SupervisoryTeam

Supervisor Photo

Daniel Chemisana Villegas

Supervisor Details

Email: daniel.chemisana@udl.cat

Organization Type: University

Organization Name: University of Lleida

Short Biography: Dr. Daniel Chemisana is Full Professor in Applied Physics (since 2017) and Coordinator of the Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Lleida (since 2011), where he leads the Dynamic Systems Applied to Solar Energy group since 2014 (~20 members with 12 PhD researchers/professors). He conducts research on Concentrating Optics, Photovoltaics, Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal Systems and Building Integrated Photovoltaics with around 16 years of experience. He has supervised ~ 100 BSc and MSc theses and 10 PhD theses (+6 ongoing). His has published over 150 papers including 106 (at the time of the submission) indexed in ISI JCR, +90% in Q1. He has established solid international/national networks, strengthened through several pre/postdoctoral research visits. He has participated in more than 50 research projects and contracts with companies, 36 of them as Principal Investigator. Moreover, he has 4 patent applications and he was founder partner of the spin-off Trigen solar.

Supervisor Photo

Fausto J Sainz de Salces

Co-Supervisor Details

Email: faustosainzsalces@gmail.com

Organization Type: Non-academic institution

Organization Name: COMET GLOBAL INNOVATION

Short Biography: His career interests have been defined by his work as a lecturer, researcher, and project manager. At Comet, he is currently dedicated mainly to project management and ethical audit. In the last couple of years, he has been interested and highly involved in exploring the mechanisms and strategies that can help in shaping the perception and acceptance society in general and people individually have in renewable energies and energy communities. He can also provide advice on ethical issues related to technology in all areas of the technology development phases. These include consulting on user engagement and ascertaining an ethical approach to prospective users during the evaluating and testing activities. It also includes a second framework that focuses on the legal framework ascertaining that all normative is complied with. On a third level, he analysed the moral implications and possible effects of technology developments for society in general and for certain vulnerable groups in particular. Over the years, he has delivered significant research results in digital inclusion products and services as well as product innovation across several different projects, getting involved directly in the development of usable, useful, efficient, and appealing solutions for those that demanded them.

Added Value: Drawing from his experience as a lecturer, researcher, and project manager, he can make a substantial contribution as a PhD co-supervisor in various dimensions. He is well-positioned to assist students in expanding their academic and professional networks by leveraging his connections with academic and non- academic institutions, potentially belonging to industry clusters or international projects. His practical insights can guide researchers in transitioning from theoretical research to applied research, equipping them with the skills to address real-world problems and collaborate with industry partners. Moreover, he can offer valuable mentorship on seizing business or product development opportunities, patenting innovations, and navigating the regulatory landscape to bring technology closer to market. His expertise can extend to providing training in project management, research methodologies, and ethical considerations, enhancing students' employability skills and aligning their academic experiences with their career goals. In sum, his diverse background and network, along with his commitment to applied research and technology transfer, position him as an invaluable resource for students pursuing a PhD and seeking to make a meaningful impact on academia and industry.

Supervisor Photo

Chrysovalantou Lamnatou

Other Co-Supervisor

Email: chrys.lamnatou@udl.cat

Organization Type: University

Organization Name: University of Lleida

Short Biography: Dr. Chrysovalantou Lamnatou works as an Associate Professor (section: Applied Physics; Serra Húnter programme) at the University of Lleida in Spain. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Her research focuses on renewable energy sources and solar systems: Building-integrated solar thermal collectors, Photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV roofs, PV/thermal systems, concentrating PV systems, building- integrated concentrating PV systems and so on. Her research studies include: modelling, experiments, environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), etc. She has published 41 articles in high impact-factor journals and 6 book chapters, being the first author in 40 of these publications. Her h-index is 26 and she has 1642 citations (Scopus, October 2023). Furthermore, she has university teaching experience (BSc and MSc levels: Polytechnic School), language skills/certificates of advanced level and Proficiency (5 languages), research/teaching accreditations from Spain and France. Moreover, she has participated in Spanish and European research projects and has collaborations with several Universities and research centres (UK, France, etc.).

Added Value: Considering a co-supervisor who is an expert in publishing scientific reports and teaching, the advantages of her involvement in a PhD programme become important. Her specialised knowledge in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of solar systems, can provide valuable guidance on the intricacies of scientific publishing, helping the students to effectively communicate their research findings. Furthermore, her expertise in teaching can contribute to the professional development of the PhD students, ensuring they are well-prepared for academic roles in the future.

ResearchGroup

Description: The research team, Dynamic Systems Applied to Solar Energy (SDAES), is formed by 5 full professors, 8 associate professors, 6 research engineers, 2 Post- doctoral researchers, 7 PhD students and 3 technicians. Professor Daniel Chemisana (ICREA Academia award 2019) is the principal investigator of the group. An important added value of the group is its multidisciplinary character since the members have several skills, PhDs in basic sciences, research engineers, physicists and mathematicians, which ensure a very complete methodological approach from the basic to the applied research. The research team has published more than 140 contributions in JCR journals over the past 5 years and has participated in 15 competitive projects (national, European and international). The research team had supervised 7 PhD theses in the past 5 years and is actually supervising 7 ongoing doctoral works. The team members hold a number of prestigious national and international skills regarding applied mathematics and applied physics.

ResearchLine

Description: The research line we are pursuing is centred around the development and implementation of solar spectral splitting systems for sustainable building integration. In a world increasingly focused on mitigating climate change and transitioning towards renewable energy sources, solar energy stands as a pivotal solution. However, it is essential to harness solar energy more efficiently, reduce the space required, and integrate solar systems into building infrastructure. Our aim is to explore novel materials and designs for spectral splitting systems to be seamlessly integrated into buildings, with a primary focus on increasing the efficiency of capturing and converting different spectral components of sunlight for various uses, including electricity generation, thermal applications, and lighting. Our research approach includes laboratory experiments and field studies to evaluate different materials and designs. Additionally, we will employ simulation and modelling techniques to predict the performance of building-integrated spectral splitting systems.

Others

Description: The research line, which focuses on the development and implementation of solar spectral splitting systems for sustainable building integration, can be closely aligned with photonics as a Key Enabling Technology (KET). Also, the research is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By enhancing the efficiency of solar energy utilisation, reducing waste, and promoting resource efficiency, our work may contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Furthermore, the potential to improve lighting conditions and well- being for building occupants aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), while the application of our research in agrivoltaics supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Reducing land use requirements also contributes to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land).

CareerDevelopment

Objectives

  • International mobility
  • Trainings to enhance career opportunities
  • Involvement in teaching, supervision, or mentoring

Expected Outputs

  • PhD defense
  • Application of grants (MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, etc.)
  • Publication of articles
  • Patenting
  • Attendance to international conferences

Training Skills

  • Grant Writing
  • Communication to the civil society and public engagement
  • Gender and diversity dimension of research
  • Ethics and Research Integrity
  • Teaching
  • Supervision
  • Intellectual Property
  • Research Valorization
  • Leadership
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