Search

This work describes RTPV-PhC-1, an initial prototype for a radioisotope thermophotovoltaic (RTPV) system using a two-dimensional photonic crystal emitter and low bandgap thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell to realize spectral control. We validated a system simulation using the measurements of RTPV-PhC-1 and its comparison setup RTPV-FlatTa-1 with the same configuration except a polished tantalum emitter. The emitter of RTPV-PhC-1 powered by an electric heater providing energy equivalent to one plutonia fuel pellet reached 950 °C with 52 W of thermal input power and produced 208 mW output power from 1 cm 2 TPV cell. We compared the system performance using a photonic crystal emitter to a polished flat tantalum emitter and found that spectral control with the photonic crystal was four times more efficient. Based on the simulation, with more cell areas, better TPV cells, and improved insulation design, the system powered by a fuel pellet equivalent heat source is expected to reach an efficiency of 7.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to assess the financial feasibility of setting up Rooftop Photovoltaic (RTPV) systems in Bengaluru which is in the state of Karnataka, India. The Renewable Energy Policy of the state mandates the installation of 250 MW of RTPV systems by 2014, while research shows that the domestic RTPV potential in Bengaluru alone is around 560 MW. To achieve this potential, the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) and the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) formulated policy incentives in the form of net metering at rates of Rs. 9.56/kWh (without the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) capital subsidy) and Rs. 7.2/kWh (with MNRE capital subsidy). Techno-economic assessment of RTPV systems show that these rates lead to viable business cases for the consumers. However, due to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company׳s (BESCOM) poor finances, a cap of 75% on the capacity of any installed RTPV system based on rated load has been set for all interested parties. Unless this cap is removed, the net metering scheme can never gain momentum in Karnataka because the power generated from the RTPV system will not exceed the monthly consumption. An additional amount of Rs. 81.6 crores per annum is required to reach the 250 MW target. BESCOM can tap the proposed State Clean Energy Fund (SCEF) to pay RTPV project developers. Other revenue models such as feed in tariffs (FiT) and the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) schemes have been considered for analysis of larger RTPV systems on industrial and commercial rooftops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]