Near-field radiative thermoelectric energy converters [electronic resource] : a review

• Tác giả: United States, United States. Dept. of Energy. Office of Science
• Ngôn ngữ: eng
• Ký hiệu phân loại: 621.312 Generation, modification, storage
• Thông tin xuất bản: Washington, D.C. : Oak Ridge, Tenn. : United States. Dept. of Energy. Office of Science ; Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 2017
• Mô tả vật lý: Size: p. 5-21 : , digital, PDF file.
• Bộ sưu tập: Metadata
• ID: 255684
• Chủ đề: 1. 30 direct energy conversion; 2. Energy conversion systems; 3. Luminescent refrigeration; 4. Near-field radiation; 5. Radiative energy converter; 6. Thermophotovoltaic; 7. Thermoradiative cell

Tóm tắt

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. In conclusion, remaining challenges and opportunities for progress are identified.