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Theromophotovoltaic Enhancement: 2D Photonic Crystals to Increase TPV Efficiencies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Corey M. Shemelya
Affiliation:
corey.shemelya@tufts.edu, Tufts University, ECE, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
Thomas E. Vandervelde
Affiliation:
tvanderv@ece.tufts.edu, Tufts University, ECE, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
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Abstract

Here, we report on the enhancement of photon conversion by integration of photonic crystal (PhC) and surface plasmon (SP) structures into thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells. PhCs consisting of rods of air are incorporated into the base of semiconductor TPV cells to increase the duration of thermal photon absorption, thus significantly enhancing quantum and conversion efficiencies (QE and CE, respectively). The potential of PhCs to augment the CE of TPV cells for most IR wavelengths makes it a widely useful technology. The ability to turn waste heat into usable energy will improve efficiency in a variety of electrical and electromechanical systems.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2010

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References

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