Portable thermo-photovoltaic power source

Details Portable thermo-photovoltaic power source Portable thermo-photovoltaic power source

1995-03-17

1997-01-14

Weisstuch, Aaron

Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric

Photoelectric

Cells

H01L 31058

Patent

active

055935095

ABSTRACT:
A miniature thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) device for generation of electrical power for use in portable electronic devices. A TPV power source is constructed to provide a heat source chemical reactor capable of using various fuels, such as liquid hydrocarbons, including but not limited to propane, LPG, butane, alcohols, oils and diesel fuels to generate a source of photons. A reflector dish guides misdirected photon energy from the photon source toward a photovoltaic array. A thin transparent protector sheet is disposed between the photon source and the array to reflect back thermal energy that cannot be converted to electricity, and protect the array from thermal damage. A microlens disposed between the protector sheet and the array further focuses the tailored band of photon energy from the photon source onto an array of photovoltaic cells, whereby the photon energy is converted to electrical power. A heat recuperator removes thermal energy from reactor chamber exhaust gases, preferably using mini- or micro-bellows to force air and fuel past the exhaust gases, and uses the energy to preheat the fuel and oxidant before it reaches the reactor, increasing system efficiency. Mini- or micro-bellows force ambient air through the system both to supply oxidant and to provide cooling. Finally, an insulator, which is preferably a super insulator, is disposed around the TPV power source to reduce fuel consumption, and to keep the TPV power source cool to the touch so it can be used in hand-held devices.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4331829 (1982-05-01), Palazzetti et al.
patent: 4584426 (1986-04-01), Nelson
patent: 4707560 (1987-11-01), Hottel et al.
patent: 4883619 (1989-11-01), Diederich et al.
patent: 4975044 (1990-12-01), Diederich
patent: 5057162 (1991-10-01), Nelson
patent: 5312521 (1994-05-01), Fraas et al.
patent: 5356487 (1994-10-01), Goldstein et al.
patent: 5360490 (1994-11-01), Nelson
patent: 5383976 (1995-01-01), Fraas et al.
International Solar Energy Intelligence Report, Jul. 11, 1994.
Mechanical Engineering-CIME, Sep.1994.
"Developing New Miniature Energy Systems" Mechanical Engineering--CIME, vol. 116, No. 9, p. 82 (1994).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Portable thermo-photovoltaic power source does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Portable thermo-photovoltaic power source, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Portable thermo-photovoltaic power source will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1385163