Spectrally Selective, Matched Emitters for Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversion Processed by Tape Casting
Abstract
The thermophotovoltaic (TPV) generator converts radiant energy from a high temperature emitter element into electric power using infrared responding photovoltaic cells. Spectral control is a primary issue in TPV applications. Conventional TPV generators have relied on filters to achieve selectivity and spectral control with near-blackbody ceramic emitters. Several practical problems have limited the success of this approach, particularly the present lack of a satisfactory wide-band infrared filter. A new, spectrally selective emitter, is described in this work, and will be called the `bandgap matched' emitter because its emissive power spectrum is very efficiently matched with the infrared response of the GaSb photovoltaic cell. The superior spectral efficiency has been achieved with a novel combination of spectrally active, transition metal dopants within an infrared-transparent magnesium oxide ceramic matrix. High mechanical integrity, thermal shock resistance, excellent heat transfer characteristics, and near-ideal spectral efficiency have been achieved by fabricating composite Co- or Ni-doped MgO from thin ceramic ribbons made by the tape casting process.
Recommended Citation
L. G. Ferguson and F. Dogan, "Spectrally Selective, Matched Emitters for Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversion Processed by Tape Casting," Journal of Materials Science, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 137 - 146, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Jan 2001.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004845205322
Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Ceramic matrix composites; Light emission; Magnesia; Optical filters; Semiconducting gallium compounds; Thermoelectric energy conversion; Tape casting; Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) generators; Photovoltaic cells
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0022-2461
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2001
