The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 27, 2007
Filed:
Oct. 18, 2002
Lewis M. Fraas, Issaquah, WA (US);
James E. Avery, Issaquah, WA (US);
Lewis M. Fraas, Issaquah, WA (US);
James E. Avery, Issaquah, WA (US);
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.