Project Grant 2343027

This $150,000 Project Grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) supports a collaborative early-concept research effort to explore and experimentally demonstrate a novel solid-state energy conversion concept called "zero-gap thermophotovoltaics (ZTPV)" for efficient waste heat recovery. The principal investigators at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Wisconsin-Madison will develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for ZTPV, provide quantitative performance predictions, and conduct proof-of-concept experiments to assess the potential of this technology to significantly outperform existing thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic methods. The research aims to address fundamental barriers in thermal energy conversion and support the transition to cleaner industrial processes by enabling more effective utilization of waste heat. The project also includes a focus on training the next generation of mechanical and electrical engineers for careers in renewable, thermal, and semiconductor industries.