Frequency Selective Surface Bandpass Filters Applied To Radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic Generators

The application of frequency selective surface bandpass filters as spectral control devices in radioisotope thermophotovoltaic generators, RTPV, is discussed. A conceptual RTPV design for applying the filters in combination with GaSb TPV cells and a roughened tungsten emitter is presented. Measured component data is used with an analytical model to predict conversion efficiencies with different filter characteristics. The data and analyses indicate that system efficiencies up to 19% are achievable.