Thermodynamic Limit of Electroluminescent Refrigeration Devices

This work explores the thermodynamic performance limit of electroluminescent refrigeration systems using entropy analysis. A typical electroluminescent (EL) refrigeration device cools a contacting object by emitting radiation to a high-temperature receiver. Conversely, a negative electroluminescent (NEL) refrigeration device cools a low-temperature target by absorbing radiation from it. This study performs a second-law analysis of these systems using the ideal diode model based on endoreversible thermodynamics. The results are compared with those from the detailed balance model for refrigeration systems composed of diodes of various bandgaps. It is found that entropy analysis consistently predicts better cooling performance than the detailed balance model. Additionally, this study examines the impact of the temperature difference between the emitter and the receiver in both EL and NEL refrigeration systems. The insights from this study set a theoretical benchmark for electroluminescent refrigeration systems for maximum cooling performance.