Thermophotovoltaics: heat and electric power from low bandgap "solar" cells around gas fired radiant tube burners

Three new developments have now occurred making economical TPV systems possible. The first development is the diffused junction GaSb cell that responds out to 1.8 microns producing over 1 W/cm² electric given an IR emitter temperature of 1200 C. This high power density along with a simple diffused junction cell makes an array cost of $0.5 per Watt possible. The second development is new IR emitters and filters that put 75% of the radiant energy in the cell convertible band. The third development is a set of commercially available ceramic radiant tube burners that operate at up to 1250 C. We describe a 1.5 kW TPV generator/furnace incorporating these new features. This TPV generator/furnace is designed to replace the residential furnace for combined heat and power (CHP) for the home.