1 kW Man-portable Hybrid-Electric Power System using Catalytic Fuel Ignition Technology

The overall objective of this Phase II SBIR project is to develop and demonstrate a 1 kW man-portable multi-fueled thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power system. The TPV technology is based on a grey body (silicon carbide) emitter, resonant mesh infrared bandpassfilters, and GaSb photovoltaic cells. These key components have been developed on previous programs. The approach to achieving this goal is to draw from both the component and systems experience gained on several preceding programs to design, fabricate,and test a 1 kW test bed TPV system. The results of evaluation tests performed on the test bed system will guide an iterative process of three additional improved design, fabricate, and test cycles that will culminate in the demonstration of a rugged,stand alone 1-kW portable system weighing less than 50 lbs. and operating at diesel fuel to electric efficiency of 12% or greater.The benefits of this technology to the U.S. military is a light weight, silent, efficient power system that runs on highenergy density diesel fuel. These power systems will be enabling for many missions. Commercial applications include small portable, quiet power supplies for home, recreational vehicles, marine, and remote site applications. The technology also lendsitself to a hybrid solar concentrator heated system that can run on either sunlight or fossil fuels to produce 24-hour power. The applications of such is for distributed power systems serving residential, agricultural, commercial, and light industrialusers.