Semiconductors · 2004 · 21 citations · 1 references
EngineeringMaterials EngineeringCeramicsEnergy MaterialsHeat TransferConcentrated Solar PowerEnergy ConversionSolar Energy SystemsSolar RadiationThermal ManagementThermal Properties Of CeramicsDesign Of Energy Conversion SystemsEfficiencyModel SimulationPower Conversion EfficiencySimulation Model VerificationSolar-to-thermal Conversion EfficiencyThermal ConversionThermal Shock
For use in gas-fired thermophotovoltaic systems, a selective emitter made from Yb 2 O 3 foam ceramic has been developed. This foam ceramic is mechanically stable, and FTIR spectroscopy showed that 10% of the radiation power emitted by the foam can be converted by Si photocells. The thermal and thermal-shock stability of Yb 2 O 3 foam ceramic was analyzed. The foam passed 200 heating/cooling cycles without major damage. Tubes were manufactured from this material and tested in a thermophotovoltaic demonstration system. An electrical power of 86 W was achieved at a thermal power of 16 kW. Using a simulation model, the potential efficiency of a thermophotovoltaic system based on our technology applied for the conversion of concentrated solar radiation was estimated.
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