Limits to solar power conversion efficiency with applications to quantum and thermal systems

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Energy; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/3.62702· OSTI ID:6548060

Byvik, C E; Buoncristiani, A M; Smith, B T

An analytical framework is presented that permits examination of the limit to the efficiency of various solar power conversion devices. Thermodynamic limits to solar power efficiency are determined for both quantum and thermal systems, and the results are applied to a variety of devices currently considered for use in space systems. The power conversion efficiency for single-threshold energy quantum systems receiving unconcentrated air mass zero solar radiation is limited to 31%. This limit applies to photovoltaic cells directly converting solar radiation or indirectly as in the case of a thermophotovoltaic system. Photoelectrochemical cells rely on an additional chemical reaction at the semiconductor-electrolyte interface which introduces additional second-law demands and a reduction of the solar conversion efficiency. Photochemical systems exhibit even lower possible efficiencies because of their relatively narrow absorption bands. Solar-powered thermal engines in contact with an ambient reservoir at 300 K and operating at maximum power have a peak conversion efficiency of 64% and this occurs for a thermal reservoir at a temperature of 2900 K. The power conversion efficiency of a solarpowered liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic generator, a solar-powered steam turbine electric generator, and an alkali metal thermoelectric converter is discussed.

• Research Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
• OSTI ID: 6548060
• Journal Information: J. Energy; (United States), Vol. 7:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
EFFICIENCY
ALKALI METALS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
LIQUID-METAL MHD GENERATORS
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SOLAR HEAT ENGINES
SOLAR RADIATION
STEAM TURBINES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTERS
THRESHOLD ENERGY
CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
HEAT ENGINES
MACHINERY
MATERIALS
METALS
MHD GENERATORS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
RADIATIONS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
STELLAR RADIATION
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
140500* - Solar Energy Conversion