Semiconductor Science and Technology · 2003 · 86 citations · 2 references
EngineeringEnergy EfficiencyEnergy ConversionPhotovoltaic DevicesPhotovoltaic SystemPhotovoltaicsCombined HeatEnergy GenerationRenewable Energy SystemsSolar Thermal EnergySolar Energy UtilisationSolar Physics (Heliophysics)Electrical EngineeringGasb CellsSolar PowerIn-space Electric PowerThermophotovoltaic Furnace–generatorEnergy EngineeringEnergy ManagementSustainable EnergyBuilding-integrated PhotovoltaicsJunction Gasb CellsTechnologyEnergy Conversion Materials
Distributed CHP systems are economically desirable for commercial and industrial buildings because they conserve energy. The study proposes a TPV furnace–generator to bring CHP into homes by replacing conventional heating furnaces. The authors design a 1.5 kW_e/12.2 kW_th TPV furnace–generator using diffused‑junction GaSb cells and outline its key components and cost‑target strategy. They find that GaSb cells can be produced at low cost, achieving 1 W cm⁻² power density—100× that of typical solar cells—by using a silicon‑process‑compatible, cast polycrystalline fabrication that avoids toxic gases and wafer polishing.
It is well known that distributed combined heat and power (CHP) systems for commercial and industrial buildings are economically desirable because they conserve energy. Here, a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) unit is described that brings CHP into the home providing both heat and electric power by replacing the typical home heating furnace with a combined TPV furnace–generator. First, the design of a 1.5 kWelectric/12.2 kWthermal TPV furnace–generator is described along with the key components that make it possible. Diffused junction GaSb cells are one of these key components. Secondly, an economic cost target is determined for this system where the cost of the photovoltaic array will be key to the economical implementation of this concept. Finally, it is argued that the GaSb cells and arrays can be manufactured at the required low cost. The cost target can be reached because the GaSb cells in the TPV furnace–generator can produce an electrical power density of 1 W cm−2 which is 100 times higher than the typical solar cell. The cost target can also be reached because the GaSb cell fabrication process parallels the silicon solar cell process where no toxic gases are used, no wafer polish is required and cast polycrystalline cells can be used.
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