Thermophotovoltaic System with Doped Optical Fiber for Pulsed Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermophotovoltaic devices have low efficiency in converting chemical energy into electromagnetic radiation and transferring it to the point of electricity conversion, leading to inefficiencies in energy production and distribution, especially in decentralized energy production systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermophotovoltaic system with a heat transfer chamber and energy conversion and transfer media, comprising a transparent core doped with a selective emitter material for near-infrared radiation emission, optimized for pulsed combustion to enhance heat and energy transfer, and an optical-fiber-like structure for efficient radiation transfer, coupled with a photovoltaic cell for efficient electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional thermophotovoltaic devices are used for energy conversion, then chemical energy can be converted into electromagnetic radiation, but the conversion efficiency is low and energy losses are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by doping specific regions of the optical fiber with selective emitter materials (such as ytterbium) to create localized zones of high radiation emission. This allows different sections of the fiber to have different functional properties - some sections optimized for heat absorption, others for radiation emission, and others for light transmission - thereby improving overall conversion efficiency while minimizing energy losses at each stage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining transparent optical fiber materials (such as silica glass) with dopant materials (such as ytterbium oxide, erbium oxide, or holmium oxide) to create a composite optical fiber structure. This composite structure enables simultaneous heat resistance, optical transparency, and selective radiation emission properties that neither material could achieve alone, significantly improving energy conversion efficiency
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic radiation is transferred over long distances to the harvesting point, then energy can be delivered to the photovoltaic cell, but transmission losses occur and infrastructure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium - the optical fiber itself - that serves multiple functions: it acts as the heat transfer medium, the radiation emission medium, and the light transmission medium simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate heat transfer and light transmission infrastructure, reducing transmission losses and simplifying the system while enabling efficient energy delivery over distance
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber in the patent performs multiple functions universally: it serves as the structural support, the heat absorption medium, the radiation emission medium, and the light transmission waveguide all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity and minimizes energy losses that would occur through multiple separate conversion and transmission stages
3Use of energy by moving object
If the transparent core is doped with selective emitter material to enhance near-infrared radiation emission, then conversion efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the concentration and distribution of dopant materials (such as 0.1-10 wt% ytterbium oxide) during the optical fiber drawing process. By adjusting doping parameters such as dopant concentration, distribution uniformity, and thermal treatment conditions, the patent optimizes radiation emission efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing optical fiber manufacturing processes, thereby managing manufacturing complexity
4Power
If pulsed combustion is used to perform chemical energy conversion, then instantaneous energy production is achieved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through pulsed combustion cycles where fuel is supplied in discrete pulses rather than continuously. Each pulse creates a controlled combustion event that generates a burst of thermal energy, which is then converted to electromagnetic radiation and transmitted through the optical fiber. This periodic operation enables instantaneous energy production on demand while the simplicity of pulse timing control keeps the control system relatively simple
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 by minimizing losses across multiple energy conversion stages, allowing for instantaneous and controlled energy production, reducing transmission losses, and enabling simultaneous generation of electricity, heat, and light.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel source for performing a combustion process in said heat transfer chamber
Implementation Method 2
a selective emitter material configured for emitting predominantly near-infrared radiation when heated up to high temperatures
Implementation Method 3
a transparent core for energy transfer... the at least one energy conversion and transfer media being arranged within said heat transfer chamber and being coupled, preferably butt-coupled, to at least one photovoltaic cell
Implementation Method 4
at least one photovoltaic cell and/or comprising at least one photovoltaic section that is configured to convert the radiation emitted by the radiation emitter into electricity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention concerns a thermophotovoltaic system (300) that comprises a heat transfer chamber (22), and at least one energy conversion and transfer media (10), which comprises a transparent core (8) for energy transfer and a selective emitter material configured for emitting predominantly near-infrared radiation when heated up to high temperatures. The transparent core (8) is doped with said selective emitter material and/or the energy conversion and transfer media (10) comprises a radiation emitter (1) doped with said selective emitter material, wherein the transparent core (8) is arranged within said radiation emitter ( 1). The at least one energy conversion and transfer media (10) is arranged within the heat transfer chamber (22) and is coupled to at least one photovoltaic cell (30) and/or comprises at least one photovoltaic section (12) that is configured to convert the radiation emitted by the radiation emitter (1) into electricity. The thermophotovoltaic system (300) further comprising a fuel source (50) for performing a combustion process in said heat transfer chamber (22), wherein the thermophotovoltaic system (300) is configured to perform the combustion process as a pulsed combustion.