Integrated development and testing of multi-kilowatt TPV generator systems

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.57826· OSTI ID:700977

West, E M; Connelly, W R ^[1]

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1. Vehicle Research Institute, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98225 (United States)

On going research at Western Washington University has brought about a number of important advances in the state of TPV system development. Specific areas of TPV work include new cylindrical PV cell array designs, improved burner systems, enhanced recuperator performance and overall TPV system development. System development includes the implementation of the TPV8 generator in the purpose built Viking 29 TPV series hybrid demonstration vehicle (1). TPV research capability enhancements include the development of a computerized test and data acquisition system, an array characterization system (2), and an array flash testing station for quality assurance prior to final assembly. TPV system achievements include steady-state cell output levels of 2.4 watts/cm{sup 2} on an array test station and 1.5 watts/cm{sup 2} using a combustion source. Successful development of enhanced recuperators with thermal efficiency above 80{percent}. Array output levels of 1 kilowatt have been achieved with array efficiencies in excess of 7.5{percent}. TPV technology development guidelines are discussed with the hope of focusing the community on these important issues. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 700977
• Report Number(s): CONF-981055--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 460; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ELECTRIC POWER
GALLIUM ANTIMONIDES
KILOWATT POWER RANGE
PERFORMANCE
QUANTUM EFFICIENCY
TESTING
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTERS