Thermoradiative–Photovoltaic Cells

A novel model of the hybrid cells consisting of a thermoradiative (TR) cell and a photovoltaic (PV) cell is conceptually proposed, where the TR and PV cells are coupled via far-field thermal emission. Analytical formulas for the power output density and efficiency of the hybrid cells are derived. The performance characteristics of the hybrid cells are revealed. The tradeoff between the power output density and efficiency is considered and the parametric optimum designs are supplied. It is proven that the optimal performances of the proposed model are much better than those of the single TR or PV cell operating at the same temperature differences.