초록 ▼

A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus includes a thermophotovoltaic converter assembly and a cooling fan positioned beneath the assembly for generating an updraft around the assembly. A fuel source is connected to the converter assembly by a fuel line. A new control system, which may include a no

A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus includes a thermophotovoltaic converter assembly and a cooling fan positioned beneath the assembly for generating an updraft around the assembly. A fuel source is connected to the converter assembly by a fuel line. A new control system, which may include a non-metallic electrode for flame sensing and, regulates flow of fuel from the fuel source to the converter assembly. A housing encloses the cooling fan and the converter assembly. The converter assembly includes a fuel injector cup having a fuel inlet connected to the fuel source and a fuel outlet. A combustion chamber is positioned above the cup for receiving fuel from the fuel outlet and for allowing hydrocarbon combustion. A combustion fan is positioned between the cup and the cooling fan for generating an updraft into the combustion chamber. An infrared emitter is positioned around the combustion chamber for emitting infrared radiation when heated by combustion gases resulting from the hydrocarbon combustion. The emitter includes infrared emitter further comprises a first refractory, infrared transparent ceramic material layer, a second refractory, infrared transparent ceramic material layer, a reinforcing material layer sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer, and a doped, refractory, infrared transparent ceramic matrix material layer positioned over the second layer.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus comprising a thermophotovoltaic converter assembly, a cooling fan positioned for generating an updraft from beneath the assembly, a fuel source connectable to the converter assembly by a fuel line, a control for regulating flow of fuel from

[ We claim:] [1.] A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus comprising a thermophotovoltaic converter assembly, a cooling fan positioned for generating an updraft from beneath the assembly, a fuel source connectable to the converter assembly by a fuel line, a control for regulating flow of fuel from the fuel source to the converter assembly, and a housing for enclosing the cooling fan and the converter assembly, wherein the converter assembly further comprises a fuel injector cup having a fuel inlet connected to the fuel source and a fuel outlet, a burner assembly positioned for receiving fuel from the fuel outlet and for allowing hydrocarbon combustion, a combustion fan positioned for generating an updraft into a combustion chamber, an infrared emitter positioned around the combustion chamber for emitting infrared radiation when heated by combustion gases resulting from the hydrocarbon combustion, a photovoltaic cell receiver positioned around the infrared emitter for receiving the infrared radiation and for converting the radiation to electric power, heat fins extending outward from the receiver for cooling the photovoltaic cells of the receiver, and an exhaust chimney extending from a top of the combustion chamber for exhausting combustion gases.