3 ms·

I think the issue is the low absorption rate. Eli Yablonovitch proposed a box of PV cells facing inward containing a heat source where the IR light would bounc

by baking 2y ago

I think the issue is the low absorption rate. Eli Yablonovitch proposed a box of PV cells facing inward containing a heat source where the IR light would bounce around until converted to electricity or absorbed as heat. This could be used inside a water heater so waste heat could be stored. Known as thermo-photovoltaics. See this talk I think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDxJsa8miNQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDxJsa8miNQ

not2b 2y ago
Yes, I see how direct conversion could work with alpha and beta radiation, but it seems the gamma and the neutrons would just blast through everything and you'd capture only a tiny percent of the energy.
- baking 2y ago
  Sorry, I was responding to the part about IR.