Performance Evaluation of the Thermophotovoltaic-Driven Thermoionic Refrigerator

Abstract

In this study, the thermophotovoltaic (TPV)-driven thermionic refrigerator (TIR) is presented as an alternative refrigerator operated by the solar energy. Solar energy is the main energy source and its performance is analyzed. Power output density of the TPV, cooling rate density, COP, exergy destruction rate densities, and exergy efficiencies are the considered parameters. Calculations are performed numerically; results are presented and discussed. The most suitable operation conditions are defined. According to the results, the cooling rate density is 648 W/m(2), power output densities are 1189.86 W/m(2) and 667.234 W/m(2) for the eg = 0.3 eV and eg = 0.4 eV, and the exergy efficiency of the system is about 0.071.