New Flexible Photocell Module for Thermophotovoltaic Applications

This paper describes the practical implementation of TPV systems. As a key part of these systems, we developed a new flexible photocell module for TPV applications. The module consists of commercially available monocrystalline silicon solar cells, which were cut into small stripes that are series connected to achieve a high voltage and a reduced current for operation at an illumination density of 5 – 10 suns. For an easy mounting into a heating boiler, the module is highly flexible and can be bent into a cylindrical shape. The rear side of the module is electrically isolated, but achieves a good heat coupling through a covering aluminium foil to the boiler wall. Thus, it can directly be mounted into a water‐cooled boiler housing without the need of an additional water‐cooling circuit. A first test module with an active cell area of 481 cm2 achieved an electricity output of 50 W by irradiation with an Yb2O3 mantle emitter heated with a 20 kW methane burner.