Thermophotovoltaic Converter Design for Radioisotope Power Systems Available to Purchase

The development of lightweight, efficient power for emerging NASA missions and recent advances in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) conversion technology have renewed interest in the possibility of combining radioisotope heat sources with photovoltaic energy conversion. Thermophotovoltaic power conversion uses advanced materials able to utilize a broader, spectrally tuned range of wavelengths. Spectral control, including the combination of emitter, TPV module, and filter, is key to high‐efficiency operation. This paper summarizes the performance characteristics of monolithic integrated module (MIM) PV cells and arrays, tandem filters, and tungsten emitters fabricated for the present studies. The current, voltage, quantum efficiency, and diode efficiency of multi‐junction 0.60 eV bandgap devices are presented for individual PV cells and strings of several cells. This paper discusses the design considerations for mechanical layout of PV cell arrays and integration with filters. The vacuum facility to be used to test these PV cell arrays is also described.