Abstract: An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor.

Abstract: A method for generating power is provided. The method including: providing a heat source with an output of radiation in a predetermined spectrum; generating a first portion of the power from the absorption of the radiation; and generating a second portion of the power from a temperature difference between a first element heated by the heat source and a second element at least partially thermally insulated from the first element.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates each component.

Abstract: A device and method for stimulating pulsed chemical reactions in a small volume of gaseous reactants. An emitter stimulates the reactions of a fuel oxidizer mixture and a collector converts the vibrational energy of the resulting products into useful energy. The device may also include a reaction region, a collector, and reactants such as fuel and oxidizer. In one embodiment, air including exhausts is made to flow into and out of the reaction region, and fuel is made to flow into the reaction region. The device may be configured in several geometries, including but not limited to, a V-channel, a box and a plane.

Abstract: A cylindrical TPV generator uses low bandgap PV cells mounted on circuits in a polygonal array around an IR emitter. A low NOx radiant tube burner enables operation at low NOx. The combustion gases are completely contained within the radiant tube burner. A gap is provided between a recuperator and an inner flame tube of a dual tube SiC folded back recuperator assembly. Preheating combustion air in the recuperator allows for flameless oxidation. The gap allows for exhaust gas recirculation to complete combustion. The PV array is mounted inside a leak-tight envelope cooled on its outer surface by either water or air flow. Flanges on either end of this PV array container allow for hermetic seals. A folded back coaxial emitter support tube provides a long path length limiting thermal conduction along its cylindrical wall from the very hot emitter section to the cooled seal flange.

Abstract: A solar co-generator for producing both heat energy and electricity is disclosed. A solar concentrator directs sunlight into a container lined with solar cells and filled with a thermal transfer fluid. The fluid is transparent with respect to certain wavelengths of light that may be converted to electricity by the solar cell, but is opaque with respect to longer wavelengths, particular the infrared band. The infrared portion of the sunlight heats the thermal transfer fluid, which then transfer that heat through a storage facility using a heat exchange mechanism. The thermal transfer fluid increases the efficiency of photovoltaic generation by preventing heating of the solar cells due to infrared radiation. The thermal transfer fluid may be a mixture containing barium sulfate and a suspension of zinc sulfide phosphors. A fluorescing anti-reflective coating may be applied to the solar cells to further increase efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) direct energy conversion. In particular, TPV systems use filters to minimize parasitic absorption of below bandgap energy. This invention constitutes a novel combination of front surface filters to increase TPV conversion efficiency by reflecting useless below bandgap energy while transmitting a very high percentage of the useful above bandgap energy. In particular, a frequency selective surface is used in combination with an interference filter. The frequency selective surface provides high transmission of above bandgap energy and high reflection of long wavelength below bandgap energy. The interference filter maintains high transmission of above bandgap energy and provides high reflection of short wavelength below bandgap energy and a sharp transition from high transmission to high reflection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that converts energy provided by a chemical reaction into energy for charging a quantum well device. The disclosed apparatus comprises a catalyst layer that catalyzes a chemical reaction and captures hot electrons and hot phonons generated by the chemical reaction, and an interface layer placed between the catalyst layer and a quantum well. The interface layer facilitates the transfer of hot electrons and hot phonons from the catalyst layer into the quantum well layer. The interface layer can also convert hot electrons into hot phonons, and vice versa, depending upon the needs of the particular quantum well device. Because the hot electrons and the hot phonons are unstable and readily degrade into heat energy, the dimensions of the catalyst layer and the interface layer are very small. To improve the efficiency of the transfer of hot electrons and hot phonons to the quantum well, other interface layers, such as a catalyst interlayer and a catalyst interface, may be utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy is provided. In one aspect the method includes using chemical reactions to generate vibrationally excited molecules, such as high-quantum-number-vibrationally-excited gas molecules in a region. The vibration energy in the vibrationally excited molecules is converted into hot electrons when the excited molecules contact a conductor. A geometry is provided so that the excited molecules may travel, diffuse or wander into a conductor before loosing a useful fraction of the vibrational energy. Optionally, the generating and the converting process may be thermally separated, at least in part. The short lived hot electrons are converted into longer lived entities such as carriers and potentials in a semiconductor, where the energy is converted into a useful form.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus has: a burner that is supplied with a fuel and an air, and burns the fuel; an emitter heated by combustion heat produced by the burner; a photoelectric conversion cell that converts radiant light from the emitter into electric power; and a cell holder portion that holds the photoelectric conversion cell. A cooling device is provided for causing a cooling liquid to receive heat from the photoelectric conversion cell by contacting the cooling liquid and a back surface of the cell holder portion with each other. A surface of the cell holder portion that contacts the cooling liquid is a non-horizontal surface. The apparatus employs at least two kinds of cooling liquids.

