Thermophotovoltaic conversion using selective infrared line emitters and large band gap photovoltaic devices

Patent · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1999

OSTI ID:873026

Chen, Zheng ^[1]

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1. Auburn, AL

Efficient thermophotovoltaic conversion can be performed using photovoltaic devices with a band gap in the 0.75-1.4 electron volt range, and selective infrared emitters chosen from among the rare earth oxides which are thermally stimulated to emit infrared radiation whose energy very largely corresponds to the aforementioned band gap. It is possible to use thermovoltaic devices operating at relatively high temperatures, up to about 300.degree. C., without seriously impairing the efficiency of energy conversion.

• Research Organization: AUBURN UNIVERSITY
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-98SF21557
• Assignee: Auburn University (Auburn, AL)
• Patent Number(s): US 6072116
• OSTI ID: 873026
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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