DEVELOPMENT OF MICRO MODULAR THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATOR

Abstract

Micro-thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power generator is a promising energy conversion system for its superior features such as high energy density and free of moving parts. Meanwhile, the system efficiency is limited to the efficiency of each component including micro-combustor, frequency selective filter/emitter and PV cells. In this thesis, the research progresses of each component in the system were reviewed in detail. Based on the limitations from literature review, creative concepts and ideas were raised to improve the performance of the micro-TPV system. To study theseconcepts, theoretical, numerical and experimental studies were carried out to obtain a micro-combustor with high wall temperature, high-uniformity and high efficiency. Numerical and experimental investigations were performed for acquiring efficient, robust and refractory frequency selective filter and emitter. In summary, the present study which includes the design and optimization on the micro-combustors, filters and frequency selective emitters paves the way to a high performance micro-TPV system.