Tuning energy transport in solar thermal systems using nanostructured materials

Abstract

Solar thermal energy conversion can harness the entire solar spectrum and theoretically achieve very high efficiencies while interfacing with thermal storage or back-up systems for dispatchable power generation. Nanostructured materials allow us to tune the spectral properties and heat transfer behavior to enable such systems. However, under high temperature conditions, thermal management, system optimization and minimization of parasitic losses are necessary to achieve competitive solar power generation. This thesis seeks to achieve spectral control and thermal management through manipulation of nanostructured materials. First, this thesis presents the design and development of a nanophotonic solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) that harnesses the full spectrum of the sun, in a solid-state and scalable way. Through device optimization and control over spectral properties at high temperatures (~1300 K), a device that is 3 times more efficient than previous STPVs is demonstrated. To achieve this result, a framework was developed to identify which parts of the spectrum are critical and to guide the design of nanostructured absorbers and emitters for STPVs. The work elucidated the relative importance of spectral properties depending on the operating regime and device geometry. Carbon nanotubes and a silicon/silicon dioxide photonic crystal were used to target critical properties in the high solar concentration regime; and two-dimensional metallic photonic crystals were used to target critical properties in the low solar concentration regime. A versatile experimental platform was developed to interchangeably test different STPV components without sacrificing experimental control. In addition to demonstrating significant improvements in STPV efficiency, an experimental procedure to quantify the energy conversion and loss mechanisms helped improve and validate STPV models. Using these validated models, this thesis presents a scaled-up device that can achieve 20% efficiencies in the near term. With potential integration of thermal-based storage, such a technology can supply power efficiently and on-demand, which will have significant implications for adoption of STPVs. Second, the thesis shifts focus away from solid-state systems to thermal-fluid systems. A new figure of merit was proposed to capture the thermal storage, heat transfer and pumping power requirements for a heat transfer fluid is a solar thermal system. Existing and emerging fluids were evaluated based on the new metric as well as practical issues. Finally, sub-micron phase change material (PCM) suspensions are investigated for simultaneous enhancement of local heat transfer and thermal storage capacity in solar thermal systems. A physical model was developed to explain the local heat transfer characteristics of a flowing PCM suspension undergoing melting. A mechanism for enhancement of heat transfer through.control over the distribution of PCM particles inside a channel was discovered and explained. Together, this thesis makes significant contributions towards improving our understanding of the role and the effective use of nanostructured materials in solar thermal systems.