Dr. Emmanuel Defay, a researcher at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), has secured a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) advanced grant, totalling €2.36m over five years, for his research project on transforming waste heat into electricity.
Global energy usage relies significantly on electricity consumption, with projections suggesting a potential vast increase from 20% today to 40% by the year 2050. This statistic highlights the need to lower dependency on non-renewable energy. “Right now, most of the heat we generate in the world gets wasted, but it could actually be used to make enough electricity to power all of Europe,” said Dr Emmanuel Defay, head of the nanotechnologies unit at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST).
The primary objective of Dr. Defay’s ERC-funded project is to develop energy harvesters from nonlinear pyroelectric materials capable of producing 100 watts of electrical power from heat with a 50% energy efficiency. If this goal is reached, it will revolutionize industries across several sectors, particularly those with high-quality waste heat, such as steel production. Additionally, it can revolutionize the utilization of lower-temperature waste heat, expanding its applicability even further.
“The ultimate goal is to develop a highly efficient technology over the five-year project timeline, and ideally, within 10 years, achieve even greater efficiency. Efficiency is crucial in converting heat to electricity, and while some mechanisms already exist, this technology has the potential to be extremely efficient.”
Dr Emmanuel Defay, head of the nanotechnologies unit at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST)
Unlocking the potential of material optimization
Dr. Defay’s team has demonstrated the effectiveness of nonlinear pyroelectric ceramics in converting waste heat into electricity. These materials exhibit remarkable capabilities, generating over 10 joules of electricity from a mere 40 grams during a single cycle of temperature change, when hot or cold, outperforming current technologies by tenfold.
This technology holds promise for any sector producing waste heat, particularly those with premium-grade waste heat, such as industries engaged in high-temperature processes like steel manufacturing. There is potential in applying this technology in various industries and households where temperatures are below 100 degrees Celsius where waste heat isn’t as intense.
Second win for LIST
Dr. Damien Lenoble, Director of the materials department at LIST, highlights the significance of Dr Defay’s research in advancing the electrification of the economy: “Among these initiatives, Dr Emmanuel Defay has pioneered the use of pyroelectric materials, leveraging the multidisciplinary skills of the materials department. We are honoured that the ERC panel has recognized and supported Emmanuel’s disruptive approach, enabled by LIST’s unique combination of advanced thermal modelling, materials science, and prototype engineering capabilities.”
The ERC Advanced Grant, renowned for its competitiveness and prestige, is awarded to established researchers with a proven track record of significant achievements. Dr. Defay’s achievement marks the first time a LIST researcher has received this grant and represents LIST’s second ERC grant.
