Due to hot-humid and arid weather Egyptian buildings' demand for thermal comfort conditions (space cooling) is increasing exponentially and is supplied through grid electricity fuelled chillers. There are 11.5 million buildings in Egypt. Blackouts caused by grid failure due to overloading and lack of power is a common place.
Looking at Egypt's high solar resource (~2000 kWh/m2/yr), an environmentally and economically viable option would be solar heat driven chillers. In this context, NoNSToP project aims to develop a cost effective, polygenerating (power, heat and cooling) solar concentrating PVT system able to deliver electrical power up to 3 times higher than an equivalent non-concentrating panel and heat at >120 °C.
The novelties include (i) integrated low concentrating (C<5) and mid-concentrating (C<15) optical concentrators in a single trough; (ii) synthesis of directly absorbing multifunctional nanofluid and (iii) demonstration of the overall performance in conjunction with a commercial vapour absorption system (VAS) chiller in a 'Living Solar Lab' concept.
The project will aim to:
- train through collaborative research local scientists and industry professionals,
- make energy available to a wider population of lower socioeconomic background and
- create business opportunities for Egyptian and UK industry partners.
Project outcomes are applicable to all building types and the fast developing, small and medium commercial and industrial activities across the globe. The project will lead to joint research, two-way knowledge and technology transfer
manufacture in Egypt, development of high level skills, and contribution to energy security.
The project team comprises one leading UK research university (BUL), one Egypt research institute (NRIAG) and 3 industries with a substantial research and development track record in solar technologies, efficient energy use in buildings, technology transfer and commercialisation.