TPV Power Sources Using Infrared-Sensitive Cells with Commercially Available Radiant Tube Burners

Over the last several years, JX Crystals has invented and systematically developed the key components for thermophotovoltaic systems. These key components include GaSb infrared sensitive cells, high power density shingle circuits, dielectric filters, and radiant tube burners operating with JP-8. Most recently, we invented and demonstrated an antireflection (AR) -coated tungsten IR emitters which when integrated with the other key components should make TPV systems with efficiencies over 10% practical. However, the use of the AR tungsten emitter requires an oxygen-free hermetic seal enclosure. During the present OSD SBIR Phase I contract, we integrated a tungsten emitter foil and a commercial SiC radiant tube burner within an emitter thermos and successfully demonstrated its operation at high temperature. We also designed a complete stand-alone 500 W portable quiet TPV generator. Since TPV generators operate with a continuous burn rather than the periodic explosions in an internal combustion engine, this unit promises to be one hundred times quieter than the "Tactical Quiet Generator" presently used by the Army. During this Phase II contract, we plan to implement this design combining all of the key TPV components together for the first time thereby producing a functional 500 W TPV prototype for delivery.