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In order to cope with climate change such as global warming, power generation using renewable energy such as solar or wind power is promoted worldwide. A newly developed device that efficiently converts heat into light is expected to help increase solar power generation efficiency beyond now.
What often matters in solar power generation is how to efficiently convert the sun to power. The same solar power generation amount varies depending on the power generation efficiency, but the current solar cell module conversion efficiency is about 20%, even if it is high.
Waste heat generated in the solar power generation process is also related to the solar power output and equipment life. This is why we are trying to solve the waste heat problem by introducing a sophisticated cooling system and combining waste heat generation facilities.
A research team at Rice University in the United States proposes a method of converting waste heat into light and then using it as a photovoltaic power generation resource. Professor Gururaj Naik says he has developed a method for converting heat into light using a heat source where objects radiate heat as electromagnetic waves. The surface of an object with all the heat radiates from heat radiation. The problem is that heat radiation occurs in a broadband, but radiation that efficiently converts light into electricity must be done in a narrow band. The research team developed a narrower band filter device for electromagnetic waves that emit heat using carbon nanotubes.
The proof-of-concept device developed by the research team was made by aligning carbon nanotube films that electrons cannot pass through only in one direction. It can withstand high temperatures of 700 degrees, so it is possible to convert it into light suitable for solar power generation. The most efficient way to convert heat into electricity is with a turbine. However, the research team aims to simplify the operation in a compact system that does not use moving parts.
The research team claims that by adding the newly developed device to a standard solar cell, the peak power generation efficiency of 22% or higher can be achieved. The theoretical prediction is that 80% power generation efficiency can be obtained. As the next step, the research team is planning to combine solar cell devices to actually convert waste heat from solar power generation into light and use it for power generation again. Related information can be found here .
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