Energy- and cost-efficient production of solar energy under arctic environmental conditions

This project focuses on opportunities to enable a sustainable energy production under Arctic environmental conditions and an energy-autonomous individual transportation of human society. We concentrate on the improvement, optimization, and maximization of the degree of efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) installations and materials in Arctic conditions. The project considers both stationary PV installations on top of buildings and moving PV installations embedded in passenger vehicles to extend the electric driving range (EDR). The research uses both high frequency measurements from the University of Oulu research infrastructure and mathematical model development to integrate the impact of climate change variation on the future solar production. As a result, we make solar energy production more efficient and, at the same time, more cost- efficient.

The Optoelectronics and Measurement Techniques Research Unit (OPEM), Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering holds an established position as an internationally recognized research organization in the field of optical measurement technologies and additive manufacturing of optics and electronics. In the latest international research assessment at the University of Oulu, OPEM’s scientific research was evaluated to the highest level. The education and research activities cover the topics such as optoelectronics based instrumentation and measurement and printed electronics fabrication and characterization. OPEM is multidisciplinary research group which is actively collaborating with the best international research groups around the world including the large number of industrial partners. The majority of OPEM’s research is externally funded by the Academy of Finland, EU, and Business Finland (former Tekes). The research unit is the vibrant and inspiring multicultural team of young and motivated people with an access to modern and diverse research facilities and instruments. Research unit leader is professor Tapio Fabritius, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, tapio.fabritius (at) oulu.fi, +358 294 482772.

The Energy and Environmental Engineering (EEE) Group at the Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering (WE3) Research Unit, Faculty of Technology focuses on research and education in smart and sustainable energy systems and circular economy. Our expertise is in smart grids, critical materials, material flow analysis and sustainability assessment. A special focus of EEE is on Northern and Arctic aspects of energy technologies and resources management. The research of EEE falls under the University of Oulu's strategic research area of "Creating sustainability with materials and systems". Our research supports the social sustainability dimension of technologies, sustainable regional development, and the energy transition process. We have substantial experience in international projects and EU funding, supported by a wide cooperation network in Europe, in particular in the Northern Periphery and Arctic region. We are conducting several basic, applied and advanced projects in energy technologies and circular economy. We are also providing education and guidance to the students of the sustainable energy systems orientation at the Faculty of Technology. Research group leader is Professor Eva Pongrácz, Faculty of Technology.

Links

• Optoelectronics and Measurement Techniques Research Unit
• Energy and Environmental Engineering (EEE) Group
• Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
• Faculty of Technology
• Changing climate and northern environment

Research groups

• Optoelectronics and measurement techniques laboratory
• Water Energy and Environmental Engineering