Abstract: GaAs substrates with compositionally graded buffer layers for matching lattice constants with high-Indium semiconductor materials such as quantum well infrared photoconductor devices and thermo photo voltaic devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus has a combustor for burning a fuel upon supply of the fuel and air, an emitter heated by passage therein of combustion gas produced in the combustor, and a photoelectric conversion element that converts light radiated from the emitter into electric power, the combustor being provided between the emitter and the conversion element. Preferably, the emitter is disposed above the combustor, and the photoelectric conversion element is disposed below the combustor. With this structure, combustion gas does not reside in the combustion chamber, but is discharged via the emitter disposed above the combustor. Combustion becomes stable, and the emitter is efficiently heated, so that energy radiated from the emitter surface increases.

Abstract: A photothermal power generation device designed to heat an emitter receives a supply of fuel and air, burns the fuel to produce combustion gas, and converts light emitted from the emitter into electric power by means of a photoelectric conversion element. The device is provided with a flow resistance adjusting unit for adjusting a flow resistance of the combustion gas in the emitter in accordance with a state of combustion gas, a combustor fire vent adjusting unit for adjusting the shapes of, or a number of, fire vents formed in the combustor in accordance with a required output, or a discharge state adjusting unit for adjusting a discharge state of exhaust gas in accordance with a state of the combustion gas. This photothermal power generation device provides uniform light-emitting intensity and enhances power generation efficiency.

Abstract: A method for powering a vehicle comprises, in one embodiment, receiving infrared radiation emitted as heat from a roadway surface, and converting energy of the infrared radiation to a form of energy that is useful for providing power to the vehicle. In another embodiment, a method for powering a vehicle comprises: insulating a first region of a road's surface with a material that transmits visible light but blocks infrared radiation, while leaving a second region of the surface uninsulated; conducting heat from portions of the road beneath the first region, to the second region; receiving infrared radiation emitted as heat from the second region; and converting energy of the infrared radiation to a form of energy that is useful for providing power to the vehicle.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic power generation system, improved in power generation system by keeping to a minimum the effect of the temperature profile of the combustion gas and/or effectively utilizing the light emitted from a combustion chamber, converting radiant light from a light emitter heated by a combustion gas to electric power by a photovoltaic converter, provided at a plurality of portions on the path of the combustion gas with light emitters having light emission characteristics suitable for the temperatures of the combustion gas at those portions and photovoltaic converters facing the light emitters at the plurality of portions and having a power generation wavelength ranges corresponding to the wavelengths of the radiant light from the light emitters or provided with a combustion chamber comprised of the same material as the light emitters.

Abstract: A method of making a micron gap thermal photovoltaic device wherein at least one standoff is formed on a photovoltaic substrate, a sacrificial layer is deposited on the photovoltaic substrate and about the standoff, an emitter is attached to the standoff and has a lower planar surface separated from the photovoltaic substrate by the sacrificial layer, and the sacrificial layer is removed to form a sub-micron gap between the photovoltaic substrate and the lower planar surface of the emitter.

Abstract: A silicon based film is provided which comprises a crystal phase formed on a substrate with a surface shape represented by a function f, wherein the silicon-based film is formed on a substrate with a surface shape having a standard deviation of an inclination arctan (df/dx) from 15° to 55° within the range of a sampling length dx from 20 nm to 100 nm. Raman scattering strength resulting from an amorphous component in the silicon-based film is not more than a Raman scattering strength resulting from a crystalline component. A difference between a spacing in a direction parallel to a principal surface of the substrate and a spacing of a single crystal silicon is within the range of 0.2% to 1.0% with regard to the spacing of the single crystal silicon.

Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting distribution system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates all components.

Abstract: A radiation power source having a source of radioactive material disposed in at least one hole extending partially through a substrate. A PN junction extends around a predetermined portion of the hole walls. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a significant gain in power output is obtained by fabricating the hole so that the ratio of its depth to perimeter is as large as possible. In another embodiment of the present invention, the PN junction surrounding the hole has P and N portions that extend outwardly to opposite sides of the substrate wherein they connect to an associated power . cell lead. This arrangement advantageously simplifies the interconnection of multiple power cells formed on the same substrate.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus that heats an emitter by a combustion gas produced by fuel and air, and converts light radiated from the emitter into electric power by using photoelectric conversion elements. An air pipe is disposed in an internal hollow portion of the emitter, and a combustion gas supplier for supplying the combustion gas toward the emitter is disposed outside the emitter. The photoelectric conversion elements that receive radiated light are disposed further outside of the emitter. Therefore, residual heat of the combustion gas that has heated the emitter is utilized to heat the air needed for the combustion of fuel, and light radiated from the heated emitter is received by the photoelectric conversion elements. Thus, electric power generating efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A solar power system capable of storing heat energy and converting sun light to electrical power. The solar power system includes a solar collection system which gathers and transmits concentrated solar energy to an absorber/cavity. The thermal energy is extracted from the absorber/cavity via a fluid and transported to a heat conversion system. The heat conversion system uses the thermal energy to create electricity.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus has: a burner that is supplied with a fuel and an air, and burns the fuel; an emitter heated by combustion heat produced by the burner; a photoelectric conversion cell that converts radiant light from the emitter into electric power; and a cell holder portion that holds the photoelectric conversion cell. A cooling device is provided for causing a cooling liquid to receive heat from the photoelectric conversion cell by contacting the cooling liquid and a back surface of the cell holder portion with each other. A surface of the cell holder portion that contacts the cooling liquid is a non-horizontal surface. The apparatus employs at least two kinds of cooling liquids.

Abstract: A power source converts &agr;-particle energy into electricity by coulomb collision in doped diamond films. Alpha particle decay from curium-244 creates electron-hole pairs by freeing electrons and holes inside the crystal lattice in N- and P-doped diamond films. Ohmic contacts provide electrical connection to an electronic device. Due to the built-in electric field at the rectifying junction across the N- and P-doped diamond films, the free electrons are constrained to traveling in generally one direction. This one direction then supplies electrons in a manner similar to that of a battery. The radioactive curium layer may be disposed on diamond films for even distribution of &agr;-particle radiation. The resulting power source may be mounted on a diamond substrate that serves to insulate structures below the diamond substrate from &agr;-particle emission. Additional insulation or isolation may be provided in order to prevent damage from &agr;-particle collision.

Abstract: It is the principal object of the invention to provide a new and improved electrical power unit for use in automobiles, on aircraft, or for local generation of electrical power. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical power unit comprises: a combustion chamber that burns fuel to produce heat energy; and a thermionic device that converts the heat energy into electrical energy. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical power unit additionally comprises an electric motor. In a further embodiment, the electrical power unit additionally comprises an electrically power air compressor, an electrically power hydraulic compressor, and an electrical power conditioning unit.

Abstract: A solar energy converter includes: a light-concentrating instrument; an electron emitter in an insulated vacuum vessel, emitting electrons in a vacuum as a temperature rises by sunlight; an electron accelerator within the light-concentrating instrument; a cathode on a surface of the electron emitter opposite to a surface which is irradiated by sunlight, and electrically connected with the electron emitter; an electric field supplier having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and an electron collector in the vacuum vessel, collecting the emitted electrons flying from the electron emitter toward the electron accelerator; wherein the electron accelerator is connected with the positive terminal and the cathode is connected with the negative terminal to generate an electric field, and the electron collector is used as a negative generator electrode and the cathode is used as a positive generator electrode in which the collected electrons migrate to the electron emitter to generate electricity.

