ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION OF A THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONVERTER.
Abstract
Work described in this report consists of studies of lightweight, portable, aircooled thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion systems to determine the feasibility of developing such systems to meet six specific army applications. The specific applications are for operation at 125F ambient temperature and delivery of: 300 watt net power at a system weight of 35 lb with and without fuel, 500 watt net power at a system weight of 35 lb with and without fuel, 3,000 watt at system weights of 100 and 150 lb, each without fuel. A mathematical analysis, programed for computation with a digital computer, was made of a TPV system. By use of the program, best values were determined for the system component parameters, and the photovoltaic devices required to meet the desired system specifications were defined. External reflective filters for use in combination with absorptive photovoltaic devices were designed, procured, and optically evaluated independently and as mounted on photocells. Studies were also carried out with respect to photocell temperature sensitivity, theoretically limited and practically achievable photovoltaic device performance, and cell design and fabrication. The results of the analytical and experimental studies indicate that it is not possible, within the foreseeable state of the art, to develop photovoltaic energy converters which meet the desired specifications. A derated version of the 300 watt system, however, might be possible. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0636484
Entities
People
- Roger W. Haushalter