investigating the performance of several types of solar cells under low light intensities, different spectra and a wide range of temperatures
- Investigating new materials and their efficiencies
- Fabricating solar cells in lunar-like environments
- Improving the operation, transfer efficiency and pointing accuracy of laser power beaming
- Improving welding of space solar cell interconnects
- Integrating different power systems for space missions to the Moon and for LEO CubeSats
- Developing power systems for IoT devices
- Developing database and data analysis capabilities for completed IoT solutions
- Addressing the EQE (external quantum efficiency) artefacts in multijunction solar cells
- Undertaking vacuum deposition of solar cell materials under conditions similar to those on the Moon
- Combining antennas and solar cells for dual use on satellites
- Join this team for
- Desired skills
- Photovoltaics engineering
- Nuclear engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Electrical circuit design
- Wireless sensor networks
- Bio-engineering
- Physics
Team Academic Lead
Prof. Gavin Conibeer
School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering
A/Prof. Xiaojing Hao
School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering
A/Prof. Ziv Hameiri
School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering
A/Prof. N.J. Ekins-Daukes
School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering
