CAREER: Metamaterial-Enhanced Thermal Energy Harvesters

摘要研究目标和方法：本研究的目的是创造一种新的热光伏电池，将热辐射（热）转化为电能，利用广泛的热温度经常发生在家用电器，工厂，并在发电。 该方法是使用红外光电探测器的最新进展，部分由PI开发，最大限度地将光转换为电流。 智力优势：热光子学能有效地转换能量，但传统上不能转换波长为3微米的光子，这意味着只能使用非常热的光源（1500°C）。 这项工作探索了用应变层超晶格取代体材料，并用一种新的基于势垒的设计（称为pBn）取代传统的pin光电二极管，这种设计分别降低了Auger和Shockley-Read-Hall复合率。 这可以允许热能转换，即使在接近体温的温度。更广泛的影响：除了创建一个新的课程的好处和绿色能源技术在塔夫茨大学的局限性，这笔赠款将提高学生的机会，应用和扩展他们在课堂上获得的知识，并利用它在研究环境。 PI致力于为这个国家培养下一代工程师和科学家，重点是代表性不足的群体。 拟议中的基于网络和博物馆的普遍可访问的绿色能源动画的创建可能有助于激励代表性不足的群体追求科学或工程方面的工作。 提高发电的能源效率，并可能提高每一个用电设备的能源效率，将产生深远、广泛的社会和经济影响。

ABSTRACTResearch Objectives and Approaches: The objective of this research is to create a new class of thermophotovoltaic cells cells that convert thermal radiation (heat) into electricity that harness wide-ranging heat temperatures frequently occurring in home appliances, factories, and during electricity generation. The approach is to use recent advances in infrared photodetectors, developed in part by the PI, which maximize conversion of light into electrical current. Intellectual Merit: Thermophotovoltaics convert energy efficiently, but have traditionally not been able to convert photons of wavelengths 3-microns, meaning that only very hot sources (1500°C) can be used. The work proposed explores substitution of bulk materials with strained-layer superlattices, and replacing the traditional pin-photodiode with a new barrier-based design, called pBn, which reduce Auger and Shockley-Read-Hall recombination rates, respectively. This could allow for thermal-energy conversion even at temperatures approaching body heat.Broader Impacts: In addition to creating a new course on the benefits and limitations of green energy technologies at Tufts, this grant will enhance the opportunity for students to apply and expand upon the knowledge they have gained in the classroom and utilize it in a research setting. The PI is dedicated to training the next generation of engineers and scientists for this country, with a focus on underrepresented groups. The proposed creation of universally accessibly web- and museum-based green-energy animations could help inspire underrepresented groups to pursue jobs in science or engineering. Increased energy efficiency of power-generation, and potentially every device that uses electricity, would elicit profound, widespread societal and economic effects.