Internship | Use of circularity indicators to support sustainable and circular PV cell design

In the context of the energy transition, material scarcity is becoming a pressing issue due to the limited amount of critical raw materials available. Circularity indicators can give insights in how circular a technology can be and how much (and at what quality) materials can be recovered at its end of life. The application of circularity indicators to developing and existing technologies can deliver insights in potential material recovery and highlight room for improvements in circular design. Solar cells technology is a fast growing sector where the application of such indicators can still deliver interesting insights in cell design and recycling strategies. Can you select appropriate circularity indicator(s) to assess the circularity of different solar cells? Can you use these to steer the design an recycling of Zn3P2 soral cells towards the development of a more circular product?

Currently, a variety of circular indicators exist that can assess the potential circularity of a product. The application of a wide selection indicators to a single technology can deliver important insights on the benefits of the indicators themselves and deliver insights in potential circularity gaps in de design of the product. Finally, some indicators specifically focus on the recycling of a product stressing the importance of material recovery at the end of life. You will select a number of indicators that are suitable to be applied to existing thin film PV (e.g. CIGS or CdTe), and to Zn3P2 solar cells (a developing technology) and compare their results. Furthermore, you will also investigate at least a recycling pathway with the selected circularity indicators. What conclusions can be drawn from the application of the different indicators to different PV technologies? What can be said from these indicators on Zn3P2 solar cells and their recycling?
Steps to be taken include:

1. Literature review of circular indicators and in particular circular indicators applied to PV;
2. Classification of the indicators found (e.g. What indicators evaluate what aspect? When are they applicable? What kind of data is required? Do these include the material value?);
3. Select several indicators to be applied to Zn3P2 solar cells and other existing technologies (CIGS, or CdTe);
4. Calculate indicators;
5. Analyze results: what conclusions can be drawn from the different indicators? what aspects of PV design contribute most to circularity? what insights do we gain on the indicators and on PV recycling?

• We are looking for a motivated and curious student who likes to work in a research environment.
• A proven interest and basic knowledge in (PV) energy technology is preferred.
• Previous knowledge of LCA is preferred.
• Field of studies: environmental/sustainability/engineering/industrial ecology background.
• Good written and spoken English.

The subject of the assignment: Application of circular indicators to Zn3P2 solar cells and other PV technologies.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

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After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
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  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
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• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.