Thermophotovoltaics

Systems that convert heat energy directly into electricity offer several benefits, including high efficiency and no moving parts. Sarnoff is a world leader in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems and a major supplier to the U.S. Government. Our TPV cells have applications ranging from submarines and satellites to electric utilities and automobiles.

• Advantages of TPV energy conversion
  – No moving parts
  – Higher efficiency than thermoelectric or thermoionic for same radiator temperature
  – Control of exhaust products due to continuous combustion
  – Potential conversion efficiency of conventional heat engines
• Antimonide-based TPV device features
  – Relatively low bandgap of antimonide compounds match the IR spectrum of practical energy sources
  – Quaternary compounds such as InGaAsSb can be latticed-matched to GaSb substrates
  – Simpler device structure
  – Tunneling reverse-bias breakdown eliminates the need for bypass diodes in high-voltage arrays

Applications:
Electrical power sources for:

• Military
  – Submarines
  – Field generators
  – Space power (satellites)
• Commercial
  – Space power (satellites)
  – Field generators
  – Power companies
  – "Self-powered" appliances such as water heaters and gas furnaces
  – Automobiles
  – Recreation vehicles

Specifications:
TBD:
InGaAsSb devices currently
being characterized

Sarnoff Corporation, 201 Washington Road, CN5300, Princeton, NJ 08543-5300. Tel: 609-734-2000; Fax: 609-734-2040.