Thermophotovoltaic conversion

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems use an intermediate module that absorbs heat and re-radiates photons at high temperatures with tailored wavelengths toward a photovoltaic cell. By providing the narrow-band thermal emission matched to the spectral response of the PV cell, thermophotovoltaic systems have a strong potential to realize high efficiency thermal to electrical energy converter. Thermophotovoltaic systems can be fully renewable by utilizing concentrated solar radiation or waste heat. They can be easily modulized, have no moving part, and most importantly, they can be combined with low-cost thermal energy storage to provide a stable electrical output.