Optimization of Photoelectric Converter Based on a Two-Chamber Na–Ar Gas Photoplasma

An optimization for the design of a two-chamber photoplasma has been carried out to investigate some parameters affecting the conversion of light radiation to electrical energy. For these purposes, 2-D simulation with Plasma Module in COMSOL for a cylindrical two-chamber cell at sodium pressure 0.02 torr and different pressures of buffer gas are carried out. A theoretical model considering plasma chemistry and resonance radiation transfer developed in our previous work was used. The effect of the second chamber dimensions L
₂
= (1 - 4) × 10
^-2
m and R
₂
= (0.5 - 3) × 10
^-2
m at a fixed size of the first chamber (L
₁
= 2R
₁
= 10
^-2
m), the buffer gas pressure P
_Ar
= (0.1 - 10) Torr, and nonhomogeneous spatial distribution of photoexcitation rate have been investigated. It has been established that an optimal value of electromotive force (EMF) 1.037 V takes place at P
_Ar
= 5 torr and L
₂
= R
₂
= 2 × 10
^-2
m. Also, for the same conditions, calculations of the I -V and P -V characteristics for the photoplasma device are presented. It was established that maximal output power P
_max
= 8 × 10
^-3
mW for these conditions. The obtained results give a good potential for designing a solar photoelectric converter.