Thermophotovoltaic cells have been developed by our partners at the University of Michigan, these cells achieve a significantly improved power conversion efficiency of 44% at 1435°C. This has allowed them to convert heat into electricity by capturing infrared photons, making them ideal for use in heat batteries. Heat batteries store excess renewable energy as thermal energy, which can later be converted back into electricity using these cells. The new design features an “air bridge” structure, which traps photons that can be converted to electricity and recycles those that can’t, further enhancing efficiency. This innovation moves thermophotovoltaic technology closer to practical grid use, offering a cost-effective and versatile alternative to traditional battery storage, with the potential to reach even higher efficiencies in the future.
