Thermophotovoltaic conversion from conventional heat sources. Final report
The feasibility of electric generation from conventional heat sources by means of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems is assessed. The assessment was initiated to explore the opportunities for use of high-efficiency silicon TPV cells in alternative power-conversion systems. TPV conversion with conventional heat sources is unattractive under current conditions; the reasons are presented and the circumstances under which this situation would change are given. The studies show that a TPV system would be interior to competing systems, based on the inability to use it as a topping cycle, the inability to efficiently use a TPV system without recourse to expensive recuperators, the necessity to use expensive clean fuels, the high losses in a TPV stand-alone system, and the inability to adapt a TPV system to use nuclear fuel. R and D efforts are outlined which could improve the economic and functional attractiveness of TPV systems. It also identifies areas which influence the competitive position of TPV conversion to permit reappraisal if key R and D breakthroughs occur in the future. However, it is recommended that at this time EPRI not pursue R and D devoted to TPV conversion from conventional heat sources. The above conclusions do not apply to a solar TPV system because combustion gases do not flow through it. In a solar TPV system, the refractory radiator required can operate in an inert environment; furthermore, there is no need to recover the energy in the flow-through gases. Solar/fossil hybrid systems were also considered but are precluded by the constraints imposed to control parasitic losses.
- Research Organization:
- Black and Veatch Consulting Engineers, Kansas City, MO (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6601940
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-ER-1262; ON: DE83901087
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
14 SOLAR ENERGY
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTERS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
COMBUSTION
COST
DESIGN
FOSSIL FUELS
FURNACES
INFORMATION NEEDS
MISSION ANALYSIS
RADIATORS
REACTORS
SILICON
THERMAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
OXIDATION
SEMIMETALS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
300800* - Direct Energy Conversion- Miscellaneous Converters
140501 - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion