Saudi Basic Industries Corporation [SABIC], a Saudia Arabia-based petrochemical manufacturer, and VU University Amsterdam have entered into an exclusive, worldwide agreement to develop and commercialise the university’s technology which keeps the temperature in solar energy collectors under control.
Professor Ronald Griessen and Martin Slaman of the department of physics at VU University conceived the idea to limit the temperature of hot water solar collectors, which are prone to overheating, by the use of geometric surface structures.
Ronald Griessen said: “The agreement we have entered into is a milestone in the development of this new technology and can revolutionize the way in which solar collectors and similar applications are manufactured in the future. The experience and scope of SABIC will bring a greater level of security to the outcome of this project.”
Elly Burghout, Application Technology Leader of Innovative Plastics at SABIC, said: “Solar thermal energy is one of the most promising and dynamic energy sectors in the world – and growing. For SABIC, this invention paves the way for new, practical solutions for our customers and we are very happy that we can support to make solar thermal more effective, practical and affordable through designing with engineered thermoplastics.”
Steven Tan, Manager Technology Transfer Office VU University & VUmc (Medical Centre), said: “It is fantastic that a practical, useful idea relating to sustainability was conceived in an environment of fundamental scientific research. We are extremely pleased that SABIC has embraced this concept and will develop it through to commercial success.”
The concept has been awarded the EUREKA Climate prize by the province of North Holland in 2009.