2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2016.12.007
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Thermophotovoltaic energy in space applications: Review and future potential

Abstract: This article reviews the state of the art and historical development of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion along with that of the main competing technologies, i.e. Stirling, Brayton, thermoelectrics, and thermionics, in the field of space power generation. Main advantages of TPV are the high efficiency, the absence of moving parts, and the fact that it directly generates DC power. The main drawbacks are the unproven reliability and the low rejection temperature, which makes necessary the use of relativ… Show more

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Cited by 166 publications
(101 citation statements)
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“…Rankine/ORC) or high cost (Brayton) [72], [73]. Probably, among all the current dynamicengine options, the best choice is a Stirling engine, which has a conversion efficiency in the range of 30 -40% at power outputs ranging from 1 to 30 kWe [73].…”
Section: Phps-e Systemmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Rankine/ORC) or high cost (Brayton) [72], [73]. Probably, among all the current dynamicengine options, the best choice is a Stirling engine, which has a conversion efficiency in the range of 30 -40% at power outputs ranging from 1 to 30 kWe [73].…”
Section: Phps-e Systemmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…For instance, the highest conversion efficiency of TPV devices reported so far is 24 %, but the power density (0.79 W/cm 2 at 1312 K [9]) is much lower than that of current state of the art TEG (today's record is 22 W/cm 2 at 868 K [10]). Much higher power densities, in the range of 17-25 W/cm 2 , were experimentally demonstrated for TIC operating at 1400-1700ºC, but with significantly lower conversion efficiencies in the range of 7-11% [8], [11].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 98%
“…Therefore, a highly active isotope source is itself a powerful heat source, some with surface temperature of up to 1200 K or more . Radioisotope usually has a long half life, plus the stability of the thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system itself, so the RTPV has the strong potential to work long term and is stable in extreme environments . Although the first TPV system was introduced in the 1960s, RTPV has only begun to receive attention in recent years, the research is still in a preliminary stage.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%