Thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus
US7045703B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus has a combustor for burning a fuel upon supply of the fuel and air, an emitter heated by passage therein of combustion gas produced in the combustor, and a photoelectric conversion element that converts light radiated from the emitter into electric power, the combustor being provided between the emitter and the conversion element. Preferably, the emitter is disposed above the combustor, and the photoelectric conversion element is disposed below the combustor. With this structure, combustion gas does not reside in the combustion chamber, but is discharged via the emitter disposed above the combustor. Combustion becomes stable, and the emitter is efficiently heated, so that energy radiated from the emitter surface increases.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.