Effect of updated data base and improved analysis on performance of radioisotope thermophotovoltaic converter
- Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown, MD (United States)
Previous analyses of RTPV space power systems published by the authors were based on a number of approximations employed to permit early dissemination of preliminary results pending availability of fuller experimental data need3d to conduct more rigorous analyses. Among those approximations were: (1) the use of limited test data and optimistic projections of the spectral transmissivity of the RTPV`s selective IR filters and of the spectral quantum efficiency of the GaSb PV cells; (2) the use of theoretical formulas instead of experimental measurements of the PV cell`s open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and optimum voltage instead of its measured current-voltage characteristics; (3) rough estimates of the TPV converter`s active-area fraction instead of computed values based on detailed designs; (4) inadequate accounting for the effect of radiation reflected by the IR filter and absorbed by the emitter in reducing the generator`s required heat input; and (5) omission of the shadowing effect and ohmic losses caused by the PV cell`s grid lines. The above-listed shortcomings of the previously published analyses are addressed in the present paper, which describes revised analyses based on recently obtained experimental data of IR filter reflectivities and PV cell quantum efficiencies and current-voltage characteristic, measured by EDTEK under an OSC-initiated subcontract to its ongoing DOE contract. Their test results show that EDTEK has been eminently successful in improving the reflectivities of the IR filters and in reproducing the quantum efficiencies of Boeing`s best PV cells, but their initial (Dec-95) PV cell fell far short of matching the open-circuit voltages and fill factors predicted by theory.
- OSTI ID:
- 435551
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960805-; TRN: IM9710%%209
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 31. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, Washington, DC (United States), 9-14 Aug 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the 31. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference. Volume 2: Conversion technologies, electro-chemical technologies, Stirling engines, thermal management; Chetty, P.R.K.; Jackson, W.D.; Dicks, E.B. [eds.]; PB: 867 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCE TECHNOLOGY
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTERS
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
PERFORMANCE
GALLIUM ANTIMONIDES
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
RESPONSE FUNCTIONS
FILL FACTORS
QUANTUM EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems