Work

Fundamental Limitations of Thermoradiative Energy Conversion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Understanding the fundamental limits of various energy conversion approaches is essential for assessing their efficiency and power output. In this work, we derive general performance bounds for thermoradiative heat engines that exchange heat radiatively with a cold sink, establishing power-versus-efficiency thermodynamic bounds for several configurations. We find that the performance of these engines is always bounded by that of radiative engines, which harness the thermal radiation emitted by a hot source, making thermoradiative engines inherently less favorable for energy conversion. By unifying the results of radiative and thermoradiative engines within a common thermodynamic framework, which also encompasses dual-engine configurations that combine both features, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of the thermodynamic limits of radiative energy conversion. Our framework offers general metrics for evaluating specific devices and raises critical questions regarding the relevance of thermoradiative cells for energy production.

Source: PRX Energy

DOI: 10.1103/8yz7-djk1

Authors: Maxime Giteau, Michela F. Picardi, Georgia T. Papadakis

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute of Photonic Sciences, Laboratoire Procédés, Matériaux et Energie Solaire

Language: English

Topic: Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: “la Caixa” Foundation, Generalitat de Catalunya, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions