A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Planar PIN Thermophotovoltaic Cells
Abstract
The results of calculations of the performance of a planar p-i-n thermophotovoltaic cell are reported. A computer program has been written which automatically optimizes the cell geometry. The program allows the bulk recombination rate, the surface recombination velocity, the hole and electron mobilities and the intensity and spectrum of radiation illuminating the cell to be chosen arbitrarily. The performance of germain p-i-n cells is investigated for monchromatic radiation and radiation from 1873K erbium oxide and black body sources. Experimental work leading to the fabrication of interdigitated p-i-n thermophotovoltaic cells is described. The results of tests evaluating the performance of fabricated cells are discussed. A series of experiments were carried out to determine why the performance of these cells was below theoretical expectations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0748895
Entities
People
- N. F. Gardner
- Richard J. Schwartz
Organizations
- Purdue University