Performance Evaluation and Parametric Optimum Choice Criteria of a Near-Field Thermophotovoltaic Cell

Abstract

Based on the near-field (NF) model of a thermophotovoltaic cell (TPVC) consisting of an emitter and a photovoltaic (PV) cell separated by a vacuum gap, two important formulas for the power output and efficiency are analytically derived by using fluctuation electrodynamics theory. The general performance characteristics of the NF-TPVC are evaluated. The optimum choice criteria of several key parameters, such as the power output density, efficiency, and distance of the vacuum gap of the TPVC, the current density and voltage output of the PV cell, and the band-gap of semiconductor materials in the PV cell, are supplied. Moreover, the maximum power output densities and efficiencies of three NF-TPVCs made of InSb, InAs, and InGaAsSb are calculated and the corresponding optimum values of other parameters are determined. The results obtained may provide some theoretical guidance for engineers to optimally design NF-TPVCs.