Heat Pipe Thermophotovoltaic Power Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power generation systems, particularly those used in nuclear reactors, face challenges in minimizing size and weight while maximizing simplicity and reliability, especially in applications such as space and portable power generation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a thermal power conversion system that incorporates heat pipes and thermophotovoltaic cells, where heat pipes absorb heat from a nuclear reactor and radiate it to thermophotovoltaic cells, which convert thermal radiation into electrical energy, and a secondary heat pipe system manages waste heat to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If conventional power generation systems are used in nuclear reactors, then power generation capability is achieved, but system size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem weightVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power generation system is divided into modular units, each comprising a heat pipe assembly with integrated thermophotovoltaic cells. These modular units can be independently configured and scaled, allowing optimization of weight-to-power ratio while maintaining system reliability through redundancy and modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heat pipes serve as intermediary devices that efficiently transfer thermal energy from the nuclear reactor core to the thermophotovoltaic cells. This intermediary mechanism enables direct thermal-to-electrical conversion without requiring heavy mechanical turbines or generators, significantly reducing system weight while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional power generation systems are used in nuclear reactors, then power generation capability is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pipe assemblies are designed as passive, self-regulating thermal management devices that automatically transfer heat from the reactor core to the thermophotovoltaic cells without requiring external control systems, pumps, or valves. This self-service mechanism reduces system complexity and eliminates multiple failure points, thereby enhancing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical power generation mechanisms (such as turbines, generators, and associated control systems) with a direct thermal-to-electrical conversion approach using thermophotovoltaic cells. This substitution dramatically simplifies the system architecture while improving reliability by eliminating moving parts and mechanical failure modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enables compact, lightweight, and reliable power generation systems by efficiently converting thermal energy into electrical energy and effectively managing waste heat, thereby enhancing system reliability and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

heat pipes absorb heat from a heat source and radiate it to thermophotovoltaic cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

thermophotovoltaic cells, which convert thermal radiation into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

heat pipes absorb heat from a heat source and radiate it to thermophotovoltaic cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250079029A1Thermal power conversion systems including heat pipes and photovoltaic cells

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 NUSCALE POWER LLC

AI summary

Power generation systems, such as nuclear power generation systems, are described herein. A representative power generation system includes a heat source, a heat pipe, and a thermophotovoltaic cell. The heat pipe includes a first region and a second region. The first region is positioned to absorb heat from the heat source, and the second region is positioned to radiate at least a portion of the absorbed heat away from the heat pipe as thermal radiation. The thermophotovoltaic cell is positioned to receive the thermal radiation from the second region of the heat pipe and to convert at least a portion of the thermal radiation to electrical energy. The power generation system can further include another heat pipe positioned to remove waste heat from the thermophotovoltaic cell.