초록 ▼

A miniature thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) device for generation of electrical power for use in portable electronic devices. A TPV power source is constructed to provide a heat source chemical reactor capable of using various fuels, such as liquid hydrocarbons, including but not limited to propane, LPG,

A miniature thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) device for generation of electrical power for use in portable electronic devices. A TPV power source is constructed to provide a heat source chemical reactor capable of using various fuels, such as liquid hydrocarbons, including but not limited to propane, LPG, butane, alcohols, oils and diesel fuels to generate a source of photons. A reflector dish guides misdirected photon energy from the photon source toward a photovoltaic array. A thin transparent protector sheet is disposed between the photon source and the array to reflect back thermal energy that cannot be converted to electricity, and protect the array from thermal damage. A microlens disposed between the protector sheet and the array further focuses the tailored band of photon energy from the photon source onto an array of photovoltaic cells, whereby the photon energy is converted to electrical power. A heat recuperator removes thermal energy from reactor chamber exhaust gases, preferably using mini- or micro-bellows to force air and fuel past the exhaust gases, and uses the energy to preheat the fuel and oxidant before it reaches the reactor, increasing system efficiency. Mini- or micro-bellows force ambient air through the system both to supply oxidant and to provide cooling. Finally, an insulator, which is preferably a super insulator, is disposed around the TPV power source to reduce fuel consumption, and to keep the TPV power source cool to the touch so it can be used in hand-held devices.

대표청구항 ▼

A miniature thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power chamber means for use in portable and hand-held electronic devices, said power chamber means comprising: an energy source reactor chamber having a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, and an outlet for heat and exhaust gases; a burner element coupled to the outlet

A miniature thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power chamber means for use in portable and hand-held electronic devices, said power chamber means comprising: an energy source reactor chamber having a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, and an outlet for heat and exhaust gases; a burner element coupled to the outlet of said energy source reactor chamber such that said burner element is heated by a burning of a fuel and an oxidant in said chamber to produce photon energy; an emissive spectrum converter disposed on an outer face of the burner whereby heat from the burner causes a thermal excitation of said converter such that photon energy is produced in a narrow spectrum; a transparent protector sheet separated from and locally parallel to the emissive spectrum converter on the outer burner face, said sheet reflecting excess heat energy back to said converter; a hot exhaust port and shaft disposed between the energy source and the transparent protector sheet, whereby exhaust gases from the combustion of said fuel and said oxidant are expelled from the power chamber; an array of photovoltaic elements spaced a distance from and parallel to the transparent protector sheet and optically coupled to the spectrum converter, whereby said array generates electricity in response to photon energy from said converter; a miniaturized air transport means to move air from the ambient surroundings into the power chamber both for the purpose of providing oxygen and for thermal management; and a heat recuperator means coupled to the hot exhaust port and shaft for reclaiming heat energy from the exhaust gases being expelled from the reactor chamber, whereby said exhaust port and shaft is thermally coupled to a fuel line and an oxidant line to (i) preheat said fuel and oxidant in the lines to increase efficiency of the power chamber, and (ii) cool the exhaust gases so that said TPV power chamber may be used in a hand-held device.