Meet the fellows
Here’s our first group of fellows. Their research focuses on sustainability.
Tijmen Bakker
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Using the Green in Greenhouses
Using solar panels on the glass roofing of greenhouses can completely offset the energy cost of the greenhouse, whilst also creating a green energy surplus. The problem is that solar cells absorb light, which is then not available for the plants. I want to provide solar cells for greenhouse farmers that synergizes with the growing of plants, so the greenhouses can grow plants and generate green energy, resulting in an energy neutral horticulture sector. With our new carbon-based technology, we aim to make solar cell modules that are superior in efficiency, cost and tuneability.
Sorin Bunea
TU Delft
Sustainable ammonia synthesis powered by renewable electricity
We recently invented a highly efficient continuous electrochemical ammonia synthesis process from gaseous nitric oxide. This project aims at demonstrating the technology under commercially-relevant conditions, evaluating economic viability and developing future solutions for decentralized, CO2 emission-free production process of ammonia which is the primary ingredient for fertilizers and a promising liquefiable chemical energy carrier. Effects of feed composition, materials/process stability and scale-up feasibility will be studied, and a thorough techno-economic analysis will be performed.
Rik van Gorp
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Heratec: Transformative porous electrodes for electrochemical devices
Developing green technologies that leverage efficient interconversion of electrical and chemical energy is essential to decarbonize the electric grid, power the heavy-duty transportation fleet, and to enable sustainable chemical manufacturing. At the core of these electrochemical devices, porous electrodes play an integral role as their design governs the performance, durability and consequently the cost of next-generation electrochemical systems. With Heratec’s innovative technology, we solve the fundamental challenge of multiphase transport within gas diffusion electrodes by leveraging revolutionary porous electrode design and localized functionalization methods. Our solution enables transformative performance improvements and cost reductions in hydrogen technologies, energy storage, and electrofuels.
Hossein Karimi
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Carbonsai: Carbon‐Free Non‐Reinforced Precast Concrete Solutions
Globally, non‐reinforced precast concrete accounts for 350 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, twice the Netherlands’ CO2 emissions in 2020. In this project, a breakthrough method for decarbonizing precast concrete is implemented, including a novel concrete formulation and curing process. The experimental results have proved that concrete mixtures produced by this method not only meet strength criteria for non‐reinforced precast concrete, but also cut its carbon footprint by more than half. Given the large market of non‐reinforced precast concrete, my idea has the potential of reducing millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Mohammad Kojourimanesh
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Acoustic and Thermo‐Acoustics Design of Low‐Carbon Technologies and reducing Noise Pollution
One of the crucial problems of Low‐Carbon systems based on hydrogen as energy‐carrier, Heat‐Pumps, and HVAC is the inherent noise of thermo‐acoustic and fluid‐dynamic origin. The proposal introduces a novel, robust, cheap, and efficient solution applicable to various energy transition systems. A flexible recently invented, studied and laboratory tested compact‐broadband muffler is purposefully designed to be incorporated into such energy‐appliances resulting in the elimination of thermo‐acoustic noise and/or reduction of environmental noise as well as household appliances’ noise. Introducing such mufflers during the design‐phase drastically reduces the development‐cost, facilitates the energy transition, and contributes to a sustainable and healthy life.
Rose Sharifian
TU Delft
SeaO2: turning carbon capture from seawater into business
To mitigate climate change, CO2 capture from the environment is inevitable. Electrochemical CO2 capture methods have high potential thanks to their green chemistry and their native fit in a transition towards renewable electricity. Among electrochemical carbon capture methods, particularly, using bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPMED) for oceanic carbon capture is promising as it does not produce/require any harmful chemicals, needs no regeneration, and our profound experience allows us to rapidly upscale this process. The capture products, CO2(g) and/or CaCO3(s), provide an opportunity to commercialise as green feedstock in the food industry, greenhouses, synthetic fuels, etc, while providing a circular carbon economy. Our startup SeaO2 is taking on the challenge.
Stas Verichev
TU Delft
VibroTwist: a game changing pile driving and removal technology
VibroTwist will be a spin-off company to commercialize a new pile driving and removal technique invented at TU Delft, in which TU Delft will be a shareholder. As an installation device for the monopiles of offshore windparks, which has a marginal environmental impact compared to conventional techniques, it helps the Energy Transition. It also contributes to the Circular Economy by allowing extracting the whole body of monopiles during the decommissioning. This grant is a great opportunity for the future company CEO to develop and to excel in entrepreneurial skills in order to make VibroTwist a success.
Sem Vijverberg
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Stabilizing electricity grids and maximizing feed-in of renewables with AI-based forecasts several weeks ahead
The massive transition towards renewables combined with more frequent climate extremes is strongly increasing energy market volatility. Reliable weather forecasts weeks to months ahead are urgently needed to support stakeholders in the energy sector to optimally plan production, maintenance, resources, and distribution. Our Artificial Intelligence based forecasts outcompete those of operational systems and have the potential to disrupt the modus operandi in the energy sector. Forecast products for the energy sector would support the transition to resilient and sustainable energy systems by 1) keeping energy affordable, (2) optimizing the share of renewables and (3) fostering energy security.
Aytac Yilmaz
TU Delft
Designing a robust and efficient iron-air battery via microstructure and surface engineering – A new generation, cost-effective and long-duration renewable energy storage solution
Renewable energy generation has increased rapidly over the last decades. However, the energy supply strongly depends on CO2-rich resources during periods of extreme weather conditions or peaks in demand. This is due to the absence of long-duration energy storage technology. Moreover, the current energy storage systems are based on scarce and critical materials. This project provides a breakthrough, long-duration, and cost-effective energy storage solution, based on some of the most abundant materials: iron, air and water. This technology will permit 100% renewable energy in electricity grids, energy self-sufficient households and industry, continuous energy access in remote areas, and more.
Yari Foelen
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Consumables EXperition Indicators (CEXI): optical recording of exposure conditions
The deterioration of consumables, such as food and pharmaceuticals, is highly dependent on exposure conditions. Approximately 30% of our food is wasted, causing large economic losses and an avoidable environmental burden. Low-cost indicators are useful to track perishable consumables during their respective lifetime. These indicators provide an optical response to accurately represent the expiration process based on temperature exposure. Our solution presents a tunable ink for a tailored indicator response, embedded in the packaging as an alternative for static expiration dates. This offers a facile readout of the expiration status, ultimately resulting in less waste and a more sustainable consumption.