Abstract: The use of newly discovered chemical reaction products, created when reactants combine to form products on the surface of a catalyst, to generate electricity, beams of radiation or mechanical motion. The invention also provides methods to convert the products into electricity or motion. The electric generator consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate consisting of a semiconductor diode, and a semiconductor diode on the surface of the substrate near the catalyst. The device to generate mechanical motion consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate, and a hydraulic fluid in contact with the non-reaction side of the substrate, with the surfaces of both the catalyst and substrate mechanically formed to enhance the unidirectional forces on the fluid. Both devices use a fuel-oxidizer mixture brought in contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small-scaled portable electrical power generator comprising a base, which includes an assembly surface, a fuel chamber, and at least one fuel delivery channels connected to the fuel chamber and placed under the assembly surface; a power generation means which includes at least one solar battery packs placed on the assembly surface of the base, a solar battery pack contains two opposing solar batteries which face each other with their light-collecting surfaces and their power outputs being connected; a light generation means placed on the assembly surface of the base, which includes at least one hollow tube that is placed in-between the solar batteries of the solar battery packs and includes at least one hollow tube capable of capillarity that is connected to the at least one fuel delivery channels so that fuel can always be filled into them; and an igniting means which includes at least one operative igniters placed nearby the at least one hollow tubes, and can be manipulated

Abstract: Multilayer coating designs have been developed to provide selective emission for a molybdenum thermophotovoltaic (TPV) radiator surface. These coatings increase the surface emissivity of a molybdenum TPV radiator substrate in the wavelength range that matches the bandgap of the TPV cells to increase the power density of the TPV system. Radiator emission at wavelengths greater than the bandgap energy of the TPV cells is greatly reduced through the use of these coatings, which significantly increases the efficiency of the TPV system. The use of this coating greatly improves the performance of a TPV system, and the coating can be tailored to match the bandgap of any practical TPV system.

Abstract: A TPV conversion module for generating electric power comprising an emitter body, which emits IR radiation, when said emitter body is heated by the hot gases generated by a burner device and a receiver body, which is associated to said emitter body. The receiver body comprises one or more TPV cells, which include a multi-layered structure, provided with at least a layer of organic material.

Abstract: The solar energy converter comprises an electron emitter and an electron collector. They are provided separate from each other in a vacuum vessel. Solar energy in a wide range of sunlight spectrum can be efficiently converted into electric energy by moving electrons from the electron emitter to the electron collector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy is provided. In one aspect the method includes using chemical reactions to generate vibrationally excited molecules, such as high-quantum-number-vibrationally-excited gas molecules in a region. The vibration energy in the vibrationally excited molecules is converted into hot electrons when the excited molecules contact a conductor. A geometry is provided so that the excited molecules may travel, diffuse or wander into a conductor before loosing a useful fraction of the vibrational energy. Optionally, the generating and the converting process may be thermally separated, at least in part. The short lived hot electrons are converted into longer lived entities such as carriers and potentials in a semiconductor, where the energy is converted into a useful form.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method and apparatus for the generation of electric power by recycling the heat generated by various industrial processes. Thermophotovoltaic cells are used to convert the heat radiated from the industrial apparatus used to perform the various processes into electricity. Arrays of thermophotovoltaic cells placed around the apparatus, which may optionally be surrounded by an infrared (IR) emitter. The emitter serves to convert the IR radiation of the initial heat source into IR radiation having a more uniform wavelength. The cell arrays are spaced outward from a convection barrier tube and a short pass filter that may be placed around the IR emitter. A heat sink may be placed outside of the perimeter formed by the array of thermophotovoltaic cells, this serves to cool the thermophotovoltaic arrays, and also increases the power density of the cells, which in turn improves the power generation capacity of the array.

Abstract: A condensation panel to be used for harvesting water from atmospheric moisture during those times of the diurnal cycle when relative humidity is at or near 100% utilizes very localized cooling to optimize condensation on a surface whose materials promote the condensation and collection of the water. The panel is passive in the sense that it can be deployed and left in an unmaintained condition for considerable periods of time. At least one time each day, almost certainly in the morning, water harvested by the process of assisted condensation can be collected for use.

Abstract: An adaptive full spectrum solar energy system having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one hybrid luminaire, at least one hybrid photobioreactor, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator, each hybrid luminaire, and each hybrid photobioreactor. A lighting control system operates each component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small-scaled portable electrical power generator comprising a base, which includes an assembly surface, a fuel chamber, and at least one fuel delivery channels connected to the fuel chamber and placed under the assembly surface; a power generation means which includes at least one solar battery packs placed on the assembly surface of the base, a solar battery packs contains two opposing solar batteries which face each other with their light-collecting surfaces and their power outputs being connected; a light generation means placed on the assembly surface of the base, which includes at least one hollow tube that is placed in-between the solar batteries of the solar battery packs and includes at least one hollow tube capable of capillarity that is connected to the at least one fuel delivery channels so that fuel can always be filled into them; and an igniting means which includes at least one operative igniters placed nearby the at least one hollow tubes, and can be manipulated

