Evaluation of elliptical optical cavity for a combustion thermophotovoltaic system

Year: 2017

Authors: Sansoni P., Fontani D., Francini F., Jafrancesco D., Gabetta G., Casale M., Campesato R., Toniato G.

Autors Affiliation: CNR, INO, Natl Inst Opt, Largo E Fermi 6, I-50125 Florence, Italy; CESI SpA, Via Rubattino 54, I-20134 Milan, Italy; Business Consultant Riello Grp, Via Ingn Pilade Riello 7, I-37045 Legnago, Italy.

Abstract: A reflective cavity with elliptical cross-section is proposed to couple a burner to three arrays of thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) cells. Burner and photoconverter, with triangular section, are located near the two foci of the ellipse. The elliptical cavity is designed to be inserted into a thereto-electric micro-cogenerator for residential use, which exploits the TPV cells to convert visible and infrared radiation generated by the burner into electricity. Taking into account the key construction constraints, several cavity configurations, which differ for components or optical properties, are analysed by ray tracing simulations. The maximum radiation collection efficiency is 62% for the elliptical cavity and is reduced to 48% by introducing quartz protections around the burner and the receiver. A germanium-based photoconverter is developed and manufactured by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition techniques. Each photoconverter can deliver 180 mW/cm(2) (at 230 mV voltage and 55 degrees C) when illuminated by a blackbody spectrum at 1473 K. The manufacture of the TPV receiver is described and the thermal design aspects are considered. The use of a dichroic filter for a TPV generator configuration based on an elliptical chamber is also evaluated.

Journal/Review: SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS

Volume: 171      Pages from: 282  to: 292

More Information: The study was developed in the framework of the project \”PLACE – Intelligent, integrated and adaptive platform of micro-cogeneration with high efficiency for residential use\”, a research project financed by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development within the programme \”Industria 2015 -Efficienza Energetica\” with prime proposer RIELLO SpA.
KeyWords: Electric equipment protection; Infrared radiation; Optical design, Collection efficiency; Construction constraints; Elliptical cross section; Metal-organic chemical vapour depositions; Photoconverter; Ray tracing simulation; Thermophoto voltaic cells; Thermophotovoltaic systems, Optical properties
DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2017.07.001

Citations: 9
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