Spectrally selective, matched emitters for thermophotovoltaic energy conversion fabricated by tape casting process

The thermophotovoltaic (TPV) generator converts radiant energy from a high temperature emitter element into electric power using infrared responding photovoltaic cells. Spectral control is a primary issue in TPV applications. Conventional TPV generators have relied on filters to achieve selectivity and spectral control with near-blackbody ceramic emitters. Several practical problems have limited the success of this approach, particularly the present lack of a satisfactory wide-band infrared filter. A new, spectrally selective emitter is described in this work, and will be called the "bandgap matched emitter" because its emissive power spectrum is very efficiently matched with the infrared response of the GaSb photovoltaic cell. The superior spectral efficiency has been achieved with a novel combination of spectrally active, transition-metal dopants within an infrared-transparent magnesium oxide ceramic matrix. High mechanical integrity, thermal shock resistance, excellent heat transfer characteristics, and near-ideal spectral efficiency have all been achieved for the first time by fabricating composite emitters from thin sheets of flexible ceramic ribbons made by the tape casting process.