RARE-EARTH OXIDE RADIATORS FOR THERMO-PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONVERSION.
Abstract
An experimental analysis is presented with the objective of finding selectively radiating materials with high spectral emissivity in a narrow wavelength band centered about the region of maximum response of the germanium and silicon thermophotovoltaic cells and low emissivity elsewhere in the spectrum. A group of rare-earth oxides (Er2O3, Sm2O3, Nd2O3, Dy2O3, and Yb2O3) has been studied. Their emission spectra have been obtained and evaluated in terms of total radiation measurements and short-circuit current output of germanium and silicon cells. In terms of the evaluated performance parameters, all the rare-earth oxides which were examined showed a significant spectral improvement compared with silicon carbide (gray body) and black-body reference sources. Er2O3 and Yb2O3 give the most promise as improved radiators for application in thermophotovoltaic energy conversion. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0688088
Entities
People
- Guido E. A. Guazzoni
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command