Fabrication of fibrous Er{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites for heat to light conversion
- Space Power Inst., Auburn, AL (United States)
Fibrous rare-earth composite emitters were developed for heat-to-light conversion in a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system to increase its conversion efficiency. This article demonstrates that a fibrous rare-earth oxide emitter, which is strengthened by alumina fibers, can also emit highly selected infrared light matching the bandgap (0.75 eV) of a lattice-matched InGaAs photovoltaic cell. The emitter shows high selective efficiency and good mechanical properties. The unique material structure and processing technology that were developed for fabrication of the emitter are also described in this article. The infrared spectrum of the emitter, as well as its mechanical properties, were investigated. Experimental data indicate that using fibrous Er{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite as a heat/light conversion emitter can significantly improve TPV conversion efficiency compared to that of using traditional blackbody emitters.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Department of the Army, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-95ER12156
- OSTI ID:
- 673722
- Journal Information:
- High Temperature and Materials Science, Journal Name: High Temperature and Materials Science Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 37; ISSN 1080-1278; ISSN HTMSFP
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Fibrous materials for selective line emission application in a thermal-electrical energy conversion system
High frequency converters for thermophotovoltaic applications