Performance assessment of a coupled device of thermoradiation cell and photovoltaic cell for energy cascade utilization

Abstract

For realizing energy cascade utilization as well as improving the efficiency of energy conversion, a novel coupled device composed of thermoradiation cell (TRC) with sub-bandgap and non-radiative effect and photovoltaic cell (PVC) is put forward. The heat drives a radiative recombination current in the TRC, which emits photons reused by the PVC to generate additional power. Taking into consideration the major irreversible losses inside the coupled device, the mathematical expressions of the critical performance indicators are obtained along with the revelation of the performance features. Additionally, the numerical calculation results further show that compared with a single TRC, the maximal power output density and maximal efficiency for the presented coupled device are enhanced by 45% and 51%, respectively, and consequently, it turns out that the optimal performance of the former is significantly greater than the latter working at the same temperature difference. Finally, the consequences of some parameters, such as bandgap, voltage output, temperature, heat transfer coefficient and non-radiative effect, are discussed. The optimum operating ranges for power output density, voltage output and efficiency are identified. The obtained results are instructive for the development and design of such efficient thermogenic power devices.