A Solar Thermophotovoltaic Electric Generator for Remote Power Applications

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Abstract:

We have successfully demonstrated that a solar thermophotovoltaic TPV system with a SiC graybody emitter and the monolithic interconnected module device technology can be realized. A custom-designed solar cavity was made to house the SiC emitter and the MIM strings for testing in a Stirling dish solar concentrator. Five 1x1-cm MIMs, with a bandgap of 0.74 eV,were mounted on a specially designed water-cooled heatsink and were electrically connected in series to form a string. Two such strings were fabricated and tested, as well as high-performance 2x2-cm MIMs with a bandgap of 0.74 eV. Very high output power density values between 0.82 and 0.90 Wsq cm were observed for an average emitter temperature of 1501 K.

Author(s):
Fatemi, Navid S.
Author Organization(s):
ESSENTIAL RESEARCH INC CLEVELAND OH
Descriptive Note:
Phase 2 Final rept. Dec 1996-Dec 1998
Supplementary Note:
BMDO-95-005.
Pagination:
0031

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Contract/Grant Number(s):
NAS3-97047
Monitor Series:
NASA-E
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*SOLAR ENERGY, *ELECTRIC POWER, *PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT, *REMOTE SYSTEMS, *THERMAL UTILIZATION, ANTIMISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEMS, GALLIUM ARSENIDES, SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES, EMITTERS, SILICON CARBIDES, HEAT SINKS, THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION, WATER COOLING, SPACE BASED, INDIUM ARSENIDES
Field(s)/Group(s):
Electric Power Production and Distribution
Keyword(s):
*TPV(THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC), GRAYBODY EMITTER, MONOLITHIC INTERCONNECTED MODULE DEVICE, SOLAR CAVITY, STIRLING DISH SOLAR CONCENTRATOR, POWER DENSITY, SOLAR CONCENTRATORS, *INDIUM GALLIUM ARSENIDES
Report Date:
1998 Dec 14
Creation Date:
2000 Aug 02