Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system converts thermal or radiant heat into electricity for use in a variety of applications. The TPV system and method efficiently generate electric power through the combustion of fossil fuels with little or no nitrogen oxides or other undesirable combustion by-products. Combustion temperatures are kept at about 1,700.degree. C. or lower while burning a reactant mixture having an air/fuel ratio of greater than about 3:1. Heat from combustion products can be recycled and recuperated without concern for excessive increases in combustion temperature and subsequent combustor/emitter degradation.

Abstract: A high efficiency pool heating system (10) includes a power circuit (12) and heat pump circuit (14). Each circuit having a working fluid flowing therein. In the power circuit, a heater (16) vaporizes the working fluid which is periodically delivered and exhausted through a valve section (32) to a driving section (28) of a power unit (26). The driving section drives a driven section (30) which operates as a compressor for the working fluid in the heat pump circuit. Fluid exhausted from the driven section of the power unit is passed to a first portion (48) of a heat exchanger (46) which is in fluid communication with the water of a pool. In the heat exchanger, the working fluid in the power circuit is condensed to a liquid. Thereafter, the liquid is passed through the power circuit back to the heater where it is again vaporized.

Abstract: A high efficiency pool heating system (10) includes a power circuit (12) and heat pump circuit (14). Each circuit having a working fluid flowing therein. In the power circuit, a heater (16) vaporizes the working fluid which is periodically delivered and exhausted through a valve section (32) to a driving section (28) of a power unit (26). The driving section drives a driven section (30) which operates as a compressor for the working fluid in the heat pump circuit. Fluid exhausted from the driven section of the power unit is passed to a first portion (48) of a heat exchanger (46) which is in fluid communication with the water of a pool. In the heat exchanger, the working fluid in the power circuit is condensed to a liquid. Thereafter, the liquid is passed through the power circuit back to the heater where it is again vaporized.