TPV fireplace insert or TPV indoor heating stove

摘要

The TPV generator unit insert has air circulation fans that supply air for both TPV cell cooling and heat transfer and room air circulation. Combustion air is supplied by a blower and mixed with natural gas or propane in a mixing chamber. Fuel and air mixing is enhanced by injecting the fuel counter to the air flow in an air supply tube within the mixing chamber. The fuel and air mixture is then injected into a combustion chamber and burned. The hot combustion gases then heat an IR emitter. Infrared radiation from the emitter is then incident on TPV cells, where electricity is produced. The hot by-product gases then transfer heat to the circulating room air in an upper plenum prior to exiting the room through the flue pipe. The yellow-orange glow from the emitter is visible through a front glass window, which then produces a very aesthetically pleasing effect. The rectangular unit is designed to include at least two cell panels at front and at the back. Each panel contains 40 cells and produces approximately 80 Watts. Each panel is approximately 2" high by 10" long. The unit then produces approximately 160 W for battery charging. The heat output is between 20,000 and 30,000 BTU per hour. The rectangular unit overall dimensions are 15" tall by 15" wide by 8" deep, though other dimensions and shapes are within the scope of this invention.