Measurements of Conversion Efficiency for a Flat Plate Thermophotovoltaic System Using a Photonic Cavity Test System.

Brown, E. J. ; Ballinger, C. T. ; Burger, S. R. ; Charache, G. W. ; Danielson, L. R. ; DePoy, D. M. ; Donovan, T. J. ; LoCascio, M.

Technical Information Center Oak Ridge Tennessee

关键词: Photons;    Cavities;    Conversion efficiency;    Heat transfer;    Radiations;   

RP-ID  :  DE2004821940

学科分类：工程和技术（综合）

美国|英语

来源: National Technical Reports Library

【 摘 要 】

The performance of a 1 cm(sup 2) thermophotovoltaic (TPV) module was recently measured in a photonic cavity test system. A conversion efficiency of 11.7% was measured at a radiator temperature of 1076 C and a module temperature of 29.9 C. This experiment achieved the highest direct measurement of efficiency for an integrated TPV system. Efficiency was calculated from the ratio of the peak (load matched) electrical power output and the heat absorption rate. Measurements of these two parameters were made simultaneously to assure the validity of the measured efficiency value. This test was conducted in a photonic cavity which mimicked a typical flat-plate TPV system. The radiator was a large, flat graphite surface. The module was affixed to the top of a copper pedestal for heat absorption measurements. The heat absorption rate was proportional to the axial temperature gradient in the pedestal under steady-state conditions. The test was run in a vacuum to eliminate conductive and convective heat transfer mechanisms.