Hydrocarbon fired room heater with thermophotovoltaic electric generator

Abstract

A hydrocarbon fired room heater with thermophotovoltaic electric generator has high power outputs without cell overheating and failure. The unit includes a burner for generating a hydrocarbon flame, a catalytic emitter positioned in the hydrocarbon flame for emitting infrared radiation when heated by the flame, a receiver positioned around the catalytic emitter for receiving the infrared radiation and for converting the infrared radiation to electric power, an exhaust chimney positioned adjacent the receiver, and air draw ducts having uncovered tops, upper parts, and lower parts and positioned adjacent the chimney and the receiver for directing heat up and away from the receiver. The chimney is positioned directly above the top edge of the receiver, and the air draw ducts are positioned adjacent the receiver and chimney for defining air draw channels. Each air draw duct is a generally U-shaped member having a pair of side walls and a boundary wall extending between the side walls. The side walls of the upper part of each air draw duct are connected to the chimney and the side walls of the lower part of the first air duct extends around the heat sinks of the first circuit and the lower part of the second air duct extends around the heat sinks of the second circuit. The burner is a gas-fired, wall-mounted heater having a fuel/air mixing tube and multiple flame ports. The emitter is v-shaped and opens downward towards the burner.