Thermophotovoltaics is the science and technology associated with the direct generation of electricity from high temperature heat. Potential applications include combined heat and power, portable and auxiliary power, radioisotope space power, industrial waste heat recovery and concentrated solar power. This book aims at serving as an introduction to the underlying theory, overview of present day components and system arrangements, and update of the latest developments in the field. The emphasis is placed on the understanding of the critical aspects of efficient thermophotovoltaic system design. The aim is to assist researchers in the field.

This is a text book presenting the fundamentals of thermophotovoltaic(TPV) energy conversion suitable for an upper undergraduate or first year graduate course. In addition it can serve as a reference or design aid for engineers developing TPV systems. Each chapter includes a summary and concludes with a set of problems. The first chapter presents the electromagnetic theory and radiation transfer theory necessary to calculate the optical properties of the components in a TPV optical cavity. Using a simplified model, Chapter 2 develops expressions for the maximum efficiency and power density for an ideal TPV system. The next three chapters consider the three major components in a TPV system; the emitter, filter and photovoltaic(PV) array. Chapter 3 applies the electromagnetic theory and radiation transfer theory presented in Chapter 1 in the calculation of spectral emittance. From the spectral emittance the emitter efficiency is calculated. Chapter 4 discusses interference, plasma and resonant array filters plus an interference filter with an imbedded metallic layer, a combined interference-plasma filter and spectral control using a back surface reflector(BSR) on the PV array. The theory necessary to calculate the optical properties of these filters is presented. Chapter 5 presents the fundamentals of semiconductor PV cells. Using transport equations calculation of the current-voltage relation for a PV cell is carried out. Quantum efficiency, spectral response and the electrical equivalent circuit for a PV cell are introduced so that the PV cell efficiency and power output can be calculated. The final three chapters of the book consider the combination of the emitter, filter and PV array that make up the optical cavity of a TPV system. Chapter 6 applies radiation transfer theory to calculate the cavity efficiency of planar and cylindrical optical cavities. Also introduced in Chapter 6 are the overall TPV efficiency, thermal efficiency and PV efficiency. Leakage of radiation out of the optical cavity results in a significant loss in TPV efficiency. Chapter 7 considers that topic. The final chapter presents a model for a planar TPV system. Six appendices present background information necessary to carry out theoretical developments in the text. Two of the appendices include Mathematica programs for the spectral optical properties of multi-layer interference filters and a planar TPV system. Software is included for downloading all the programs within the book. First text written on thermophotovoltaic(TPV) energy conversion Includes all the necessary theory to calculate TPV system performance Author has been doing TPV energy conversion research since 1980's Emphasizes the fundamentals of TPV energy conversion Includes a summary and problem set at the end of each chapter Includes Mathematica programs for calculating optical properties of interference filters and planar TPV system performance solution software

Ultra-High Temperature Thermal Energy Storage, Transfer and Conversion presents a comprehensive analysis of thermal energy storage systems operating at beyond 800°C. Editor Dr. Alejandro Datas and his team of expert contributors from a variety of regions summarize the main technological options and the most relevant materials and characterization considerations to enable the reader to make the most effective and efficient decisions.This book helps the reader to solve the very specific challenges associated with working within an ultra-high temperature energy storage setting. It condenses and summarizes the latest knowledge, covering fundamentals, device design, materials selection and applications, as well as thermodynamic cycles and solid-state devices for ultra-high temperature energy conversion.This book provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary guide to engineers and researchers in a variety of fields including energy conversion, storage, cogeneration, thermodynamics, numerical methods, CSP, and materials engineering. It firstly provides a review of fundamental concepts before exploring numerical methods for fluid-dynamics and phase change materials, before presenting more complex elements such as heat transfer fluids, thermal insulation, thermodynamic cycles, and a variety of energy conversation methods including thermophotovoltaic, thermionic, and combined heat and power. Reviews the main technologies enabling ultra-high temperature energy storage and conversion, including both thermodynamic cycles and solid-state devices Includes the applications for ultra-high temperature energy storage systems, both in terrestrial and space environments Analyzes the thermophysical properties and relevant experimental and theoretical methods for the analysis of high-temperature materials

Near-Field Radiative Heat Transfer across Nanometer Vacuum Gaps provides an in-depth description of fundamentals and application of near-field radiative heat transfer. When the vacuum gap between two media is on the order of nanometers, heat transfer can exceed that between blackbodies. This book investigates near-field heat transfer between different materials and geometries highlighting interplay between optics, material thermophysical properties and electromagnetism. The book also highlights the application of near-field thermal radiation in the field of power generation, imaging, and thermal systems as an analog of electronic devices. Brings together research in near-field radiative heat transfer in a focused and comprehensive manner, allowing those new to the topic to gain a thorough understanding of the science and how it can be used Offers focused coverage of heat transfer in near-field radiation, which other books do not Outlines the interplay between optics, electromagnetics, basic thermodynamics, and thermophysical properties of materials during near-field heat transfer

Annotation Compared to the earlier convenings, the third demonstrated more interest in GaSb and its related ternary and quaternary alloys and the back-surface reflector technique for recirculating sub-bandgap photons, but less to multi-layer dielectric stacks and to transparent conducting oxides. After summaries of each of the eight sessions by the chair, the 43 papers cover overviews, devices based on GaSb and related materials, selective radiators, devices based on InGaAs, whole systems, novel concepts, and modeling and characterizing systems. Among the individual topics are modeling the system optical cavity, the advantages of quantum well solar cells, multi-fuel liquid hydrocarbon generators, applications of the super-emissive light pipe, a novel design for monolithically interconnected modules for power conversion, multiple-dopant selective emitter, improvements in GaSb cells, and an overview of European activities. Reproduced from typescripts, some double spaced. No subject index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.