Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversion in Submarine Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells allow for the direct conversion of infrared (IR) radiation to electricity, similar to when traditional solar cells are exposed to visible light. The objective of this thesis is the development of a computer model of a multijunction TPV cell designed to absorb IR radiation from the primary fluid system of a naval nuclear reactor. This model is then used to determine the feasibility of using this TPV system as a supplemental source of electrical power on a next-generation nuclear submarine. The results of this simulation indicate that the design concept presented in this thesis is a viable option and warrants further consideration and research.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA547881

Entities

People

  • John N. Howard

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Charge Carriers
  • Compound Semiconductors
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Energy Bands
  • Fission
  • Gallium Nitrides
  • Nuclear Powered Submarines
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Optical Properties
  • Radiation
  • Semiconductor Devices
  • Semiconductors
  • Simulations
  • Solar Cells
  • Thermophotovoltaic Cells

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.