Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system with evaporative two-phase cooler having 3D architected wick for cell thermal management
US12063009B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2023 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems for energy harvesting with thermal management are provided. The systems include a three-dimensional architected wick having a porous structure for delivering a two-phase working fluid via capillary action to maintain efficient cooling of a TPV cell array. The wick is configured to uniformly deliver working fluid for evaporative cooling of the TPV cells. The wick may be in direct thermal communication with the TPV cell or employed to locally deliver working fluid to an evaporator that is in direct thermal communication with the TPV cell. The increased surface area of porous structure of the wick and the evaporator increases heat dissipation and evaporative cooling providing an improvement in temperature distribution and heat transfer critical to maintaining the TPV cell at a constant temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.