Thermodynamic limit for coherence-limited solar power conversion

Heylal Mashaal, Jeffrey M. Gordon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The spatial coherence of solar beam radiation is a key constraint in solar rectenna conversion. Here, we present a derivation of the thermodynamic limit for coherence-limited solar power conversion - an expansion of Landsberg’s elegant basic bound, originally limited to incoherent converters at maximum flux concentration. First, we generalize Landsberg’s work to arbitrary concentration and angular confinement. Then we derive how the values are further lowered for coherence-limited converters. The results do not depend on a particular conversion strategy. As such, they pertain to systems that span geometric to physical optics, as well as classical to quantum physics. Our findings indicate promising potential for solar rectenna conversion.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNonimaging Optics
Subtitle of host publicationEfficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XI
EditorsRoland Winston, Jeffrey M. Gordon
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628412185
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2014
EventNonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XI - San Diego, United States
Duration: 17 Aug 201420 Aug 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9191
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceNonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XI
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period17/08/1420/08/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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