title: Role of spectral non-idealities in the design of solar thermophotovoltaics.
abstract: To bridge the gap between theoretically predicted and experimentally demonstrated efficiencies of solar thermophotovoltaics (STPVs), we consider the impact of spectral non-idealities on the efficiency and the optimal design of STPVs over a range of PV bandgaps (0.45-0.80 eV) and optical concentrations (1-3,000x). On the emitter side, we show that suppressing or recycling sub-bandgap radiation is critical. On the absorber side, the relative importance of high solar absorptance versus low thermal emittance depends on the energy balance. Both results are well-described using dimensionless parameters weighting the relative power density above and below the cutoff wavelength. This framework can be used as a guide for materials selection and targeted spectral engineering in STPVs.
authors.forename: Andrej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lenert
authors.forename: Youngsuk
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Bierman
authors.forename: Evelyn N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D055096:Optical Devices; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012993:Solar Energy