Innovation Design, Mathematical Modeling, and Thermodynamic Analysis of a 700 W Thermophotovoltaic Generator System Based on Nanostructured Components

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems present a promising solid-state technology for direct conversion of infrared thermal radiation into electricity. However, conventional TPV devices rely heavily on expensive, rare III-V semiconductors or germanium (Ge) substrates, which restrict scalable commercial deployment. This paper presents a research and development proposal for a low-cost, high-efficiency, Germanium-Free Perovskite Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) solar cell architecture. The proposed design features a narrow-bandgap halide perovskite absorber integrated into a hole-transport-layer-free (HTL-free) cell configuration with a carbon top electrode. By integrating bandgap engineering, interfacial defect passivation, and optimized radiative spectral management, the system maximizes near-infrared (NIR) photon harvesting while minimizing non-radiative recombination losses. Optical and device physics simulations demonstrate high power conversion efficiencies under moderate thermal emitter temperatures (~1000–1400 K) with substantially reduced fabrication costs. This HTL-free perovskite TPV paradigm offers a durable, scalable, and economical blueprint for next-generation industrial waste-heat recovery, concentrated solar thermal energy harvesting, and thermal energy storage systems.