Novel Beam-Down Concentrator with Advanced Thermal Storage and Management for High-Performance Outdoor Thermophotovoltaic Systems

Objective

Europe's transition to net-zero energy requires dispatchable renewable technologies. The EU mandates 32% renewable energy by 2030, yet current solar systems face fundamental limitations preventing simultaneous modularity and dispatchability. Conventional photovoltaics offer modularity but lack dispatchability due to intermittency, while concentrated solar power provides dispatchability through thermal storage but suffers from poor modularity due to scale requirements. Solar Thermophotovoltaic (STPV) technology offers a promising solution by converting thermal radiation to electricity, yet current research remains confined to laboratory settings using controlled heat sources rather than real solar concentrators. The critical gap lies in the laboratory-to-field transition. BEAM-STPV addresses this gap through four interdisciplinary research objectives: developing a beam-down solar concentrator achieving >1000 suns concentration ratio and 65% optical efficiency; creating integrated cavity-receiver with thermal storage sustaining emitter temperatures above 1000°C for ≥3 hours; designing microchannel cooling systems maintaining TPV cell temperatures below 50°C; and establishing comprehensive optical-thermal-electrical system models with economic, environmental assessment. The key deliverable is a validated BEAM-STPV system from concentrator to TPV thermal management. The project employs systematic methodology integrating theoretical modelling, Monte Carlo ray-tracing simulations, finite element thermal analysis, and experimental validation using PROMES solar facilities. BEAM-STPV will establish the foundation for transitioning STPV technology from laboratory demonstrations to practical outdoor deployment, positioning European leadership in next-generation renewable energy systems capable of competing with conventional solar technologies through enhanced efficiency and dispatchable electricity generation, supporting EU renewable energy targets and carbon neutrality goals.