Multiband emitter matched to multilayer photovoltaic collector
US4776895A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 1987 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A thermophotovoltaic electric generating system provides high thermal to electric conversion efficiency by use of matched radiation emitter and radiation collector. The radiation emitter comprises ceramic materials which emit thermally stimulated quantum radiation in at least two characteristic wavelength bands when heated above a threshold temperature. By employing a low emissivity ceramic doped with rare earth metal oxide, more than 50% of the radiation emitted from the surface can be concentrated in two or more characteristic wavelength bands. A multilayer photovoltaic device selectively absorbs the radiation at the characteristic wavelength bands for high electric conversion efficiency. An overlying layer of the photovoltaic collector selectively absorbs at least one of such characteristic wavelength bands and is transparent to another wavelength band which is absorbed by an underlying photovoltaic layer. Preferably the emitter is a porous fiber matrix surface combustion burner comprising primarily aluminum oxide, from 8 to 20% yttrium oxide, and a minor amount of rare earth metal oxide. A ceramic tube burner may be used in an embodiment with preheated air, the outside of the t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.