Evaluation of spectral regulation by selective emitter and filter under both ideal and actual conditions for solar thermophotovoltaic systems

Selective emitter and filter are different spectral modules in a solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) system, whereas the guidelines of their applications for various operation conditions are lacking, especially when the thermalization of the photovoltaic cell is considered. To conduct a comprehensive analysis, an energy transfer model of the STPV system was established based on spectral modules under both ideal and actual conditions, and in particular the cooling consumption was considered. It is observed that when an emitter (E system) or emitter combined with a filter (E + F system) is used, the system efficiency slowly increases with increasing concentration ratio (CR). When a filter (F system) is utilized, an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease in the system efficiency is shown. The InGaAs cell is suitable for the E + F system, the GaSb cell is preferred for the E system, and the Si cell is better suited for the F system. The cooling consumption occupies up to 1100 W, which can cause the system efficiency to be below 0, indicating that the generated power cannot drive the cooling device. In particular, ideal spectral regulation is not superior to the actual spectral regulation when PV cell thermalization is considered. A foundation for optimization of spectral modules and application of STPV systems can be established by this work.

Automated summary

This study establishes an energy transfer model of the STPV system based on spectral modules and considers cooling consumption. The study finds that different types of photovoltaic cells have higher suitability for different systems. The study provides a foundation for optimizing spectral modules and applying STPV systems.