Thermophotovoltaic System Parametric Modeling

Abstract

A small radioisotope powered TPV system was assumed. The system was simplified into a one-dimensional model with the emitter and heat rejection system as boundaries. Design equations were then developed which would allow parametric modeling of system efficiency, emitter radiation incident upon the TPV cell, energy converted in the TPV cell, and energy absorbed in the filter and cell-to-cell gaps. A figure of merit was then developed for the emitter, filter, and TPV cell.