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The spectral emittance and stability of coatings and textured surfaces for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) radiator applications

Conference ·
OSTI ID:774254
 [1];
  1. Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, West Mifflin, PA
Coatings or surface modifications are needed to improve the surface emissivity of materials under consideration for TPV radiator applications to a value of 0.8 or higher. Vacuum plasma spray coatings (ZrO{sub 2} + 18% TiO{sub 2} + 10% Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}, ZrC, Fe{sub 2}TiO{sub 5}, ZrTiO{sub 4}, ZrO{sub 2} + 8% Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} + 2% HfO{sub 2}, and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} + TiO{sub 2}) and a chemical vapor deposited coating of rhenium whiskers were used to increase the surface emissivity of refractory metal and nickel-base materials. Emittance measurements following 4000 hours of vacuum annealing at 1100 C show that only the ZrO{sub 2} + 18% TiO{sub 2} + 10% Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}, ZrC, and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} + TiO{sub 2} coatings have the desired thermal stability, and maintain emissivity values higher than 0.8. These coatings are graybody emitters, and provide a high emissivity value in the wavelength range that is relevant to the TPV cells. The highest emissivity values were observed for the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} + TiO{sub 2} coatings, with post-anneal values higher than graphite.
Research Organization:
Bettis Atomic Power Lab., West Mifflin, PA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC11-98PN38206
OSTI ID:
774254
Report Number(s):
B-T-3295
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English