A review of recent advances in thermophotovoltaics
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) generation of electricity is attracting attention because of advances in materials and devices and because of a widening appreciation of the large number of applications that may be addressed using TPV-based generators. The attractions include the wide range of fuel sources and the potentially high power density outputs. The two main approaches to TPV generators are (1) broadband radiators, coupled with converters with bandgaps in the range 0.4-0.7 eV, and (2) narrow-band emitters coupled with lower-cost silicon converters. The key issues in realizing a viable TPV system are the durability, efficiency, and properties of the radiant emitter; the recuperation of sub-bandgap photons; the optimization of the converter performance; and the recuperation of waste heat.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 416108
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/TP-410-21091; CONF-960513-; ON: DE96007880; TRN: 96:006561-0004
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 25. photovoltaic solar energy conference, Washington, DC (United States), 13-17 May 1996; Other Information: PBD: May 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of NREL preprints for the photovoltaic specialists conference of IEEE twenty-five; Gwinner, D. [ed.]; PB: 172 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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