Micro-power generation using micro-turbine (moving) and thermophotovoltaic (non-moving) systems

Combustion-based micro-power generation is a serious candidate for substitution of traditional batteries. As the volume of combustion system decreases to small-scale combustors, ignition and combustion stability are becoming considerable challenges due to short residence time and large heat loss. To overcome these shortages, several experimental investigations have been implemented to generate micro-power using both moving (micro-turbines) and non-moving (thermophotovoltaic) systems. Although the goal of both systems is to generate micro-power via combustion phenomenon, the approaches to the goal is different. Nevertheless, combustion instability and various shortages in burner and combustor have been noticed by several researchers regardless of the micro-power generation method. In this paper, a review about recent development in application of small-scale combustion in micro-power generation and micro-thruster systems using micro-turbine and thermophotovoltaic systems is presented. The special focus of this paper is on flame regimes, fuel/oxidizer mixing, flame stability conditions, heat recirculation, non-equilibrium transport, flame-wall thermal and kinetic couplings, and improvement of energy conversion efficiency. © IMechE 2019