A Parametric Study of TPV Systems and the Importance of Thermal Management in System Design and Optimization

摘要

This paper presents a parametric study of two selective emitter type TPV systems. These systems are based on the use of matched Ytterbia - Silicon and Erbia - Indium Gallium Arsenide emitter photovoltaic configurations. Experimental data (from various authors) is used to establish the thermodynamic requirements for a kilowatt power generation system. These requirements are then used as the basis for the parametric model of the thermodynamic system. A self consistent set of equations is then used to determine system parameters as a function of the component or elemental parameters, and system heat loss. Of the two systems evaluated, the Erbia - InGaAs configuration had the higher overall efficiency with a value of 25.3%. Additionally, the study demonstrates the importance of thermal management in obtaining optimum system efficiencies and establishes the need for heat recuperation and diffusion type burners.