Microchannel heat sink for microgap thermophotovoltaic devices

摘要

A method and device for maintaining the low temperature of a low temperature emitter to improve the efficiency of a sub-microgap thermophotovoltaic cell structure. Although the layer boundaries may not be substantially flat compared to a relatively constant submicron dimension, thermophotovoltaic cell structures may be coupled together by a force mechanism such that the submicrogap dimension is relatively constant. A plurality of compressed layers can be provided. The layered structure includes a hot side thermal emitter having a surface separated from the photovoltaic cell surface by a sub-microgap having dimensions maintained by the spacer. The surface of the photovoltaic cell opposite the sub-microgap is arranged to be pressed against the surface of the microchannel heat sink, and the surface of the microchannel heat sink opposite to the photovoltaic cell is a flat metal plate Arranged to be pressed against the layer and the compressible layer. [Selection] Figure 1