Systems and methods for multi-source thermovoltaic energy conversion

Abstract

A multi-source thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system and method are provided. The TPV system comprises an absorber that receives directed energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from a primary source and converts the electromagnetic radiation into thermal energy; an emitter thermally coupled to the absorber that receives thermal energy from the absorber and emits thermal energy; and a solar cell that receives thermal energy from the emitter and converts the thermal energy into electrical power. The absorber can receive energy from secondary sources that can achieve higher efficiency than when the same source is used individually by combining two or more power generation technologies. Furthermore, by using multiple sources, the duration of available power to the load can be extended and the output power can be controlled according to the variable load.

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