Abstract: A method for thermophotovoltaic generation of electricity comprises heating a metallic photonic crystal to provide selective emission of radiation that is matched to the peak spectral response of a photovoltaic cell that converts the radiation to electricity. The use of a refractory metal, such as tungsten, for the photonic crystal enables high temperature operation for high radiant flux and high dielectric contrast for a full 3D photonic bandgap, preferable for efficient thermophotovoltaic energy conversion.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method and apparatus for the generation of electric power by recycling the heat generated by various industrial processes. Thermophotovoltaic cells are used to convert the heat radiated from the industrial apparatus used to perform the various processes into electricity. Arrays of thermophotovoltaic cells placed around the apparatus, which may optionally be surrounded by an infrared (IR) emitter. The emitter serves to convert the IR radiation of the initial heat source into IR radiation having a more uniform wavelength. The cell arrays are spaced outward from a convection barrier tube and a short pass filter that may be placed around the IR emitter. A heat sink may be placed outside of the perimeter formed by the array of thermophotovoltaic cells, this serves to cool the thermophotovoltaic arrays, and also increases the power density of the cells, which in turn improves the power generation capacity of the array.

Abstract: A cylindrical TPV generator uses low bandgap PV cells mounted on circuits in a polygonal array around an IR emitter. A low NOx radiant tube burner enables operation at low NOx. The combustion gases are completely contained within the radiant tube burner. A gap is provided between a recuperator and an inner flame tube of a dual tube SiC folded back recuperator assembly. Preheating combustion air in the recuperator allows for flameless oxidation. The gap allows for exhaust gas recirculation to complete combustion. The PV array is mounted inside a leak-tight envelope cooled on its outer surface by either water or air flow. Flanges on either end of this PV array container allow for hermetic seals. A folded back coaxial emitter support tube provides a long path length limiting thermal conduction along its cylindrical wall from the very hot emitter section to the cooled seal flange.

Abstract: An emitter for use with a generator has a tube closed at one end, heated from its outside with a water-cooled photovoltaic converter array mounted inside for glass-melting application. Several TPV tubes may be inserted through holes in the insulation into the port sections between the glass-melting furnace and the regenerators. Any one of these tubes may be removed for maintenance at any time and replaced with a closure to close off the hole, without affecting the industrial process. The emitter tube may be a SiC or KANTHAL tube. The tube may be lines on its inside with AR coated tungsten foil or the tungsten may be deposited on the inner tube surface as a film followed by the AR coating. The photovoltaic converter array may comprise a polygonal array of shingle circuits where the circuits are fabricated using low bandgap GaSb cells.

Abstract: A selective emitter for a thermophotovoltaic system includes a heat source and a semiconductor layer having a thickness less than about 10 microns in thermal communication with the heat source. The heat source provides thermal energy to the semiconductor layer, which emits photons having a selected wavelength that is suitable for conversion into electrical energy by a thermophotovoltaic converter, in response to receiving thermal energy.

Abstract: Our cylindrical TPV generator uses low bandgap PV cells mounted on circuits in a polygonal array around an IR emitter. The combustion gases are completely contained within the radiant tube burner. The PV array is mounted inside a leak-tight envelope cooled on its outer surface by either water or air flow. Flanges on either end of this PV array container allow for hermetic seals. A folded back coaxial emitter support tube provides a long path length limiting thermal conduction along its cylindrical wall from the very hot emitter section to the cooled seal flange. In our improved cylindrical TPV generator, we provide for a low temperature catalytic after-burn by providing a perforated turnaround plate coupling between the inner disk stack and the outer disk stack. This perforated turnaround plate provides a small amount of combustion air for the after-burn. A catalyst coating can be provided on the hotter surface of the outer finned disks. The after-burn occurs in the outer finned disk stack.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon thermophotovoltaic (TPV)electric generator insert has applications as a replacement burner to retrofit existing appliances. The retrofitted appliance is thus upgraded to either a cogeneration or self-powered unit. The design of the TPV burner insert is independent of the appliance to be retrofitted except for external adapters and can be easily retrofitted to any appliance design requiring a hydrocarbon burner. The burner uses fully premixed air and fuel near stoichiometry to attain a short duration, high intensity burn through optically dense porous ceramic emitters. The emitters attain temperatures between 1300° and 1500° C. The infrared radiation is collected by low bandgap photovoltaic cells with optical response at least out to a wavelength of 1.7 micrometers such as GaSb cells to produce DC power. The circuit cooling system uses fans or circulating water for cooling.

