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

JX Crystals presently fabricates infrared sensitive photovoltaic cells under license from Boeing. Also, on a recent Army/DARPA contract, JX Crystals fabricated a custom liquid fuel burner for use in a TPV power source. Herein, we propose to design a 500Watt TPV power source around a commercially available industrial recuperative silicon carbide radiant tube burner capable of operating with an infrared emitter temperature of up to 1250 C. While this burner currently operates on natural gas, we believeit can be adapted to run on liquid fuel based on our previous experience. In this proposed Phase I effort, we plan to set up a commercial radiant tube burner and validate our thermal model. This model predicts a system electrical conversion efficiency ofover 10% with paths identified to increase this conversion efficiency to 20%. We will then design the 500 Watt TPV power source. This will be followed in phase II by fabricating a rugged 500 Watt TPV power source compatible with the needs of FutureCombat Systems. Work will also be undertaken directed toward increasing system efficiency to 20%. Through joint ventures that are being arranged in Canada and Italy, the company intends to license its TPV technology and supply cells and other components.The research that is proposed here will help enable these joint ventures to commercialize the technology.