Solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) system with thermal energy storage
- NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44135 (United States)
- School of Technology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242 (United States)
A solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) system has both terrestrial and space applications because thermal energy storage can be utilized. Excellent properties (heat of fusion=1800 j/gm and melting temperature=1680 K) make silicon the ideal thermal storage material for an STPV system. Using a one dimensional model with tapering of the silicon storage material, it was found that several hours of running time with modest lengths ({approximately}15 cm) of silicon are possible. Calculated steady-state efficiencies for an STPV system using an Er-YAG selective emitter and ideal photovoltaic (PV) cell model are in the range of 15{percent}{endash}17{percent}. Increasing the taper of the storage material improves both efficiency and power output. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}
- OSTI ID:
- 285296
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9507247--
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 358; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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