INNOVATION:  Researchers in UCLA's Department of Electrical Engineering have proposed three types of TPV cell structures based on a particular nanomaterial. The optical and electrical properties of these nanotechnology-based TPVs can be tuned during fabrication, making them suitable for multiple applications.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• High performance, low radiation temperature TPV devices can be designed for space applications.
• Low-cost TPV cell systems can be used as the basis for next-generation electrical conversion.
• Industrial manufacturing facilities that produce a large amount of waste heat (glass, metalcasting and steel industries) could use the high temperature heat to generate electricity.

ADVANTAGES

This technology offers a novel approach for high performance, low-cost nano-TPV cells, including:

• Tunable bandgap range.
• Broadband matching for the blackbody radiation spectrum.
• Outstanding electrical characteristics.
• Improved heat conduction.
• The nanomaterial can be grown on various substrates.
• Cost effective.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2005-603

Patent Application: 2007023507