TPV History from 1990 to Present & Future Trends

Herein, the history of TPV at JX Crystals over the last 15 years is described. Our focus has been on commercial application for TPV components and systems. JX Crystals began as a spin off company when the inventors of the GaSb cell left Boeing with a license to make that cell at JX Crystals. We recognized that III-V IR sensitive cells such as the GaSb cell were enabling for TPV systems. We began pilot production of GaSb cells in 1994. However, while these cells are necessary for TPV, they are not sufficient by themselves and the development of other system components has been necessary. The development of spectral control and burner and recuperator subsystems will be described here. Unfortunately, a complete TPV system still needs to be fully developed. Various R&D efforts around the world are underway targeting this objective. JX Crystals continues to supply small quantities of cells for these development efforts. Given such a TPV system, cell prices can fall dramatically with volume production.