Research on modular micro combustor-radiator with and without porous media

Abstract

Micro combustor is one of the critical components of micro-thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system. To maximize the output power of the system, a high and uniform temperature distribution along the combustor wall is required. For the first time, SiC porous media foam is employed in a micro modular combustor to augment combustion, enhancing heat transfer between the hot gas and the wall, thereby increasing the wall temperature. The results indicate that with SiC porous media, the peak wall temperature increases by 90-120. K. This increase in wall temperature significantly enhances radiation energy which is useful for electricity generation. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.