Catalytic microcombustors with integrated thermoelectric elements for portable power production

In this study, catalytic microcombustors are integrated with thermoelectrics to produce electricity. The devices are found to be robust, easy to start up, and able to support complete combustion over a range of fuels (e.g., C3H8/air and H-2/air systems) at different flowrates. Various materials of construction for the microcombustors are investigated in order to yield good temperature uniformity, which is shown to increase electrical power output and efficiency. Electrical power generation from catalytic microcombustion with a thermal efficiency up to similar to 0.8% is measured. Parameters affecting energy efficiency are also discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.