The use of metallic meshes as radiative material in a mesoscale combustor and thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system for power generation is investigated. A previous study showed promising results combining a silicon carbide (SiC) foam porous material as a radiator, and quartz wafers as optical filters. High temperature metallic meshes have a similar emissivity in the usable wavelength region for the TPV system. In addition, these present a clear advantage over SiC foams in terms of availability and cost. The previous study focusing in the SiC foam has been extended using two different thread count Kanthal meshes, also featuring different surface treatments. The results show higher achievable power with similar values of efficiency to the SiC cases. Moreover, the spatial discontinuities of the metallic mesh allow to stabilize the flame at different combustor heights independently of fuel-air mixture velocity. The effect of the flame location on power and efficiency has been assessed. The ideal flame location and importance of TPV placement with respect to the flame is described.
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