Thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) cells generate electricity from low temperature heat radiation.  Generally these thermo-voltaic cells have been limited in efficiency, as they are only capable of converting heat radiation within a narrow frequency range, which doesn’t include a significant portion of the spectrum of available heat radiation.

Developed primarily for use with high-altitude airships (HAA), Lockheed Martin has patented a TPV cell which utilizes a larger portion of the available spectrum.  In particular, the improved TPV cell was devised to use the large surface area of the airship to harness heat radiation emanating from the earth below (so-called “earthshine”).  By applying an electric field to the TPV material, sensitivity is shifted to include lower frequency heat radiation.

Download United States Patent No. 7,446,451

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 at 1:00 pm and is filed under Energy Patent of Today. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.