Thermophotovoltaic systems for Industrial waste heat recovery

Pyramp sought a second Commercialisation Fund grant to transition from initial support to securing commercial revenue and private investment. The core of this technology was a patented emitter material that enhanced the efficiency of a thermophotovoltaic system to convert waste heat into electricity.

Pyramp technology converted heat directly into electricity using solid-state material. It employed an intermediate thermal emitter to radiate heat at a specific wavelength, absorbed by a thermophotovoltaic cell to generate electricity. The project aimed to recover waste heat at temperatures exceeding one thousand degrees Celsius, a range with no commercially available solutions at the time.

One of Pyramp's primary advantages was its high energy conversion efficiency, potentially reaching up to eighty-five percent, surpassing traditional methods like steam turbines. Additionally, the system's compact, modular design made it suitable for retrofitting and portable applications.

At Technology Readiness Level six, Pyramp's technology led to agreements with world-leading cement and glass companies for on-site trials of their Engineering Model. Companies like Holcim, NSG, Breedon Group, and Irish Cement expressed interest in further engagement, contingent on successful trials.

The principal investigator for this project was Prof. Brian Norton.