Energy Efficiency
This outreach project aims to identify public schools in Campinas and Sorocaba to implement energy efficiency actions and train local agents. The actions include replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, using presence sensors, maintaining electrical appliances, and installing solar panels. Elementary school students will monitor energy consumption, while high school students will participate in technical projects, such as economic analysis of equipment replacement and solar systems. Awareness campaigns and competitions to reduce consumption will also involve the school community, improving energy efficiency and teaching sustainability.
Electrical Energy Storage
It is proposed to model and simulate the depreciation of lithium batteries, optimizing their use in electrified vehicles and autonomous robots, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The main current battery technologies include lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), both widely applied in vehicles and robotics. These technologies stand out for their high energy density, long lifespan, and fast recharging capabilities, all of which are essential for the performance and autonomy of these systems. The project leverages public data and predictive algorithms to identify durability indicators such as charge-discharge cycle degradation, energy retention capacity, and internal resistance. By optimizing these parameters, the goal is to extend battery lifespan and enhance the economic and environmental viability of electric vehicles and autonomous robots.
Green Hydrogen Production and Storage
Hydrogen (H₂) is fundamental to the decarbonization of the global economy and serves as an alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It replaces fossil fuels in sectors like oil refining, ammonia production, and the chemical industry, and is crucial in transportation as a fuel in fuel cells and for energy storage. Production methods include steam reforming, which generates "gray" hydrogen, and biomass gasification, a more sustainable alternative. Water electrolysis, especially with renewable sources, results in "green" hydrogen. This project involves manufacturing electrolyzer components and optimizing them for industrial applications, improving hydrogen production efficiency and promoting a sustainable energy transition.
Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources
Brazil has great potential in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal, which are essential to diversify the energy matrix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Floating solar power plants use solar panels over water surfaces, optimizing space and reducing evaporation, thus conserving water resources. These systems are ideal in regions with limited land and high energy demand. The choice between rigid and flexible solar panels depends on cost and efficiency. Flexible panels, being lighter and more adaptable, allow installation on curved surfaces and increase damage resistance. Evaluating the differences between these components is crucial for the viability of floating solar power plant projects, promoting a more sustainable energy matrix in Brazil.
Integrated Circuits Design and Manufacturing
The development of digital and analog integrated circuits is crucial for optimizing flexible photovoltaic solar energy systems. A key aspect is the creation of layouts, which detail the arrangement of electronic components on the chip, essential for the proper functioning of the circuits. Tape-out, the final stage of design, involves verifying the layouts before manufacturing, as errors at this stage can result in high costs and delays. Leading integrated circuit manufacturers like Intel, Samsung, and TSMC are at the forefront of semiconductor innovation. Cadence Virtuoso is an important tool for IC design, while institutions like IMEC and EuroPractice are vital in semiconductor technology research. This project aims to maximize the energy efficiency of solar systems and train professionals to face future challenges in renewable energy.
Sensors for Air and Water Quality Analysis
The development of organic transistors for electronic noses represents an advancement in the detection of contaminants like methylisoborneol and geosmin. These devices are essential for real-time monitoring of water quality in urban systems, using organic materials that offer eco-efficiency, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The integration of flexible and wearable devices with the Internet of Things (IoT) enhances data collection and contaminant analysis. Combining organic sensors with semiconductors like graphene increases sensitivity and detection speed. Research in this area not only drives sustainable technologies but also makes environmental monitoring an integral part of daily life, aligning with trends in smart things and automated management.