RESEARCHHarnessing the "free energy" of the sun, together with the application of engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, physics and computational modelling, the SEC Cluster is directing its research programme to sustainable energy production.
The Cluster expertise lies in materials, device architecture and modeling to drive platform capabilities for Solar Power and Solar Fuels. Significant progress, in the form of IP capture and numerous publications, has been made by the Cluster in the synthesis and characterisation of novel materials (with best in the world efficiencies), quantum and classical modelling and test devices.
The SEC Cluster is a team of internationally recognised experts focussed on solar conversion technologies. This unique multi-disciplinary team includes: engineers, materials scientists, chemists, bio-chemists, physicists and computational modelling experts, across three Irish universities: UCD, UL and DCU.
The Cluster is directed by lead Principal Investigator, Prof Don MacElroy, Head, UCD School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering together with Co-PIs Prof Edmond Magner, UL; Prof Han Vos, DCU; and Prof John T Sheridan, UCD.
The team comprises Irish and International academic collaborators, postdoctoral fellows and researchers, PhD and MSc research students. In addition, there is an extended group of researchers who work with the Cluster on related funded projects, bringing the overall team to more than 70 people.
The Cluster also provides training and skilled personnel to underpin the growth of materials and device design in Ireland. In addition, it is actively engaged in outreach activities for schools, industry and the public to promote solar technology in Ireland.
The Cluster received funding through Science Foundation Ireland's Strategic Research Cluster Programme of €5.3 million over 5 years. As part of the programme, the Cluster also has secured significant investment and support from its industry partners.
The team has successfully secured additional funding from EU FP7 awards, IRCSET, Enterprise Ireland, PRTLI, EPA, International Government scholarships and SFI.
Industry partners supporting the Cluster research programme include SolarPrint Ltd, Celtic Catalysts, Glantreo, Mainstream Renewable Power, CRH, Kingspan and SSE Renewables (Years 1-3).
The team also has a strong international academic network underpinning training and benchmarking of new materials and devices to world-class standards.
Featured Academic
