Bifacial Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversion

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion efficiency has recently surpassed 30%. The key behind such high is the inclusion of a highly efficient mirror in rear TPV cell that turns back to thermal emitter outband photons. Efficiencies over 50% could be theoretically attainable by approaching reflectance 100%. However, very few percent absorption significantly deteriorate efficiency, especially at low temperatures. Thus, current research focuses on developing advance designs able reach an extreme 95%. In this article I propose bifacial enables photon recycling without using mirrors and less sensitive optical losses. design introduced enclosure where it irradiated from both sides. Then, photons transmit through are reabsorbed emitter. Therefore, losses linked mirror/cell interface eliminated, potentially enabling higher efficiencies. This presents detailed balance simulation edge-cooled demonstrate configuration efficiencies twice much as power density than monofacial designs, latter being advantage for moderate temperature low-cost generation. cells appealing practical high-efficient devices generation extended range heat source