Novel, High-Temperature Power-Generation for Long Duration Hypersonic Platforms

ABSTRACT: The ability to convert extreme aerodynamic heating into electricity via thermoelectric generators presents a unique opportunity to leverage this otherwise undesirable condition. The harvested energy can be used to power the significant electrical demand of a hypersonic/long range vehicle while also aiding in managing high temperatures. To address this need for an high temperature thermoelectric generator, we will develop a novel scheme that leverages material properties and configurations to transmit selected wavelength ranges that are most efficiently converted into electricity through a photovoltaic crystal. In this way, our high temperature photonic crystal thermophotovoltaic cell (PCTPV) is a very efficient heat-shield and insulator as well as a highly-efficient energy converter, thereby boosting heat to electricity conversion efficiency.; BENEFIT: Our novel PCTPV system has the true potential for dual-use applications in both military and civil systems. For example, commercial and dual applications of this technology include electrical power supplies for satellites, fuel cells and combustion driven engines such as for aircraft and ground transportation. By harvesting combustion engine waste heat, the overall efficiency of these engines is improved. Our compact and robust thermoelectric designs can also be utilized to provide back up to solar photovoltaic cells for aerospace platforms.