Abstract: A photon power cell has at least one photo-electric cell (10), one or more layers of filter glass (15) and a radioactive-energised fluorescent material (20) which produces photons that are converted into electrical energy by the photo-electric cell (10). The photo-electric cell (10) may be a standard solar cell silicon wafer (14) with coatings (12) of phosphorus applied to the surface of the wafer (10). The layer of filter glass (15) contains lead, gold and/or graphite to protect the PN junction of the solar cell (10) from unwanted radioactive particles from the radioactive-energised fluorescent material (20), while being transparent to photons within a required frequency spectrum to produce a photo-electric effect. A plurality of solar cells (10) may be arranged in a stack interposed between layers or coatings of the radioactive-energised fluorescent material (20) to provide power cells which can power electric devices such as from mobile telephones to electric vehicles for several years.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus that heats an emitter by a combustion gas produced by fuel and air, and converts light radiated from the emitter into electric power by using photoelectric conversion elements. An air pipe is disposed in an internal hollow portion of the emitter, and a combustion gas supplier for supplying the combustion gas toward the emitter is disposed outside the emitter. The photoelectric conversion elements that receive radiated light are disposed further outside of the emitter. Therefore, residual heat of the combustion gas that has heated the emitter is utilized to heat the air needed for the combustion of fuel, and light radiated from the heated emitter is received by the photoelectric conversion elements. Thus, electric power generating efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A photon power cell has at least one photo-electric cell (10), one or more layers of filter glass (15) and a radioactive-energised fluorescent material (20) which produces photons that are converted into electrical energy by the photo-electric cell (10). The photo-electric cell (10) may be a standard solar cell silicon wafer (14) with coatings (12) of phosphorus applied to the surfaces of the wafer (10). The layer of filter glass (15) contains lead, gold and/or graphite to protect the PN junction of the solar cell (10) from unwanted radioactive particles from the radioactive-energised fluorescent material (20), while being transparent to photons within a required frequency spectrum to produce a photo-electric effect. A plurality of solar cells (10) may be arranged in a stack interposed between layers or coatings of the radioactive-energised fluorescent material (20) to provide power cells which can power electrical devices such as from mobile telephones to electric vehicles for several years.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed. The fuel cell system comprises a thermophotovoltaic insulation disposed around at least a portion of a fuel cell. Methods for operating the fuel cell system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite emitter (100) for a thermophotovoltaic cell and other applications, and a method of forming the composite emitter. The composite emitter includes a substrate (102) and a selective emitter layer (104) composed of at least one substantially pure ceramic oxide selective emitter material applied to the substrate using a thermal spraying method. The substrate is preferably made of a durable material such as a silicon-based material or a refractory metal oxide. In one embodiment, the selective emitter layer may be composed of two or more selective emitter materials. In another embodiment, the composite emitter may further include a reflective metal layer (106). The method includes providing a substrate and plasma spraying one or more selective emitter materials onto the substrate to a thickness of between about 10 microns and about 400 microns to form the selective emitter layer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for generating electrical energy. The apparatus consists of a housing; particularly, a housing having a spherical surface; a natural gas light for generating radiation capable of being converted to electrical energy; and a plurality of photovoltaic cells for converting the radiation by the natural gas light to electrical energy.

Abstract: A compact forced air cooled thermophotovoltaic generator includes a TPV converter assembly, a fan which is driven by electric power generated by the converter assembly and a housing for enclosing the assembly and fan. The assembly includes a fuel/air mixing tube, an infrared emitter positioned in the combustion chamber, a receiver positioned around the emitter and a heat shield positioned between the receiver and the emitter. The receiver includes a circuit having TPV cells connected to an inner surface and radial fins extending from an outer surface. A fuel source may be provided proximate (i.e. beneath) the mixing tube or may be remotely connected to the mixing tube by a fuel line. A housing encloses the TPV converter assembly and the fuel source, if provided as part of the unit. A fan or other updraft mechanism electrically connected to the cell circuit is provided at the bottom of the housing beneath the fuel source and/or converter assembly.