Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system converts thermal or radiant heat into oxygen and electricity for use in a variety of applications. The TPV system and method for efficiently generating-oxygen and 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. The generated oxygen may be harvested for commercial use as well as for introduction back into the TPV system.As a by-product of this improved TPV system, we have discovered an inexpensive, environmentally-friendly, and commercially viable method for generating pure oxygen molecules and electricity.

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.