Tube-in-tube thermophotovoltaic generator

Patent · 30 June 1998

OSTI ID:672525

Ashcroft, J; Campbell, B; DePoy, D

A thermophotovoltaic device includes at least one thermal radiator tube, a cooling tube concentrically disposed within each thermal radiator tube and an array of thermophotovoltaic cells disposed on the exterior surface of the cooling tube. A shell having a first end and a second end surrounds the thermal radiator tube. Inner and outer tubesheets, each having an aperture corresponding to each cooling tube, are located at each end of the shell. The thermal radiator tube extends within the shell between the inner tubesheets. The cooling tube extends within the shell through the corresponding apertures of the two inner tubesheets to the corresponding apertures of the two outer tubesheets. A plurality of the thermal radiator tubes can be arranged in a staggered or an in-line configuration within the shell. 8 figs.

• Research Organization: KAPL Inc
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC12-76SN00052
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,772,793/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-697,836
• OSTI ID: 672525
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DESIGN
RADIATORS
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTERS
TUBES