The following message is extracted from the freenrg discussion list
hosted by the ineffable Bill Beaty. It is of interest here because it
appears to indicate that heat/IR energy can be intercepted by specially
doped cells to produce electricity. =
James Bailey at one time wrote me that the waste heat emanating from a
human body was on the order of 300 Watts. And we are working on posting
of an incredible little known document that indicates a way to develop
crystals that will sap ambient heat for the direct production of
electricity. =
(When this document comes online, it will also be passed around to many
other networkers for their own sharing and publication as well as a note
of its presence being posted here.)
What would happen if you acoustically or resonantly stimulate these IR
cells either while growing/depositing the crystals or during operation
to determine if the efficiency might be 'programmed' (ala Sweet) into
the material?? A most intriguing post.
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
In a message dated 99-01-18 21:46:39 EST, you write:
<< Photovoltaics without sunlight: JX Crystals manufactures the only
affordable photovoltaic cells that respond to infrared radiation =
from a fuel-fired emitter, rather than the visible light energy from =
the sun. >>
---------------------------------
Highlights from my conversation w/Jason Keyes at JX Crystals (near
Seattle):
APPLICATION: This is a way to harvest electricity where you already
have a high heat application (furnaces, water heaters, etc.)--not a
preferential way of producing electricity...unless, like the military,
you=92re determined to eliminate all moving parts (except cooling fan) at=
any cost. =
AVAILABILITY: About 20 Midnite Sun furnaces are available for $2500 as
=93beta site=94 units--pref. sold to end-users located in the Seattle
vicinity, and who can provide the most salient feedback during this
latter development phase. The units consist of a 25K BTU/hr. heater
(comparable to a wood-burning stove) with thermo/photo/voltaic cells
built in.
OPERATION: Pressurized propane or natural gas flame heats silicon
carbide ceramic =93emitter=94 which glows white hot. Forced air is mixed=
w/propane to increase flame heat to just under 1300 C required to induce
the requisite IR frequencies from the emitter. =
144 cells are positioned 1=94 away. Between them is a =93dielectric=94 (=
I
think they mean =93DICHROIC=94) filter: a glass w/sprayed-on layers that
reflects higher (non-electricity producing) IR wavelengths back at the
emitter, cooling the cells while increasing emitter efficiency by
re-heating it. =
Cells respond to 1.7 microns & slightly higher (whereas conventional
silicon cells are optimized for 1.1+ microns).
OUTPUT: The unit produces 100W, 15W of which is diverted to the forced
air system, leaving an available output of 85W @ 12V or 24V. The fans
improve heater efficiency by circulating warm air. =
The Midnite Sun heater is about 1/4 as electrically efficient as
solar--about 1.5% efficient--when comparing equal collector area, and
assuming optimum energy input: in peak sunlight, ~1KW falls on a sq.
meter of PV module; Midnite Sun, ~40W.
MORE R & D: If you wanted to buy a few cells for experimentation, they
could had for ~$200/pc; for a few hundred, $40/pc. (the best deal is to
buy a furnace). =
Cells are theoretically capable of 6W: 1W is affordable w/air forced
over cooling fins behind cells; 2W is expensive, a military application
w/water cooling (or A LOT of air); more W requires extravagant cooling
measures.
--Russ
-----------------------
The web address describing the technology and showing the furnace that
provides electricity directly from the heat is located at;
-- =
Jerry Wayne Decker / jdecker@keelynet.com
http://keelynet.com / "From an Art to a Science"
Voice : (214) 324-8741 / FAX : (214) 324-3501
KeelyNet - PO BOX 870716 - Mesquite - Republic of Texas - 75187