Efficient and Scalable GaInAs Thermophotovoltaic Devices

Semitransparent thermophotovoltaics for efficient utilization of moderate temperature thermal radiation

“…The performance of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells has increased substantially over the last several years, with reports of TPV efficiency surpassing 30% using single-junction cells ( 1 – 5 ) and 40% using tandems ( 6 ). These gains have been demonstrated using group III–V semiconductors (e.g., In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As lattice matched to InP) with wider bandgaps compared to conventional Sb-based TPV cells.…”

“…These gains have been demonstrated using group III–V semiconductors (e.g., In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As lattice matched to InP) with wider bandgaps compared to conventional Sb-based TPV cells. Although these materials exhibit advantageous optical and charge carrier collection properties, they typically require emitter temperatures ( T h ) above 1,200°C ( 5 ). Applications in stationary energy storage using thermal batteries may support extreme emitter temperatures as high as 2,400°C; however, a wide range of thermal sources are at temperatures below 1,100°C, including waste ( 7 – 9 ), concentrating solar ( 10 – 17 ), and nuclear ( 18 ) heat.…”