Ceramic Combustor-Recuperator for High-Temperature TPV Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermophotovoltaic energy systems have relatively low efficiency and previous combustion-TPV designs either operate at low temperatures or exhibit low efficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A high-temperature ceramic combustor and recuperator system is integrated with a thermophotovoltaic module, utilizing a ceramic material like yttria-stabilized zirconia and additive manufacturing to enhance heat transfer and efficiency, where air and fuel are preheated in a recuperator and combusted to generate heat, which is then emitted to a thermophotovoltaic cell for electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional thermophotovoltaic energy systems are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but the efficiency is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The recuperator preheats the air and fuel before combustion using waste heat from exhaust gases. This preliminary heating action reduces energy loss by recovering thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, thereby improving overall system efficiency and electricity generation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates at elevated temperatures (above autoignition temperature of fuel) to enhance the thermophotovoltaic conversion efficiency. By changing the operating temperature parameter and maintaining it within an optimal range, the system achieves higher energy conversion efficiency and productivity.
2Device complexity
If low temperature operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but power density and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates above the autoignition temperature of the fuel to achieve optimal thermophotovoltaic conversion. By maintaining this specific temperature parameter range, the system achieves high power density and efficiency without requiring overly complex temperature control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel and air automatically ignite when preheated above the autoignition temperature, eliminating the need for complex ignition systems. This self-ignition capability reduces device complexity while maintaining high power density through efficient combustion.
3Productivity
If high temperature operation is used, then thermophotovoltaic efficiency is improved, but material durability becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor and recuperator are constructed from ceramic materials that can withstand high temperatures. These advanced ceramic materials provide the necessary thermal stability and durability, enabling the system to operate at elevated temperatures for improved electricity generation efficiency while maintaining component reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves high efficiency and power density, comparable to or exceeding that of turbines, with lower costs, faster response times, and flexibility in fuel use, including hydrogen and methane, while maintaining a modular design.
Implementation Method 1
a recuperator, wherein the recuperator comprises an intake for air and fuel for transfer to the combustor
Implementation Method 2
transfers exhaust gas to the recuperator to preheat the air and fuel
Implementation Method 3
the combustor burns fuels, transfers exhaust gas to the recuperator to preheat the air and fuel, and transfers heat of combustion to the emitter
Implementation Method 4
the emitter radiates heat generated by the combustor; and a thermophotovoltaic adjacent to the emitter
Implementation Method 5
a thermophotovoltaic adjacent to the emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A device for electricity generation can include a combustor/recuperator system comprising a recuperator, a combustor, and an emitter; wherein the recuperator comprises an intake for air and fuel, wherein the combustor burns fuels, transfers exhaust gases to the recuperator to preheat the air and fuel, and transfers heat of combustion to the emitter; and wherein the emitter radiates heat generated by the combustor; and a combustion thermophotovoltaic (c-TPV) array comprising a means of absorbing incident radiation from the emitter.