Patent ID: 6486392
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: H02S,Y02E

Abstract:
A replacement burner thermophotovoltaic generator insert apparatus for use in an existing or newly designed appliances comprising a hydrocarbon burner having a combustion chamber for generating a flame, with the burner having a fuel inlet being removably connectable to a fuel supply, at least one emitter positioned with respect to the flame for emitting infrared radiation when heated by the flame, at least one receiver spaced from the at least one emitter for receiving the infrared radiation and for converting the infrared radiation to electric power, each receiver further comprising a circuit having an inner surface facing the emitter and an outer surface, and thermophotovoltaic cells connected to the inner surface of the circuit, optical elements mounted on each receiver for directing the infrared radiation emitted by the emitter towards the thermophotovoltaic cells, a heat shield positioned between the at least one emitter and the at least one receiver, and a cooling assembly positioned proximate the outer surface of the circuit of the at least one receiver for removing heat from the receiver and for allowing operation to be independent from a design of the appliance.