TPV Power generation prototype using composite selective emitters
- Space Power Institute, 231 Leach Center, Auburn University, Alabama 36849 (United States)
Research in the field of thermophotovoltaics at Auburn University`s Space Power Institute has been conducted since 1992. One of the main focus points of the research has been centered on emitter structures. The composite emitter structure, which was developed at the Space Power Institute, incorporates fibrous rare earth oxides held in a structural material fiber matrix and has been implemented into a breadboard prototype TPV system. Various aspects of the prototype system will be evaluated. The system consists of a diffusion type burner which uses propane and forced air as the inlet fuels. This will heat a cylindrical geometry composite emitter which illuminates 0.75 eV InGaAs lattice-matched to InP photovoltaic cells. The combustion products flow through the highly porous (over 90{percent}) composite emitter structure. This results in more efficient coupling to the combustion flame. Quartz tubes prevent the combustion products from interacting with the cell array. Thermal losses will be due to end and quartz heating. The fuel input to radiant output efficiency will be determined as well as the radiant to electrical output efficiency. Hence, a total system efficiency can be determined. Emitter radiant uniformity will be discussed for several different emitter geometries. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 577771
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9705119--
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 401; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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