Design and Construction of a High Temperature Photon Emitter for aThermophotovoltaic Generator

摘要

This report documents the engineering design of a high temperature photonemission core for a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) electrical generator. A comprehensive design approach included theoretical research, computer modeling, prototype experimentation, and final system design. The designed photon emitting surface was a 12 inch long, 4 inch diameter cylinder which produced a near blackbody photon spectrum centered at 0.7 eV. The emitter was heated by methane combustion and could achieve temperatures in excess of 2700 deg F. Ceramic materials, including inexpensive ceramic mortars, were utilized for the majority of the system components. The design included a simple recuperative heat exchanger to preheat combustion air and set point gas flow control to maintain steady state emission temperatures. The project was conducted as part of the Trident Scholar Program at the United States Naval Academy by interagency agreement with the Department of Energy.