High power density AEM combustion for TPV applications

Abstract

Various emitter designs and compositions are investigated to improve the performance and reduce the cost of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices. In order to maximize the overall system efficiency of combustion-powered TPV devices, it is desirable to design an emitter system that will provide a high and uniform volumetric heat release producing a high intensity and uniform in-band photons flux, thus enabling reduced size and weight of TPV generators. Quantum Group, Inc. (QGI) has developed a high power density, radiant burner/emitter technology which we have called Advanced Emissive Matrix (AEM). The AEM system is applicable to broad-band and narrow-band TPV approaches. Several AEM combustors-both broad-band and narrow-band-have been built, tested and have consistently demonstrated extremely high power density (up to 30 W/cm3). Radiant emissions greater than 27 W/cm2 were measured from an AEM combustor fired with natural gas at 15% excess air. This level of radiant heat flux enables the utilization of concentrator-type PV cells, which is a method of reducing cost, size and weight of TPV devices. Additionally, it was found that the AEM structure could be engineered to provide a desired radiant emission profile. The influence of the primary combustion parameters on emitter performance will also be presented. Therefore, integration of the narrow-band emitter materials into an AEM combustor results in the delivery of high intensity, selective and uniform photons to the PV cell face that improves TPV device performance.