Electric power generator including a thermophotovoltaic cell assembly, a composite ceramic emitter and a flame detection system

摘要

A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus includes a thermophotovoltaic converter assembly and a cooling fan positioned beneath the assembly for generating an updraft around the assembly. A fuel source is connected to the converter assembly by a fuel line. A new control system, which may include a non-metallic electrode for flame sensing and, regulates flow of fuel from the fuel source to the converter assembly. A housing encloses the cooling fan and the converter assembly. The converter assembly includes a fuel injector cup having a fuel inlet connected to the fuel source and a fuel outlet. A combustion chamber is positioned above the cup for receiving fuel from the fuel outlet and for allowing hydrocarbon combustion. A combustion fan is positioned between the cup and the cooling fan for generating an updraft into the combustion chamber. An infrared emitter is positioned around the combustion chamber for emitting infrared radiation when heated by combustion gases resulting from the hydrocarbon combustion. The emitter includes infrared emitter further comprises a first refractory, infrared transparent ceramic material layer, a second refractory, infrared transparent ceramic material layer, a reinforcing material layer sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer, and a doped, refractory, infrared transparent ceramic matrix material layer positioned over the second layer.