PHOTOkipia

NSRF_ΕΣΠΑ 2014-2021

“Semitransparent Organic & Printed Photovoltaics for Energy Efficient Mediterranean Greenhouses” (2018-2021)

PHOTOKIPIA is an innovation research project aims to develop an “Energy Efficient Greenhouse” based on large area Organic and Printed Photovoltaics (OPVs) that allow also the proper growth of greenhouse cultivation. PHOTOKIPIA targets to develop and optimize large-scale Semitransparent-OPVs (S-OPVs) with Roll-to-Roll (R2R) printing techniques on plastic substrates. This will be achieved through the development of printed Transparent Electrodes (TE) and the use of unique in-line nano-layer scribing technique with ultra-fast pulse laser and optical metrology to control the thickness and optical properties of the printed nano-layers from the Infrared to Ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum for their final application to Mediterranean (MG) type Greenhouses.
Organic and Printed Photovoltaics is a rapidly growing technology field and its market is expected to reach 500$M in 2022 due to their low-cost fabrication and excellent mechanical and optical properties that allow them to penetrate to several new applications. The PHOTOKIPIA is based on the industrial research aiming to develop R2R Semi-Transparent OPV panels for the harvesting exploitation by their integration on MG rooftops. The generated electricity from S-OPVs will be collected in accumulators for covering the energy needs of the MG and providing constant power to a wireless monitoring system (ASETHI) of MG that will be deployed within the project for recording in real-time the performance and efficiency of the S-OPV panels, the microclimate and cultivation of the MG and wirelessly transfer the data through telecommunication network.
The PHOTOKIPIA Project, with the pioneering combination of energy production with Agricultural cultivation through the creation of “Energy Efficient Greenhouse”, has great prospects in the Rural and National Economy since solving energy issues for remote Greenhouses or non by enhancing the ecological sustainability and competitiveness of Greek and International Greenhouse cultivations.

The objectives of PHOTOKIPIA include the:

1. Development and Optimization of R2R Printed Transparent Electrodes (optical transparency> 90%, surface resistance <12 Ohm / cm2, thermal stability ≥300 ° C).
2. Optimization of R2R Printing Processes for manufacturing large scale S-OPVs and Optical Engineering of nanolayers (6-7% Efficiency, optical transparency ≤30%, power ~ 40W / m2, weight <0.5Kg , life time 8 years).
3. Development of wireless monitoring system of MG and recording parameters of S-OPV panels.
4. Integration of H-OPV panels to MG and evaluation of their performance and impact on cultivation.

The above objectives are in full agreement with the priority strategic areas of EPAnEK for the Single Action “Research – Create – Innovate”. The consortium partners, 2 Universities (AUTh & UTH) and 2 companies (OET & SUN) are internationally recognized for their excellence in the development of Organic and Printed Photovoltaic Devices, in automation technologies and management of hydroponic crops, the recording of microclimate parameters and cultivation and the development of wireless sensor networks. In addition, the complementarity of the capabilities and expertise of the partners ensures the achievement of project goals and innovative approaches. The well-coordinated and organized work plan of the project will ensure PHOTOKIPIA’s success and will lead to a significant boost to the competitiveness of Greek R&D and industrial production.