This project was aimed at developing a thermophotovoltaic device that efficiently converts thermal radiation to electrical power. Historically, TPV devices have been plagued by poor robustness
this project sought to overcome this by merging innovations in nanophotonics, photovoltaics, and robust thermal engineering. Efforts were focused on developing high efficiency TPV devices which may drastically alter the electricity sector by enabling efficient (>
20%), fuel-flexible (any combustion fuel), distributed (<
10 kW) power generation. The project research identified the technical performance limits, technology differentiator, and customer value proposition for TPV devices and established technical performance requirements for a minimum viable product.