Near-field radiative thermoelectric energy converters: a review
Abstract
Radiative thermoelectric energy converters, which include thermophotovoltaic cells, thermoradiative cells, electroluminescent refrigerators, and negative electroluminescent refrigerators, are semiconductor p-n devices that either generate electricity or extract heat from a cold body while exchanging thermal radiation with their surroundings. If this exchange occurs at micro or nanoscale distances, power densities can be greatly enhanced and near-field radiation effects may improve performance. This review covers the fundamentals of near-field thermal radiation, photon entropy, and nonequilibrium effects in semiconductor diodes that underpin device operation. The development and state of the art of these near-field converters are discussed in detail, and remaining challenges and opportunities for progress are identified.
- Publication:
-
Frontiers in Energy
- Pub Date:
- March 2018
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s11708-017-0517-z
- Bibcode:
- 2018FrEne..12....5T
- Keywords:
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- energy conversion systems;
- luminescent refrigeration;
- near-field radiation;
- thermophotovoltaic;
- thermoradiative cell