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Conceptual design and performance optimization of a nighttime electrochemical system for electric power generation via radiative cooling

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  • Zhang, Xin
  • Ang, Yee Sin

Abstract

The conceptual design of a nighttime electrochemical system (NECS) based on radiative cooling for generating electrical power from dark night sky is proposed. Such a low temperature and passive device is capable of generating electricity during nighttime without active input of heat. A comprehensively theoretical model is developed to study its performance characteristics and parametric optimum design. The model predicts that an output power density larger than 2 W/m2 at 303.15 K is achievable, which is potentially more advantageous than that of previously proposed nighttime thermoelectric generator. The calculated results show that the heat convection conditions, optimized geometry structure, and the choice of selective radiative cooler play a critical role in improving the device performance. This work reveals the new concept of the NECS and provides important insights for the optimal designs of the NECS, thus paving a new way towards high-performance nighttime electric power generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Xin & Ang, Yee Sin, 2022. "Conceptual design and performance optimization of a nighttime electrochemical system for electric power generation via radiative cooling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:242:y:2022:i:c:s0360544221032837
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.123034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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