Numerical modeling of thermophotovoltaic cells and systems
Abstract
Numerical modeling is a very powerful tool for the analysis of the physical processes underlying device behavior. Over the past years, numerous computer models were developed to analyze and optimize the design of solar cells, and many other opto-electronic devices. This thesis deals with the development of a computer model which: (1) couples the optics of the TPV system and the TPV cell through the generation rate, (2) accounts for thermal losses and their effect on the system efficiency, (3) and modify the numerical device simulator ADEPT by incorporating numerical device models which are important for the TPV device modeling. The effects of the Fermi-Dirac statistics, of the $\vec k. \vec p$ density of states for narrow band gap materials, and of the band gap narrowing are included. The thesis extends the analytical studies on system efficiency by including the trade-off between the system efficiency and the generated power. It is shown that very high efficiency at the expense of low output power is misleading. Also, it is shown that the generation rate is a very sensitive function of the angle of incidence of the incident photon flux. This results in a different design of the optical parts of the TPV system and a smaller junction depth.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Gray, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Electrical engineering|Mechanical engineering|Energy
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.