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PES2020-Prosj.etabl.støtte H2020

Participation in ERRIN Project Development week to present "Solar Thermal Collector Tiles" and prepare the H2020 application

Awarded: NOK 34,999

This R&D project will result in an innovative and environmental friendly solar thermal collector. We aim to develop a medium-temperature collector, with suitable medium as working fluid. The difference between existing products and our innovation is the design and layout of the thermal collectors. Instead of using traditional plates or ETC (Evacuated tube collectors) are we going to incorporate parabolic-shaped solar energy reflectors into roof tiles. The tiles can either be placed on top of existing roof, or it can replace traditional roof tiles completely. The tiles will be designed with a "clip-on, clip-off" system which will make the mounting easy. A huge advantage is the flexible and modular design of the tiles, so that they can be arranged to fit any shapes/areas both horizontally and vertically. The tile "kit" will consist of a smaller number of standardized parts and components, e.g. with a base tile, then end-tiles with different angles to fit any shape. There is an urgent demand of clean energy worldwide, and our goal is to develop a system that reduces the need of traditional housing heating. The system will be easy to mount, lightweight and very cost-effective with low investment needed compared to existing systems today, which we believe will put us in a market leading position. Our product can replace existing solutions, but also create a new market where solar energy was never considered before due to complexity and price. The main challenges with our system is to protect it from over-heating and/or freezing, so that it will be compatible with all climates. This also includes changes in temperature during the day-night cycle, and the differences between summer and winter. One inconvenience is the unusual design of the tiles/reflectors which does not resemble a traditional roof. It will look like a mirror, and may cause unpopular reflections, but since the tiles are faced upwards to the sun they will not affect traffic or people on street level.

Funding scheme:

PES2020-Prosj.etabl.støtte H2020