The solar field in Kramer Junction, CA, uses parabolic troughs to concentrate solar thermal power. (Photo by Sandia National Laboratory.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Gang Chen
MIT Course Number
2.997
As Taught In
Fall 2009
Level
Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course introduces principles and technologies for converting heat into electricity via solid-state devices. The first part of the course discusses thermoelectric energy conversion and thermoelectric materials, thermionic energy conversion, and photovoltaics. The second part of the course discusses solar thermal technologies. Various solar heat collection systems will be reviewed, followed by an introduction to the principles of solar thermophotovoltaics and solar thermoelectrics. Spectral control techniques, which are critical for solar thermal systems, will be discussed.