Implementation of a TPV integrated boiler for micro-CHP in residential buildings

There is a growing interest in direct thermal-to-electric energy conversion using solid state devices such as thermophotovoltaic (TPV) generators. TPV devices convert thermal radiation from heat sources into electricity without involving any moving parts. TPV opens up possibility for efficient and stand-alone power generation in boilers and furnaces. In this paper, a TPV integrated boiler was designed, built and investigated for micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP) application in residential buildings. A full size gas fired residential boiler was used as a precursor for integration with TPV devices. Experiments were conducted with the prototype TPV boiler so as to evaluate various issues related to this new technology. The electric output of TPV modules installed in the boiler was characterized under different operating conditions. The TPV cell modules generated 246.4W at an emitter temperature of 1265°C, which would be enough to power the electrical components of the whole heating system. Moreover, such a TPV integrated boiler could be employed to form a micro-CHP system in residential homes, providing an effective means for primary energy savings, on-site power and energy security.

[1]  Wilhelm Durisch,et al.  Thermophotovoltaics on the move to applications , 2013 .

[2]  Zafer Utlu,et al.  Investigation of the potential of thermophotovoltaic heat recovery for the Turkish industrial sector , 2013 .

[3]  Xi Wu,et al.  Experimental and theoretical analysis of cell module output performance for a thermophotovoltaic system , 2014 .

[4]  Richard Brennan,et al.  Development of a cogenerating thermophotovoltaic powered combination hot water heater/hydronic boiler , 1997 .

[5]  Nicola Pearsall,et al.  The Potential of Thermophotovoltaic Heat Recovery for the Glass Industry , 2003 .

[6]  Gianpiero Colangelo,et al.  New approaches to the design of the combustion system for thermophotovoltaic applications , 2003 .

[7]  B. Cockeram,et al.  THE SPECTRAL EMITTANCE AND LONG-TERM THERMAL STABILITY OF COATINGS FOR THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC (TPV) RADIATOR APPLICATIONS , 2002 .

[8]  K. Qiu,et al.  Thermophotovoltaic power generation systems using natural gas-fired radiant burners , 2007 .

[9]  T. A. Butcher,et al.  Heat transfer and thermophotovoltaic power generation in oil-fired heating systems , 2011 .

[10]  K. Qiu,et al.  Integrated thermoelectric and organic Rankine cycles for micro-CHP systems , 2012 .

[11]  Wenming Yang,et al.  Experimental study of micro-thermophotovoltaic systems with different combustor configurations , 2007 .

[12]  K. Qiu,et al.  Thermophotovoltaic generation of electricity in a gas fired heater: Influence of radiant burner configurations and combustion processes , 2003 .

[13]  Robert E. Nelson.  Grid-independent residential power systems , 1996 .

[14]  Francesco Melino,et al.  Design guidelines for thermo-photo-voltaic generator: The critical role of the emitter size , 2013 .

[15]  James E. Avery,et al.  Commercial GaSb cell and circuit development for the Midnight Sun® TPV stove , 1999 .

[16]  Francesco Melino,et al.  Feasibility study of a Thermo-Photo-Voltaic system for CHP application in residential buildings , 2012 .

[17]  Michele Pinelli,et al.  Thermophotovoltaic energy conversion: Analytical aspects, prototypes and experiences , 2014 .

[18]  K. Qiu,et al.  Development of a novel cascading TPV and TE power generation system , 2012 .

[19]  Gianpiero Colangelo,et al.  Experimental study of a burner with high temperature heat recovery system for TPV applications , 2006 .

[20]  K. Qiu,et al.  Generation of electricity using InGaAsSb and GaSb TPV cells in combustion-driven radiant sources , 2006 .

[21]  M. Schubnell,et al.  Design of a thermophotovoltaic residential heating system , 1998 .

[22]  Wenming Yang,et al.  An advanced micro modular combustor-radiator with heat recuperation for micro-TPV system application , 2012 .

[23]  Timothy J. Coutts,et al.  A review of progress in thermophotovoltaic generation of electricity fna fna I began writing this pa , 1999 .

[24]  P. R. Spina,et al.  Analysis of innovative micro-CHP systems to meet household energy demands , 2012 .