Thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus

A thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus comprising:

• a combustor that receives a supply of a fuel and air for burning the fuel;
• an emitter that is heated upon passage of a combustion gas generated by the combustor through an interior of the emitter;
• and
• a photoelectric conversion element that converts light radiated from the emitter into electric power, wherein the emitter is disposed below the combustor, and the conversion element is disposed above the combustor.

A thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus, comprising:

• a combustor that receives a supply of a fuel and air for burning the fuel;
• an emitter that is heated upon passage of a combustion gas generated by the combustor through an interior of the emitter;
• and
• a photoelectric conversion element that converts light radiated from the emitter into electric power, wherein the combustor is disposed between the emitter and the conversion element.

A method of generating thermophotovoltaic power comprising:

• burning fuel and air in a combustor;
• passing a combustion gas generated in the combustor through an emitter;
• radiating light from the emitter;
• and
• converting the light into electric power in a photoelectric conversion element, the combustor being disposed between the conversion element and the emitter.