Premium
Thermal Emission‐Enhanced and Optically Modulated Radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic Generators
Author(s) -
Wang Hongyu,
Tang Xiaobin,
Liu Yunpeng,
Xu Zhiheng,
Yuan Zicheng,
Liu Kai,
Zhang Zhengrong,
Jiang Tongxin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
energy technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.91
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 2194-4296
pISSN - 2194-4288
DOI - 10.1002/ente.201901170
Subject(s) - thermophotovoltaic , materials science , optoelectronics , emissivity , energy transformation , energy conversion efficiency , thermal energy , radiant energy , thermal , voltage , optics , radiation , common emitter , electrical engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , meteorology , thermodynamics , engineering
Infrared radiation generated by high‐energy‐density radioisotope decay can be converted to electrical energy in radioisotope thermophotovoltaic (RTPV) generators. Thermal emission intensity and spectral properties have substantial implications in this thermal energy conversion process. To improve the performance of the RTPV generator, a silicone coating material is used as a thermal emission enhancer, and SiO 2 is used as a filter. The silicone coating has excellent thermal emissivity at high temperatures. The SiO 2 filter is used for optical modulation during the thermal energy conversion process. The heat transfer optimization problem caused by the internal temperature distribution of the system is discussed. Compared with the experimental model before optimization, the output power of the RTPV generator increased by 126% obtains an open‐circuit voltage of 2.64 V, an electric power of 89.88 mW, and an energy conversion efficiency of 5.62%. The RTPV generator is expected to be a potential candidate for energy supply in extreme environments.