S.K. Chou

Research on micro-thermophotovoltaic power generators

Abstract A novel power Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems concept, a micro-thermophotovoltaic (micro-TPV) system, is described in this work. The system uses hydrogen as fuel and is capable of delivering power in the order of watts in a package less than 1xa0cm 3 in volume. Based on the experimental results of micro-SiC flame tube combustor, emitters (radiators) and photovoltaic cells, a mathematical model is developed to evaluate the performance of the micro-TPV systems. As H 2 flow rate is 3.88xa0g/h, H 2 /air ratio is 0.95, A 4.40xa0W electrical power output can be expected in a micro-combustor of 0.113xa0cm 3 in volume.

Comparison of cylindrical and modular micro combustor radiators for micro-TPV system application

A modular micro-TPV system was introduced in this work. Compared to the cylindrical structure, the modular TPV system has the advantages of easier fabrication and assembly. A micro combustor is a key component of the micro-TPV system. In order to maximize the power output, higher wall temperature and uniform distribution along the combustor wall is desirable. A micro cylindrical combustor (inner diameter d = 3.56 mm) and three kinds of micro modular combustors with the widths of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm are experimented with. The results indicate that the micro modular combustor with a width of 1 mm has a much higher radiation efficiency than the micro cylindrical combustor. The wall temperature decreases with the increase of width due to the reduced heat transfer between the wall and hot gases. The performance of the micro modular TPV system is also predicted.