Thermophotovoltaic converter and cell for use therein
US4234352A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 1978 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a thermophotovoltaic converter which includes a parabolic cone radiation concentrator portion and a processor portion including a radiator which absorbs concentrated radiation and generates incandescent radiation. A photovoltaic cell in close proximity to the radiator receives the incandescent radiation and generates an electrical voltage. The cell includes an intrinsic or lightly doped silicon substrate having a top surface for receiving radiation and a bottom surface having a plurality of diffused N and P conductivity regions arranged in rows. A titanium-silver layer overlays the bottom surface and conductively interconnects regions of one conductivity type and provides a reflective surface to photons which pass through the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.