Thermophotovoltaics - a New Concept Evolving in Energy Conversion: Summary of a Panel Session Presentation

Author

Bzura, John J.

Author_Institution

Nat. Grid USA Service Co., Northborough, MA

fYear

2007

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

2

Abstract

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems are designed to produce direct-current electrical energy via high-temperature semiconductors receiving radiant energy from the combustion of fuel. Unique system elements and design are required to maximize the transfer of energy from the flame to a radiator to the receiving cells and cooling apparatus. The new concept of a micron-gap TPV system (MTPV) is also discussed. This panel session presentation is a basic introduction to these concepts, which have more potential for non-grid-connected distributed generation (DG) applications than typical grid-connected DG.

Keywords

distributed power generation; thermophotovoltaic cells; cooling apparatus; direct-current electrical energy; energy conversion; grid-connected distributed generation; high-temperature semiconductors; micron-gap TPV system; nongrid-connected distributed generation; radiant energy; thermophotovoltaic systems; Automotive engineering; Combustion; Cooling; Distributed control; Energy conversion; Fires; Fuels; Semiconductor materials; Temperature distribution; USA Councils; DG; MTPV; TPV; distributed generation; high-temperature semiconductors; thermophotovoltaics;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Power Engineering Society General Meeting, 2007. IEEE

ISSN

1932-5517

Print_ISBN

1-4244-1296-X

Electronic_ISBN

1932-5517

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/PES.2007.385810

Filename

4275576