title: Toward high-energy-density, high-efficiency, and moderate-temperature chip-scale thermophotovoltaics.
abstract: The challenging problem of ultra-high-energy-density, high-efficiency, and small-scale portable power generation is addressed here using a distinctive thermophotovoltaic energy conversion mechanism and chip-based system design, which we name the microthermophotovoltaic (μTPV) generator. The approach is predicted to be capable of up to 32% efficient heat-to-electricity conversion within a millimeter-scale form factor. Although considerable technological barriers need to be overcome to reach full performance, we have performed a robust experimental demonstration that validates the theoretical framework and the key system components. Even with a much-simplified μTPV system design with theoretical efficiency prediction of 2.7%, we experimentally demonstrate 2.5% efficiency. The μTPV experimental system that was built and tested comprises a silicon propane microcombustor, an integrated high-temperature photonic crystal selective thermal emitter, four 0.55-eV GaInAsSb thermophotovoltaic diodes, and an ultra-high-efficiency maximum power-point tracking power electronics converter. The system was demonstrated to operate up to 800 °C (silicon microcombustor temperature) with an input thermal power of 13.7 W, generating 344 mW of electric power over a 1-cm(2) area.
authors: Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
authors: Walker R
authors: WR
authors: Chan
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Bermel
authors: Robert C N
authors: RC
authors: Pilawa-Podgurski
authors: Christopher H
authors: CH
authors: Marton
authors: Klavs F
authors: KF
authors: Jensen
authors: Jay J
authors: JJ
authors: Senkevich
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Joannopoulos
authors: Marin
authors: M
authors: Soljacic
authors: Ivan
authors: I
authors: Celanovic
mesh_terms: D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004581:Electronics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D011407:Propane / Q000737:chemistry; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D011407:Propane; D012825:Silicon