Solar thermophotovoltaics: An assessment

Spirkl, W.; Ries, Harald

doi:10.1063/1.334602

Cited by 54 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Another approach to high-efficiency solar energy harvesting is to convert the solar spectrum to near monochromatic radiation with energies comparable to the electronic band gap energy of a single-junction PV cell, minimizing losses due to unabsorbed photons and band edge thermalization, and enhancing the solar energy conversion efficiency. Solar thermophotovoltaic (sTPV) devices implement this approach by thermally coupling a broadband solar absorber with a spectrally selective thermal emitter, whose narrowed thermal emission can be more efficiently converted to electricity using a single-junction PV cell [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] . Strategies for broadband absorption of solar radiation are well understood 7,9,10 ; however, engineering spectral emissivity is challenging because emissivity is generally dominated by the fundamental optical properties of the constituent materials.…”

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confidence: 99%

Three-dimensional self-assembled photonic crystals with high temperature stability for thermal emission modification

et al. 2013

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Selective thermal emission in a useful range of energies from a material operating at high temperatures is required for effective solar thermophotovoltaic energy conversion. Three-dimensional metallic photonic crystals can exhibit spectral emissivity that is modified compared with the emissivity of unstructured metals, resulting in an emission spectrum useful for solar thermophotovoltaics. However, retention of the three-dimensional mesostructure at high temperatures remains a significant challenge. Here we utilize self-assembled templates to fabricate high-quality tungsten photonic crystals that demonstrate unprecedented thermal stability up to at least 1,400°C and modified thermal emission at solar thermophotovoltaic operating temperatures. We also obtain comparable thermal and optical results using a photonic crystal comprising a previously unstudied material, hafnium diboride, suggesting that refractory metallic ceramic materials are viable candidates for photonic crystal-based solar thermophotovoltaic devices and should be more extensively studied.

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confidence: 99%

Three-dimensional self-assembled photonic crystals with high temperature stability for thermal emission modification

et al. 2013

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“…Subsequent calculations pointed toward experiments combining all three innovations [16]. On the strength of these results, it was subsequently re-estimated that in fact, STPV systems could in principle approach 85% conversion of sunlight to electricity under maximal concentration [17], a conclusion also reinforced by more recent work [18].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 74%

Solar thermophotovoltaics: reshaping the solar spectrum

et al. 2016

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Abstract:Recently, there has been increasing interest in utilizing solar thermophotovoltaics (STPV) to convert sunlight into electricity, given their potential to exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit. Encouragingly, there have also been several recent demonstrations of improved systemlevel efficiency as high as 6.2%. In this work, we review prior work in the field, with particular emphasis on the role of several key principles in their experimental operation, performance, and reliability. In particular, for the problem of designing selective solar absorbers, we consider the trade-off between solar absorption and thermal losses, particularly radiative and convective mechanisms. For the selective thermal emitters, we consider the tradeoff between emission at critical wavelengths and parasitic losses. Then for the thermophotovoltaic (TPV) diodes, we consider the trade-off between increasing the potential short-circuit current, and maintaining a reasonable opencircuit voltage. This treatment parallels the historic development of the field, but also connects early insights with recent developments in adjacent fields. With these various components connecting in multiple ways, a system-level end-to-end modeling approach is necessary for a comprehensive understanding and appropriate improvement of STPV systems. This approach will ultimately allow researchers to design STPV systems capable of exceeding recently demonstrated efficiency values.

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“…By adjusting the spectral selectivity of the absorbing and emitting surfaces, either up-or downconversion process can theoretically be achieved. Solar TPV energy conversion platforms effectively make use of the photon down-conversion process shown in Figure 8a to convert the broadband solar spectrum to a narrowband thermal emission spectrum, which peaks at lower photon energy tuned to fit the electron bandgap of a PV cell [138,146,[203][204][205][206][207]. Thermal up-conversion of photon energy (Figure 8b) is more challenging, yet could be highly promising for applications in waste heat harvesting and in development of tunable photon sources.…”

Section: Thermal Up-and Down-conversion Of Photon Energymentioning

confidence: 99%

Heat meets light on the nanoscale

et al. 2016

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Abstract:We discuss the state-of-the-art and remaining challenges in the fundamental understanding and technology development for controlling light-matter interactions in nanophotonic environments in and away from thermal equilibrium. The topics covered range from the basics of the thermodynamics of light emission and absorption to applications in solar thermal energy generation, thermophotovoltaics, optical refrigeration, personalized cooling technologies, development of coherent incandescent light sources, and spinoptics.Keywords: thermal emission; absorption; spectral selectivity; angular selectivity; optical refrigeration; solar thermal energy conversion; thermophotovoltaics; nearfield heat transfer; photon density of states; thermal upconversion; radiative cooling Thermodynamics of light and heatControl and optimization of energy conversion processes involving photon absorption and radiation require detailed understanding of thermodynamic properties of radiation as well as its interaction with matter [1-5]. Historically, thermodynamic treatment of electromagnetic radiation began over a century ago with Planck applying the thermodynamic principles established for a gas of material particles to an analogous "photon gas" [1]. In particular, he showed that thermodynamic parameters, such as the energy, volume, temperature, and pressure can be applied to electromagnetic radiation, reflecting the dual wave-particle nature of photons. In this section, we will review the general thermodynamic principles governing photon propagation and interaction with matter, as well

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Solar thermophotovoltaics: An assessment

Cited by 54 publications

References 11 publications

Three-dimensional self-assembled photonic crystals with high temperature stability for thermal emission modification

Three-dimensional self-assembled photonic crystals with high temperature stability for thermal emission modification

Solar thermophotovoltaics: reshaping the solar spectrum

Heat meets light on the nanoscale

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