Abstract: A thermally integrated burner/emitter/recuperator (BER) for a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) electric generator achieves improved energy efficiency using either liquid or gaseous fuels. A mixed ceramic and metallic alloy heat exchanger, together with a high temperature emitter, achieves increased energy density in a compact and lightweight assembly.

Abstract: A ceramic element for a sootblower element is disclosed in which the element is manufactured by winding a ceramic fiber around a mandrel and subsequently densifying the composite using a sol-gel process. Separate elements are coupled together using a ceramic coupling member. Ceramic nozzle bodies are inserted into the elements. The sootblower tubes disclosed herein can withstand greater temperatures and more corrosive environments than currently used metallic lance tubes, thus enabling the sootblower element to be permanently installed within a boiler and eliminating the need for a retracting element type sootblower.