A solar thermophotovoltaic converter

Demichelis, Francesca; Minetti-Mezzetti, E.

doi:10.1016/0379-6787(80)90063-0

Cited by 32 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Because of the inherent complexity of STPV system, most of the theoretical analysis that have been presented so far adopt several assumptions (maximum concentration factor, loss‐free TPV cavity, a specific semiconductor material, etc.) to simplify the analytical problem . However, because in an STPV system all the parameters are strongly correlated (affecting the equilibrium emitter temperature), the global optimization of these systems require a complex multi‐variable analysis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global optimization of solar thermophotovoltaic systems

Datas

Algora

2012

Progress in Photovoltaics

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In this paper, we present a theoretical model based on the detailed balance theory of solar thermophotovoltaic systems comprising multijunction photovoltaic cells, a sunlight concentrator and spectrally selective surfaces. The full system has been defined by means of 2n + 8 variables (being n the number of sub-cells of the multijunction cell). These variables are as follows: the sunlight concentration factor, the absorber cut-off energy, the emitter-to-absorber area ratio, the emitter cut-off energy, the band-gap energy(ies) and voltage(s) of the sub-cells, the reflectivity of the cells' back-side reflector, the emitter-to-cell and cell-to-cell view factors and the emitter-to-cell area ratio. We have used this model for carrying out a multi-variable system optimization by means of a multidimensional direct-search algorithm. This analysis allows to find the set of system variables whose combined effects results in the maximum overall system efficiency. From this analysis, we have seen that multijunction cells are excellent candidates to enhance the system efficiency and the electrical power density. Particularly, multijunction cells report great benefits for systems with a notable presence of optical losses, which are unavoidable in practical systems. Also, we have seen that the use of spectrally selective absorbers, rather than blackbody absorbers, allows to achieve higher system efficiencies for both lower concentration and lower emitter-to-absorber area ratio. Finally, we have seen that sun-to-electricity conversion efficiencies above 30% and electrical power densities above 50W/cm are achievable for this kind of systems.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global optimization of solar thermophotovoltaic systems

Datas

Algora

2012

Progress in Photovoltaics

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“…He demonstrated the conversion of radiation energy, emitted by a camping lantern, into electricity using a silicon photovoltaic cell. The STPV was first reported by Swanson in 1979 [1] and further expanded upon in later research [2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

10% efficiency solar thermophotovoltaic systems using spectrally controlled monolithic planar absorber/emitters

2014

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In solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) generation systems, the thermal radiation from emitters heated by the high temperature solar absorbers is converted into electricity at a photovoltaic (PV) cell. STPV systems have some advantages over PV generation systems. For instance, it is possible to control the thermal radiation spectrum of the emitter. Generally, the PV cell has an inherent sensitive region where an incident photon excites the electron. Enhancing the thermal radiation in this sensitive region of the PV cell, therefore, increases the generation efficiency. Theoretically, the efficiency of STPV systems can reach up to 85% when Carnot efficiency is considered and up to 45% when a monochromatic radiation releasing emitter is used. However, the experimental STPV system is less efficient than theoretical one as a consequence of the large amount of heat loss from the high-temperature absorber/emitter system. The purpose of this study is to achieve a high-efficiency STPV generation system using a monolithic planar spectrally selective absorber/emitter. The temperature superiority of the monolithic planar absorber/emitter is estimated by using spectral and thermal properties of STPV system components. Using the enitre configuration of the STPV system, a system efficiency of over 10% is estimated in this study.

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“…[2][3][4][5][6][7] In these systems, a solar absorber is heated by solar radiation, which in turn heats an emitter to radiate thermal energy; this thermal radiation is then converted to electricity within a PV cell. [2][3][4][5][6][7] In these systems, a solar absorber is heated by solar radiation, which in turn heats an emitter to radiate thermal energy; this thermal radiation is then converted to electricity within a PV cell.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High-efficiency solar-thermophotovoltaic system equipped with a monolithic planar selective absorber/emitter

2015

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We demonstrate a high-efficiency solar-thermophotovoltaic system (STPV) using a monolithic, planar, and spectrally selective absorber/emitter. A complete STPV system using gallium antimonide (GaSb) cells was designed and fabricated to conduct power generation tests. To produce a high-efficiency STPV, it is important to match the thermal radiation spectrum with the sensitive region of the GaSb cells. Therefore, to reach high temperatures with low incident power, a planar absorber/emitter is incorporated for controlling the thermal radiation spectrum. This multilayer coating consists of thin-film tungsten sandwiched by yttria-stabilized zirconia. The system efficiency is estimated to be 16% when accounting for the optical properties of the fabricated absorber/emitter. Power generation tests using a high-concentration solar simulator show that the absorber/emitter temperature peaks at 1640 K with an incident power density of 45 W∕cm 2 , which can be easily obtained by low-cost optics such as Fresnel lenses. The conversion efficiency became 23%, exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit for GaSb, with a bandgap of 0.67 eV. Furthermore, a total system efficiency of 8% was obtained with the view factor between the emitter and the cell assumed to be 1.

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A solar thermophotovoltaic converter

Cited by 32 publications

References 6 publications

Global optimization of solar thermophotovoltaic systems

Global optimization of solar thermophotovoltaic systems

10% efficiency solar thermophotovoltaic systems using spectrally controlled monolithic planar absorber/emitters

High-efficiency solar-thermophotovoltaic system equipped with a monolithic planar selective absorber/emitter

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