Thermophotovoltaics: a new cogeneration technology for gas appliances

This technology is made possible by the development of a mixed oxide fiber matrix burner that provides narrowband selective radiation for the generation of photovoltaic power in addition to heat. The selective emission results in an extremely high conversion efficiency and provides significantly more electric power than a comparable photovoltaic system that utilizes typical blackbody radiation. Selective emission is tuned to the selective absorbability to provide the high conversion efficiency that results in high power output. This power is available to operate blowers, controls, and other electrical components within the appliance. This burner requires a minimum of excess air (increased efficiency), reduces emission of oxides of nitrogen, and is well suited for condensing combustion (increased efficiency) without the need for outside electric power. A design for a residual water heater, with a possible 94% efficiency, without the need for outside electric power is presented.>