Biosyngas-fueled platinum reactor applied in micro combined heat and power system with a thermophotovoltaic array and stirling engine

Abstract

Currently, alternative fuels, derived from biomass and urban maximize the overall power output, have been increasingly attracting more attention in the industrial and residential sectors. Micro-combined heat and power (CHP) systems with high energy efficiency have been developed, particularly for the use in remote and rural areas. This study used a micro-CHP system, with a combustion-driven thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell array and a Stirling engine-driven power system, within which methane and bio-syngas fuels were deployed strategically. This micro-CHP system harvests energy generated through thermal radiation from the reactor surface and harvests thermal energy from hot flue gas. Eventually, the micro-CHP prototype was proven that all energies are converted to electricity, and hot water can be simultaneously supplied. High incandescent surface and high-temperature flue gas of platinum reactor provide the thermal sources for TPV cell array and Stirling engine. The overall efficiency of the micro-CHP system was 35.0% for 50%H2+50%CO, and the generated power included 2.7, 3.5, and 272.1 W from the Stirling engine-driven power system, GaSb TPV cell array, and hot water supply system, respectively. The systematic performance of the micro-CHP system, the combustion features, radiation efficiency, fuel conversion rate, total electricity output, and corresponding overall efficiencies were examined thoroughly.