A small-scale thermoelectric power generator and combustion apparatus, components thereof, methods for making the same, and applications thereof. The thermoelectric power generator can include a burner including a matrix stabilized combustion chamber comprising a catalytically enhanced, porous flame containment portion. The combustion apparatus can include components connected in a loop configuration including a vaporization chamber; a mixing chamber connected to the vaporization chamber; a combustion chamber connected to the vaporization chamber; and a heat exchanger connected to the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber can include a porous combustion material which can include a unique catalytic material.

A system includes a heat pump including a system for conveying a refrigerant fluid between two heat exchangers, the refrigerant fluid circulating through a closed circuit; at least two heat exchangers, at least one of the first and second heat exchangers including a plurality of energy storage devices collecting a portion of the energy of the refrigerant fluid or of a secondary fluid; a system for conveying the refrigerant fluid intended to receive or transmit a given amount of energy through the plurality of energy storage devices, and a system for conveying a secondary fluid intended to receive or transmit a given amount of energy through the plurality of energy storage devices.

A small-scale thermoelectric power generator and combustion apparatus, components thereof, methods for making the same, and applications thereof. The thermoelectric power generator can include a burner including a matrix stabilized combustion chamber comprising a catalytically enhanced, porous flame containment portion. The combustion apparatus can include components connected in a loop configuration including a vaporization chamber; a mixing chamber connected to the vaporization chamber; a combustion chamber connected to the vaporization chamber; and a heat exchanger connected to the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber can include a porous combustion material which can include a unique catalytic material.