Small Efficient Thermophotovoltaic Power Supply Using Infrared-Sensitive Gallium Antimonide Cells. Phase 2
Abstract
Three cylindrical thermophotovoltaic generators were fabricated under this contract, using gallium antimonide photovoltaic converter arrays. The converter arrays consist of twelve air-cooled circuits each, with each circuit containing thirty cells. The arrays were tested with an electrically heated emitter at 200 cubic feet per minute of air cooling, with the anticipated power output of 150 Watts; at higher air volumes, array output reached 540 Watts. One of the three arrays was fitted for further testing, and the other two were incorporated into propane-fired systems. These propane-fired systems use silicon carbide emitters and are fitted with recuperators to put some of the waste heat back into the combustion process. At one pound of fuel per hour, a system output of 135 Watts was achieved. Management of the heat load on the cells was a limiting factor, with the conclusion that it is critical to limit the amount of non-useful longer wavelength energy being emitted. A way to do that has been identified and is being pursued under separate funding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 11, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370268
Entities
People
- Lewis M. Fraas