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Cylindrical electric power generator using low bandgap thermophotovolatic cells and a regenerative hydrocarbon gas burner

Patent 5439532 Issued on August 8, 1995. Estimated Expiration Date: Icon_subject June 15, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Patent References

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Multiband emitter matched to multilayer photovoltaic collector
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Compact DC electric power generator using low bandgap thermophotovoltaic cell strings with a hydrocarbon gas burner fitted with a regenerator
Patent #: 5312521
Issued on: 05/17/1994
Inventor: Fraas, et al.

Thermally amplified and stimulated emission radiator fiber matrix burner
Patent #: 5356487
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Compact DC/AC electric power generator using convective liquid cooled low bandgap thermophotovoltaic cell strings and regenerative hydrocarbon burner Patent #: 5383976
Issued on: 01/24/1995
Inventor: Fraas, et al.

Inventor

Application

No. 260910 filed on 06/15/1994

US Classes:

136/253Radioactive, ionic, or thermo photo

Examiners

Primary: Weisstuch, Aaron

Attorney, Agent or Firm

International Classes

H01L 031/058
H02N 006/00

Abstract

In the present invention, we describe a simple ceramic gas burner for use in a cylindrical thermophotovoltaic generator in which the burner and IR emitter section consist of three concentric ceramic tubes, with the largest tube being the outer exhaust tube. Fuel and a small amount of primary air are injected from the bottom of the smallest tube and exit at the top of the infrared emitter section where they combine with secondary air coming down through a second ceramic tube with an intermediate diameter open at the bottom of the emitter section. Ignition is initiated at the bottom of this air injector tube. After ignition, combustion then moves up to the top of the fuel injector tube. The exhaust gases then pass down from the top of the emitter section inside the mid diameter tube to the bottom end of the emitter section and then back up between the mid diameter tube and the outer tube to the top of the emitter section. This double pass allows for both efficient heat transfer to the emitter and for a uniform heat transfer along the length of the emitter. This open ended tube design allows for a high conductance low pressure burner design using off-the-shelf ceramic tubing.

Other References

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  • Fraas, A. P., Characteristics of Heat Sources, Engineering Evaluation of Energy System, pp. 96-125 McGraw-Hill (U.S.A. 1982)
  • Pelka, D. G. et al., Natural Gas-Fired Thermophotovolatic System, Proceedings of the 32nd International Power Soruces, pp. 110-123 (USA 1986)
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