Thermally Driven Contactless Power Transfer Using Thermophotovoltaic Receivers

The objective of the proposed research project is to build and demonstrate a fuel-powered contactless power transfer (CPT) system. This system is comprised of two units: an emitter and a receiver. The emitter, which can be heated using different fuels (including oil, gasoline, hydrogen, biodiesel) emits radiant energy over a distance to the receiver, which converts the radiant energy to electric power using photovoltaic cells. The emitter and receiver units can be mounted on different vehicles to achieve mobile CPT. This CPT system can be used in energy networks supporting a range of vehicles and infrastructure in remote and harsh environments such as arctic regions and outer space. This CPT system will exhibit significant advantages over existing wireless power transfer system. Since it is powered by fuel instead of batteries it can provide for much higher energy densities and reliability when operating in cold environments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul O'Brien

Student:

Partner:

Columbiad Launch Services

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

York University

Program: