Thermophotovoltaic and photovoltaic conversion at high-flux densities
The authors first discuss the similarities between generation of electricity using thermophotovoltaic (TPV) and high-optical-concentration solar photovoltaic (PC) devices. Following this, the authors consider power losses due to above- and below-bandgap photons, and estimate the ideal bandgap by minimizing the sum of these, for a 6,000 K black-body spectrum. The ideal bandgap, based on this approach, is less than that previously predicted, which could have a significant influence on the performance of devices and systems. To reduce the losses, the authors show that the low-energy photons may be removed from both types of cells and consider the specific case of a back-surface reflector. This approach to the management of waste heat may offer a useful additional tool with which to facilitate the design of high-photo-flux solar cells. In the case of the high-energy photons and the associated problem of thermalization of hot electrons, however, the heat must be removed by other means, and the authors consider the applicability of microchannel cooling systems. These appear to have the potential to handle thermal loads at least several times those generated by 1,000 times concentrators, or by black-body TPV radiators at a temperature of far greater than 1,500 K. The authors go on to consider the management of the very high currents generated in both concentrator TPV and PV systems and discuss the concept of the monolithically integrated minimodule.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-99GO10337
- OSTI ID:
- 20006092
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Vol. 46, Issue 10; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1999; ISSN 0018-9383
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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