The objective of the Phase I effort is to perform a feasibility/modeling study for a high temperature (1700 to 2200¿C), combustion powered, high efficiency thermophotovoltaic electrical generator. The combination of existing materials and technologies will be tested and brought together to achieve the high efficiency goal. Superemitters that concentrate radiant flux in quantum transitions emission peaks are available for study and measurement. New photovoltaics that match the superemitter peaks with efficient photon conversion are becoming economically feasible. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:The result of this effort will be the ability to produce new higher efficiency and environmentally friendly electrical power generators to replace existing systems, in areas such as residential electrical peak load leveling, quiet generator systems, and low nitrogen oxides burners and generators.
