Design and Optimization of Thermophotovoltaic System Cavity with Mirrors

Tian Zhou, Zhiqiang Sun, Saiwei Li, Huawei Liu and Danqing Yi
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Tian Zhou: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Zhiqiang Sun: School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Saiwei Li: School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Huawei Liu: School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Danqing Yi: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China

Energies, 2016, vol. 9, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems can convert radiant energy into electrical power. Here we explore the design of the TPV system cavity, which houses the emitter and the photovoltaic (PV) cells. Mirrors are utilized in the cavity to modify the spatial and spectral distribution within. After discussing the basic concentric tubular design, two novel cavity configurations are put forward and parametrically studied. The investigated variables include the shape, number, and placement of the mirrors. The optimization objectives are the optimized efficiency and the extended range of application of the TPV system. Through numerical simulations, the relationship between the design parameters and the objectives are revealed. The results show that careful design of the cavity configuration can markedly enhance the performance of the TPV system.

Keywords: thermophotovoltaic (TPV); cavity; mirrors; constructal theory; optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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