Optical, electrical and thermal responses of near-field thermophotovoltaic cells for thermal energy conversion

This research is a theoretical investigation of near-field thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems which convert heat into electricity. Such systems are capable of producing much greater electrical power than conventional solar cells in addition to being more versatile as they can be powered by a variety of heat sources including waste heat; which could potentially revolutionise the clean energy sector. This research analyses the parameters and configurations that affect the behaviour and performance of near-field TPVs, offering engineers greater insight into such devices and allowing them to make more informed design decisions. Moreover, ways to improve performance are also proposed.