Portable Power Generation via Integrated Catalytic Microcombustion-Thermoelectric Devices

Abstract : U.S. Army systems increasingly require novel methods of high density, fast charging power sources. In this study, a novel alternative to traditional batteries, catalytic microcombustors utilizing hydrocarbon fuels, are fabricated and characterized. These devices are found to be robust, easy to start up, operable over a wide range of compositions and temperatures, and able to support complete combustion over a range of fuels and fuel/air ratios. Various materials of construction are investigated in order to yield good temperature uniformity. Successful integration with thermoelectric devices is achieved, resulting in electrical power generation from catalytic microcombustion with a thermal efficiency of ^1%.