Thermophotovoltaic Power Sources

This project develops, optimizes and demonstrates components and subsystems found feasible in the Phase-I effort of this project. EDTEK has identified the components and subsystems that will yield the most improvements in performance, reliability, and cost of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power systems. The components and subsystems identified are 1) infrared, IR, Bandpass TPV spectral control filters, 2) GaSb IR TPV cells, 3) the recuperator, 4) high temperature resistant gas-tight seals, and 4) cold, fast startup multi-fuel ignition systems. Technologies that enhance each of the components and subsystems were researched and found feasible in Phase I. In this Phase II effort we will develop and optimize these technologies. They will then be demonstrated in a 500W proof-of-concept prototype TPV generator. We project that proposed enhancements can improve overall system efficiency by 60%, improve the operational reliability, and lower the system cost by about 50%. The enhanced performance, reliability and lower cost will not only benefit the military applications but will make the TPV generators commercially competitive.