Self-powered gas appliance
US4906178A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F2203/1088
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.