Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. The devices and methods according to the invention allow for efficient conversion of thermal energy to electrical power in a meso-to-micro scale device. In general, the present invention relates to a device for converting thermal energy to electrical energy comprising a working fluid contained within at least one region. The region is exposed to a thermal gradient and thermal energy is transferred through at least a first thermal energy-accepting layer for transferring thermal energy to the working fluid. At least one diaphragm is acted upon by the working fluid, which thermodynamically expands upon thermal energy being transferred thereto to flex the diaphragm.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electrical energy are disclosed. A fuel cell generates a first source of electrical energy and thermal energy as a by-product. The thermal energy is presented to an advanced, thermophotovoltaic (A-TPV) converter as radiant infrared (IR) energy. The A-TPV converter captures and converts the radiant IR energy to a second source of electrical energy. The thermal energy may be generated directly as the radiant IR energy by the fuel cell itself, or may be converted, via conduction and/or convection, to the radiant IR energy using a infrared radiator approximating a black body radiator.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. The devices and methods according to the invention allow for efficient conversion of thermal energy to electrical power in a meso-to-micro scale device. In general, the present invention relates to a device for converting thermal energy to electrical energy comprising a working fluid contained within at least one region. The region is exposed to a thermal gradient and thermal energy is transferred through at least a first thermal energy-accepting layer for transferring thermal energy to the working fluid. At least one diaphragm is acted upon by the working fluid, which thermodynamically expands upon thermal energy being transferred thereto to flex the diaphragm.