Assessment of the radiative properties of some semi-conductors for applications in thermophotovoltaic and thermophotonic conversion systems

  • Authors

    • Fabrice Mbakop Kwefeu University of Maroua
    • Noel Djongyang University of Maroua
    • Joseph Yves Effa University of Ngaoundere
    • Danwé Raidandi University of Maroua
    • Jean Luc Nsouandelé University of Maroua
    • René Tchinda University of Dschang
    2014-10-02
    https://doi.org/10.14419/ijbas.v3i4.3261

  • Abstract

    Today, major energy challenge is to find alternatives to exhaustible and polluting fossil fuels. Photovoltaic (PV), thermophotovoltaic (TPV) and thermophotonic (TPX) systems offer interesting prospects for the purpose. However, these technologies require a judicious choice of the emitting materials. This paper presents an assessment of the radiative properties of some semi-conductors that can be used for these systems. The method is based on the principles of thermal radiation, Fresnel’s theories of radiation, and Maxwell’s equations describing the classical theory of the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a homogeneous and isotropic medium. The influence of the extinction index on the optical characteristics of some materials (SiC, Si, Ge, and ZnO) is evaluated. The transfer matrix method was used to evaluate and assess the behaviour of the radiative properties of strongly and weakly absorbing multilayered structures. It was found that the use of a non-reflecting treatment (glass or ZnO) on the material, enables to reduce multiple reflections and therefore to improve the efficiency of the system.

    Keywords: Semi-Conductors; Thermal Radiation; Energy Conversion Systems; Photovoltaic; Thermophotovoltaics; Thermophotonics.

  • References

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  • How to Cite

    Mbakop Kwefeu, F., Djongyang, N., Effa, J. Y., Raidandi, D., Nsouandelé, J. L., & Tchinda, R. (2014). Assessment of the radiative properties of some semi-conductors for applications in thermophotovoltaic and thermophotonic conversion systems. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3(4), 401-413. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijbas.v3i4.3261

    Received date: 2014-07-23

    Accepted date: 2014-08-30

    Published date: 2014-10-02