Search for European Projects

Development of Photovoltaic Textiles based on novel fibres (DEPHOTEX)
Start date: Nov 1, 2008, End date: Oct 31, 2011 PROJECT  FINISHED 

The goal of the project is to research and develop textile solar cells in order to get flexible photovoltaic textiles based on novel fibres allowing taking benefit from the solar radiation so as to turn it into energy. Photovoltaic solar energy is being widely studied as one of the sources of renewable energy with major application potential, being considered a real alternative to fossil fuels. Since the development of first photovoltaic cells, solar energy is being an object of continuous research focused on improving the energy efficiency as well as the structure of photovoltaic cells. Last innovations on photovoltaic technology have allowed obtaining flexible solar cells which offer a wide range of possibilities, mainly in wearable applications that need autonomous systems. The present project is in line with last developments and the target is to research on the development of flexible and textile solar cells to obtain photovoltaic textiles, which offer a range of useful applications in a variety of consumer application sectors: home textiles, sports, leisure, clothing, automotive industry… For instance, solar tents and parasols with the capability of energy generation. The project research is based on the development of novel fibres with conductive properties as substrate of the structure of flexible photovoltaic cells. From the development of a conductive textile substrate, the project will focus on the research and deposition of different layers that will compose the structure of a textile photovoltaic cell. These cells will be developed with organic and inorganic semiconductive materials. The main technological innovation is based on the development of a wearable and flexible energy source directly on textile products. Fabrics with the capability of generation of clean, usable and wearable energy thanks to their sun exposure, offer a great added value.
Up2Europe Ads

Coordinator

Details

Project Website

13 Partners Participants