Two-stage combustor for thermophotovoltaic generator

A thermophotovoltaic generator comprising:

• (1) a two-stage combustor;
• (2) a photon emitter disposed in thermal communication with the two-stage combustor;
• and (3) at least one photovoltaic diode cell disposed in radiative communication with the photon emitter;
• wherein the two-stage combustor comprises:
• (a) a partial oxidation reactor comprising the following components:
• (i) a fuel inlet,
• (ii) a first oxidant inlet,
• (iii) a partial oxidation reaction zone comprising a mesh substrate having a partial oxidation catalyst supported thereon, the partial oxidation reaction zone being disposed in fluid communication with the fuel inlet and the first oxidant inlet, and
• (iv) an outlet fluidly connected to the partial oxidation reaction zone;
• and
• (b) a deep oxidation reactor comprising the following components:
• (i) a premixer plenum having an upstream end and a downstream end;
• wherein at the upstream end the premixer plenum is fluidly connected to the outlet of the partial oxidation reactor;
• and further wherein the premixer plenum comprises a second oxidant inlet;
• (ii) a heat spreader having an upstream end and a downstream end;
• wherein at the upstream end the heat spreader is fluidly connected to the downstream end of the premixer plenum;
• and further wherein the heat spreader comprises a porous matrix capable of withstanding a temperature greater than about 900° C.;
• and
• (iii) an outlet pathway fluidly connected to the downstream end of the heat spreader.