Design and validation of a high-efficiency planar solar thermophotovoltaic system using a spectrally selective emitter.

This paper presents a detailed-balance analysis required for the achievement of a high-efficiency spectral selective STPV system utilizing thermodynamic and optical modeling approaches. Key parameters affecting the design and optimization of spectrally selective surfaces that are essential for high-efficiency STPV applications are investigated. A complete GaSb-based planar STPV system utilizing a micro-textured absorber and a nanostructure multilayer metal-dielectric coated selective emitter was fabricated and evaluated. The micro-textured absorber features more than 90% absorbance at visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The selective emitter, consisting of two nanolayer coatings of silicon nitride (Si