This paper describes the conceptual design of a TPV system that uses a durable powder metal selective emitter surface and spectrally matched InGaAs PV cells. The materials and components have been selected to maximize output power density and system efficiency at an operating temperature of 1100 °C. The proposed generator offers several notable features including a high system efficiency, an inherent resistance to thermal shock and vibration, and an ability to use a variety of fuels interchangeably. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.