초록 ▼

Embodiments of gas-fired appliances which generate sufficient electricity to be self-powered include water heaters, space heaters, air conditioning units, and electric power and steam cogeneration systems. In such apparatus, gas is burned in a porous ceramic surface combustion burner. The high tempe

Embodiments of gas-fired appliances which generate sufficient electricity to be self-powered include water heaters, space heaters, air conditioning units, and electric power and steam cogeneration systems. In such apparatus, gas is burned in a porous ceramic surface combustion burner. The high temperature surface of the burner includes a narrow band quantum emitting substance such as a rare earth metal oxide and preferably ytterbium oxide. Relatively shorter wavelength radiation from this quantum emitting surface illuminates photovoltaic cells having an absorption spectrum matched to the emission spectrum of the burner surface for generating sufficient electricity for powering the appliance. An infrared absorbing filter removes relatively longer wavelength radiation which would otherwise heat the photovoltaic cells. The cells are cooled, preferably by a portion of the utility fluid heated by the appliance. This enhances both the thermal efficiency of the appliance and the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the cells.

대표청구항 ▼

A completely self-powered gas appliance comprising: a gas burner having an emissive surface which includes a substance that emits quantum radiation when thermally stimulated; blower means for supplying combustion air to the burner; means for supplying fuel gas to the burner for combustion and heatin

A completely self-powered gas appliance comprising: a gas burner having an emissive surface which includes a substance that emits quantum radiation when thermally stimulated; blower means for supplying combustion air to the burner; means for supplying fuel gas to the burner for combustion and heating of the emissive surface; photovoltaic means for converting radiation from the emissive surface into electric power; means for operating the blower with electric power from the photovoltaic means with no other source of electric power being required; and means for transferring heat from the combustion products to a utility fluid.