Statistical thermodynamic foundation for photovoltaic and photothermal conversion III: Application to hybrid solar converters

This article considers different optimized applications of hybrid (i.e., combined) solar converters (which are devices to generate simultaneously electrical power, mechanical power, and, possibly, thermal energy). A theoretical model proposed recently by the authors is used. An improved model to evaluate upper bounds for the efficiency of photovoltaic converters is elaborated. Irs predictions sire used to discuss the performance of hybrid converters. It follows that band gap materials are appropriate for these combined converters. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.