About PVtech
The PVtech group is active within the energy conversion research cluster at the Institute of Materials Research (imo-imomec) and actively collaborates with other groups within the EMAP department within the institute. Additionally, the PVtech group is housed within the premises of EnergyVille in Genk.
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Introduction to PVtech
The PVtech group is a joint research group of Hasselt University and imec in which both fundamental and applied research into innovative solar technologies is carried out. PVtech is housed within the premises of EnergyVille and works closely together with the other EnergyVille partners: VITO & KULeuven.
The areas of interest of the PVtech group include:
- Lifespan and integration of PV cells and modules
- Modelling of the energy output of PV systems
- Thin-film and tandem solar cells
These activities are strongly embedded in the Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec) of Hasselt University, facilitating interaction with materials and device physics experts and providing access to state-of-the-art equipment. We conduct both fundamental and more applied research and have a strong focus on Ph.D. training. The group also has a longstanding tradition in joint scientific R&D within European, national and regional projects, and servicing for industry and research centers.
Engineering Materials and Applications (EMAP)
The Engineering Materials & Applications (EMAP) research group focuses on developing innovative solutions to successfully bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrially compatible products and processes. This is done in a wide range of fields, from materials physics and chemistry to electronics, electromechanics and electrochemistry. Cooperation with industrial partners plays a crucial role in the EMAP research group. The main activities are focused on:
- Sensors for advanced diagnostics - Prof. dr. Ronald Thoelen
- Printing and spray coating of functional layers - Prof. dr. Wim Deferme
- Electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems - Prof. dr. Momo Safari
- Lifespan and integration of PV cells and modules - Prof. dr. Michaël Daenen & dr. Loïc Tous
- Modelling of the energy output of PV systems - Prof. dr. Michaël Daenen & Prof. dr. Ivan Gordon
- Thin-film and tandem solar cells - Prof. dr. Bart Vermang & dr. Tom Aernouts
The Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec)
The Institute for Materials Research (imo), based at the Hasselt University campus in Diepenbeek, has built a vast expertise in the field of materials science since its foundation in 1990. In 2001, a strategic alliance was established with imec, based in Leuven. Imec founded imomec, an associated laboratory within the premises of imo. As such, imo-imomec is a joint research institute where fundamental research, strategic basic research, and application-oriented research is conducted. In 2015, UHasselt/imo-imomec joined EnergyVille in Genk to carry out its energy-related research.
About 160 FTE's are employed at imo-imomec, of which about 80 students are preparing their Ph.D. The team is strongly multidisciplinary: chemists, physicists, and engineers are working together to develop the material systems of tomorrow. Anno 2022, imo-imomec can rely on more than 5000 m2 of state-of-the-art lab infrastructure, divided over four different locations.
The core competence of imo-imomec is the development and characterization of new material systems with potential use in sustainability and health. In the domain of sustainability, imo-imomec focuses on energy conversion, energy storage, and sustainable materials. In the domain of health, the focus of the research programs relates to the development of advanced technologies for sensing via dedicated analytical techniques and systems for sensing based on quantum technologies.
Contact
prof. dr. Bart Vermang
EnergyVille
Thor Park 8320, 3600 Genk, Belgium