US4331829A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermophotovoltaic converter
Assignee: Centro Ricerche Fiat SCpA
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Filing: 1980-10-03
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Granted: 1982-05-25
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Expires: 2000-10-03
Abstract
Abstract A thermophotovoltaic converter of the type comprising a concentrating optical system and a transducer for solar radiation provided with at least one lens and with at least one photovoltaic cell is described. The principal feature of this converter is that the aforementioned transducer comprises at least a radiator having an irradiating surface substantially facing the sensitive surface of the photovoltaic cell and a selective filter disposed between the photovoltaic cell and the aforementioned radiator.
Inventors
- 👤 Mario Palazzetti
- 👤 Angioletta Boero
- 👤 Francesca Demichelis
- 👤 Enrica Minetti-Mezetti
- 👤 Giancarlo Ferrari
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:59
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/30; H10F77/306; H10F77/311; H10F77/315; H02; H02S; H02S10/00; H02S10/30; H10F77/40; H10F77/42; H10F77/484; H10F77/488; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter comprising a transducer of solar radiation provided with at least one lens; and at least one photovoltaic cell; characterized in that said transducer comprises at least one radiator having an irradiating surface substantially facing a sensitive surface of said photovoltaic cell turned towards the interior of said transducer, a selective filter being disposed between said photovoltaic cell and said radiator, wherein said filter comprises an auxiliary lens of substantially hemispherical shape which is provided with a layer of optical selective material deposited on the side facing said irradiating surface of said radiator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter comprising a transducer of solar radiation provided with at least one lens; and at least one photovoltaic cell; characterized in that said transducer comprises at least one radiator having an irradiating surface substantially facing a sensitive surface of said photovoltaic cell turned towards the interior of said transducer, a selective filter being disposed between said photovoltaic cell and said radiator, wherein said filter comprises an auxiliary lens of substantially hemispherical shape which is provided with a layer of optical selective material deposited on the side facing said irradiating surface of said radiator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said auxiliary lens is connected fluid tightly to a body containing said transducer and defines with said body a chamber inside which said radiator is accommodated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 2, characterized in that said chamber is kept under vacuum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner surface of said container body is covered with a metallic layer of reflective material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said layer of optical selective material allows the passage of radiation lying within a suitable band of solar radiation and reflects radiation outside this band.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said auxiliary lens has a central, substantially raised zone disposed on said surface facing said irradiating surface of said radiator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said radiator is funnel-shaped with its largest cross-section turned towards said selective filter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said radiator comprises tungsten.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said radiator comprises zirconium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said radiator comprises ytterbium oxide.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said transducer comprises a substantially annular auxiliary radiator arranged between said radiator and said lens.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 11, characterized in that said auxiliary radiator comprises nickel-chromium steel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A thermophotovoltaic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that said photovoltaic cell is of the silicon type.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3751303A
Cited
US4234352A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-05-24 | 1985-11-23 | 1986-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-05-24 | 1989-11-23 | 1990-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-05-24 | 1993-11-23 | 1994-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |