Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080230107 | ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION METHOD USING THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION ELEMENT, THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION ELEMENT AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME, AND THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION DEVICE - The present invention provides an electric power generation method using a thermoelectric power generation element, a thermoelectric power generation element, and a thermoelectric power generation device, each of which has high thermoelectric power generation performance and can be used for more applications. The thermoelectric power generation element includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are disposed to oppose each other, and a laminate that is interposed between the first and second electrodes and that is electrically connected to both the first and second electrodes, where the laminate has a structure in which SrB | 09-25-2008 |
20080271772 | Method for Manufacturing a Thermopile on a Membrane and a Membrane-less Thermopile, the Thermopile thus Obtained and a Thermoelectric Generator Comprising Such Thermopiles - A method for manufacturing thermopile carrier chips comprises forming first type thermocouple legs and second type thermocouple legs on a first surface of a substrate and afterwards removing part of the substrate form a second surface opposite to the first surface, thereby forming a carrier frame from the substrate and at least partially releasing the thermocouple legs from the substrate, wherein the thermocouple legs are attached between parts of the carrier frame. First type thermocouple legs and second type thermocouple lets may be formed on the same substrate or on a separate substrate. In the latter approach both types of thermocouple legs may be optimised independently. The thermocouple legs may be self-supporting or they may be supported by a thin membrane layer. After mounting the thermopile carrier chips in a thermopile unit or in a thermoelectric generator, the sides of the carrier frame to which no thermocouple legs are attached are removed. A thermoelectric generator according to the present disclosure may be used for generating electrical power, for example for powering an electrical device such as a watch. It may be used with a heat source and/or heat sink with high thermal resistance, such as a human body. | 11-06-2008 |
20090000651 | Nanoporous Materials for Use in the Conversion of Mechanical Energy and/or Thermal Energy Into Electrical Energy - The present invention generally relates to a method for using nanoporous materials to convert mechanical motion and/or heat into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a nanopore confinement effect that results from a fluid infiltrating a porous material as a means to generating electrical energy. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a nanopore confinement effect that results from a continuous solid phase infiltrating a porous material as a means to generate electrical energy. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a thermoelectric effect that results from a fluid infiltrating a porous material as a means to generate electrical energy. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a thermoelectric effect that results from a continuous solid phase infiltrating a porous material as a means to generate electrical energy. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to applying the foregoing mechanoelectric effect or thermoelectric effect to high surface area and/or small-structured solids as a means of enhancing and/or supplementing otherwise inefficient and/or insufficient electrical energy generation. | 01-01-2009 |
20090007953 | Energy efficient micro combustion system for power generation and fuel processing - An integrated micro-scale power converter converts hydrocarbon fuel into electricity. The integrated micro-scale power converter includes a micromachined combustor adapted to convert hydrocarbon fuel into thermal energy and a micromachined thermoelectric generator adapted to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. The combustion reaction in the combustor flows in a path in a first plane while the thermal energy flows in a second plane in the generator the second plane being nearly orthogonal or orthogonal to the first plane. The fuel handler in the combustor is adjacent and thermally isolated from the thermoelectric generator. The fuel handler may include a nozzle and gas flow switch, where the frequency of activation of the gas flow switch controls the amount of the fuel ejected from the nozzle. | 01-08-2009 |
20090025772 | Glass-ceramic thermoelectric module - The invention is directed to a thermoelectric module that utilizes a glass-ceramic material in place of the alumina and aluminum nitride that are commonly used in such modules. The glass-ceramic has a coefficient of thermal expansion of <10×10− | 01-29-2009 |
20090038667 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND HEAT EXCHANGER AND THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR USING IT - A thermoelectric conversion module ( | 02-12-2009 |
20090065040 | Electrical energy generating device - The invention results in an increased efficiency factor at electric energy generation. To achieve the mentioned technical result an electric energy generating device has a heat energy source, means for bringing heat energy from the source to an energy converter, heat-to-electric energy converter, and means of supplying the obtained electric energy to the mains. The heat-to-electric energy converter has at least, one converging module, including an irradiator with thermal luminescent coating, IR photo-cell, and concentrator that faces the irradiator with thermal luminescent coating and concentrates IR radiation directly onto the IR photo-cell, which is connected with the means for supplying the obtained electric energy to the mains. The device also differs in that each converting module is covered with heat insulation material from the outside, and also in that the means for supplying the obtained electric energy to the mains is made as an inverter. | 03-12-2009 |
20090065041 | WIRELESS SENSING NODE POWERED BY ENERGY CONVERSION FROM SENSED SYSTEM - A sensing system for sensing conditions or characteristics associated with a process or thing. The sensing system includes one or more energy converters and a sensor, which are coupled to the process or thing. A node is coupled to the sensor and the energy-converter, and the node is powered by output from the energy converter. In a more specific embodiment, the node includes a controller that implements one or more routines for selectively powering a wireless transmitter of the node based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may specify that sensor output values are within a predetermined range or are below or above a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may specify that electrical energy output from the energy converter is below a predetermined threshold. A remote computer may be wirelessly connected to node and may include software and/or hardware that is adapted to process information output by the sensor and relayed to the computer via the node. | 03-12-2009 |
20090071526 | Sustained-heat source and thermogenerator system using the same - A thermogenerator system includes a sustained-heat source with a plurality of pyrophoric material elements each having a same geometric shape and in an encasement having openings, a thermal power generator for converting thermal energy from the sustained-heat source into electricity, and an electrical control system for regulating the electricity. | 03-19-2009 |
20090107536 | SYSTEM FOR RECYCLING ENERGY - A system for generating electrical energy is disclosed. The system includes at least one device having a plurality of heat radiating components each having a cooling component. The system includes a converter system comprising a plurality of thermal electric generators contained in each of the at least one device, each of the plurality of thermal electric generators integrated between a respective one of the plurality of heat radiating components and its respective cooling component, the plurality of thermal electric generators electrically interconnected according to power requirements of the at least one device, and the plurality of thermal electric generators generating power used to power the at least one device. | 04-30-2009 |
20090120482 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL POWER - A device and method for generating electricity. The device includes a heat source, a cold source, and a thermoelectric generating plate, having a first side and an opposed side. When heat is introduced to the heat source, heat flows across the thermoelectric generating plate and electricity is generated. In the present arrangement, because the hot and cold sources are in thermal communication with opposed sides of the thermoelectric generating plate, the thermal gradient or rate of heat flow across the thermoelectric generating plate is maximized. Thus, because the rate of heat flow is increased, the rate at which electricity is generated is also increased, and the size of the device is maintained, or minimized. | 05-14-2009 |
20090159110 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM - A thermoelectric generation system for turbine engines and the like has at least one thermoelectric generator disposed proximate the turbine engine such that waste heat from the turbine engine can be converted into electricity. Vehicle performance and efficiency can be enhanced by mitigating the need for mechanically driven electric power generators, which undesirably drain power from the turbine engine thus adversely affect the vehicle's performance. | 06-25-2009 |
20090217960 | ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE USING HEAT FROM FLUIDS PRODUCED FROM THE EARTH'S SUBSURFACE - A thermoelectric generator for producing electric power from heat in fluids produced from a subsurface wellbore includes a conduit for moving therethrough fluids produced from the Earth's subsurface and at least one thermoelectric module affixed to an exterior of the conduit. The at least one thermoelectric module includes a collimating heat transfer device in contact with the conduit on a first side and in contact with a first side of a thermoelectric generator thermocouple on a second side. A second side of the thermocouple is in contact with a contact surface of a heat sink. The heat sink is exposed to ambient atmosphere at the Earth's surface to conduct heat away from the thermocouple. | 09-03-2009 |
20090217961 | Integrated Thermoelectric Cooling Devices and Methods for Fabricating Same - Semiconductor integrated thermoelectric devices are provided, which are formed having high-density arrays of thermoelectric (TE) elements using semiconductor thin-film and VLSI (very large scale integration) fabrication processes. Thermoelectric devices can be either separately formed and bonded to semiconductor chips, or integrally formed within the non-active surface of semiconductor chips, for example. | 09-03-2009 |
20090235968 | APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER USING THERMAL ENERGY - An apparatus for generating electric power using thermal energy includes a thermoelectric semiconductor device having opposite first and second ceramic layers spaced apart from each other, a row of first conductive members attached spacedly to an inner surface of the first ceramic layer, a row of second conductive members attached spacedly to an inner surface of the second ceramic layer, alternately arranged P-type and N-type semiconductor elements each disposed between the first and second ceramic layers and interconnecting electrically a corresponding first conductive member and a corresponding second conductive member, and a heat insulation material filled between the first and second ceramic layers. The thermoelectric semiconductor device outputs a DC power corresponding to a difference between temperatures of the first and second ceramic layers to a circuit unit so that the circuit unit outputs a voltage output corresponding to the DC power. | 09-24-2009 |
20090250091 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL POWER - A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device. | 10-08-2009 |
20090260668 | System and method for efficient power utilization and extension of battery life - A circuit which extends the operational life of a main power source, said circuit comprising a pair of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for converting thermal energy from a heat source into electrical energy; a pair of capacitors arranged in parallel, each coupled to one of the TEGs for storing the electrical energy generated by said TEG; a power converter; a first switching element coupled between a first capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; a second switching element coupled between a second capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; and a monitor/controller coupled to said first and second switching elements and each of said capacitors for selectively and alternatively switching the first and second switching elements in order to selectively provide power from one of the capacitors to a load, thereby reducing the amount of power drawn from the main power source. | 10-22-2009 |
20090272418 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR DEVICE - A thermoelectric generator includes an enclosure accommodating therein multiple segments of anode thermoelectric material and multiple segments of cathode thermoelectric material, both having low thermal conductivity. The anode thermoelectric material segments are respectively jointed to the corresponding ones of the cathode thermoelectric material segments to form a plurality of V-shaped electrode pairs each having an apex. The plurality of V-shaped electrode pairs is connected in cascade to form a serially connected sequence with the apexes of the V-shaped electrode pairs of the sequence set in a common given direction. A conductive lead is connected to each of a first one and a last one of the plurality V-shaped electrode pairs of the sequence and extends out of the enclosure. The generator can be directly put in a flame or a high temperature environment and can bear a maximum temperature beyond 1000° C. without additionally mounted heat dissipation device. | 11-05-2009 |
20090301541 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules that generate electrical power when subjected to a temperature differential. The generator also includes a plurality of first thermal elements to which heat is supplied by a first fluid and a plurality of second thermal elements from which heat is removed by a second fluid. The first and second thermal elements are arranged in a stack of alternating first and second thermal elements having one of the plurality of thermoelectric modules between each adjacent pair of first and second thermal elements. Each thermoelectric module is in contact on its first side with one of the first thermal elements and in contact on its second side with one of the second thermal elements such that no face of any thermal element contacts more than one of the thermoelectric modules. | 12-10-2009 |
20100012165 | Self-Powered Electrical System - A portable self-powered electrical system for converting heat energy into electrical energy to power one or more electric devices, the portable self-powered electrical system comprises a housing, a thermoelectric device positioned in the housing, and a power transfer medium, wherein the thermoelectric device converts heat energy from a heat source into electrical energy for providing power to at least one electronic device via a power transfer medium. | 01-21-2010 |
20100043858 | POWER GENERATION SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM - An electronic system includes an electronic system cabinet housing at least one electronic system component and a power generation system. The power generation system includes a cooling system having a cooling medium that generates a cooling energy. The power generation system further includes a thermoelectric conversion element having a first side and a second side. The first side is in a heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic system component and the second side is in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling medium. Heat energy generated by the at least one electronic system component raises a temperature of the first side and the cooling energy generated by the cooling medium lowers a temperature of the second side to establish a temperature difference. The thermoelectric conversion element produces an electro-motive force based on the temperature difference. | 02-25-2010 |
20100059096 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - The present invention aims at providing a thermoelectric device which can be prevented from being destroyed by thermal stresses, and a thermoelectric module using a plurality of such thermoelectric devices. The thermoelectric device in accordance with the present invention comprises an element for transforming energy between thermal energy and electric energy and a pair of electrodes connected to both end parts of the element, while the element is provided with a stress alleviating part for alleviating a stress caused by a temperature difference between the both end parts. Therefore, when generating electricity by using the thermoelectric device, the stress alleviating part can alleviate the stress caused by the temperature difference between both end parts of the element and restrain the element from being destroyed by the thermal stress. | 03-11-2010 |
20100065098 | HEATING APPARATUS COMPRISING A THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - Disclosed is a thermoelectric module ( | 03-18-2010 |
20100101620 | Thermoelectric Conversion Module - A thermoelectric conversion device with reduced thermal stress between a thermoelectric conversion element and a substrate is disclosed. Solders are between a first conductor and first end faces of a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements and between a second conductor and second end faces of the thermoelectric conversion elements. At least one of the first conductor and the second conductor comprises at least one protrusion which protrudes toward one of the thermoelectric conversion elements. The at least one protrusion is in an area of at least one of the first end faces and second end faces, and coated by the solder. | 04-29-2010 |
20100116307 | Module Comprising A Thermoelectric Generator, As Well As Power Source - According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a TEG module, in particular for a power source ( | 05-13-2010 |
20100132754 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING PRE-EQUILIBRIUM BALLISTIC CHARGE CARRIER REFRACTION - A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two. | 06-03-2010 |
20100147350 | NANOWIRE THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - A thermoelectric device is provided. The thermoelectric device includes a P-type thermoelectric component, an N-type thermoelectric component, and an electrically conductive layer. Each of the P-type thermoelectric component and the N-type thermoelectric component includes a substrate and a nanowire structure. The conductive layer connects the P-type thermoelectric component set with the N-type thermoelectric component set. The thermoelectric device is adapted for recycling heat generated by the heat source, and for effectively converting the heat into electrical energy. | 06-17-2010 |
20100147351 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion module including a double angular cylinder including an inner tube and an outer tube disposed on an axis common to the inner tube and at a predetermined spacing. Electrodes are individually arranged on the opposing faces of the inner tube and the outer tube. A thermoelectric conversion element is connected with the electrodes of the faces of the thermoelectric conversion element arranged in opposing directions, one face is defined as a heating face, and the other face is defined as a cooling face. One of the inside of the inner tube and the outside of the outer tube is defined as a first fluid passage for passing a high-temperature fluid therethrough, and the other is defined as a second fluid passage for passing a low-temperature fluid therethrough. | 06-17-2010 |
20100154855 | Thin walled thermoelectric devices and methods for production thereof - A thermoelectric generator is built into the wall of a heat exchanger by applying coatings of dielectric, electrical conductor and N-type and P-type thermoelectric materials. A tubular heat exchanger lends itself to the application of coatings in annular rings, providing ease of manufacture and a structure that is robust to damage. | 06-24-2010 |
20100170550 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A thermoelectric conversion module and a thermoelectric power generation system are provided. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a thermoelectric device and an electrode fixed to the thermoelectric device, wherein a cavity is formed in the electrode. The thermoelectric power generation system includes a heat source and the thermoelectric conversion module, wherein heat from the heat source is supplied to the thermoelectric device through the electrode and substrate. | 07-08-2010 |
20100170551 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, AND THEIR MANUFACTURING METHOD - A thermoelectric conversion module includes a substrate and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion devices arranged on the surface of the substrate. The substrate is provided with a through hole formed to extend through the surface and the back thereof, and the thermoelectric conversion devices are arranged on at least one of the surface and the back of the substrate so as to enclose the through hole. The thermoelectric conversion device includes the thermoelectric conversion module, and a tube arranged to extend through the through hole of the thermoelectric conversion module and to allow a hot medium or a cold medium to flow therethrough. A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module includes a step of arranging a plurality of thermoelectric conversion devices on at least one of the surface and the back of a substrate having a through hole extending through the surface and the back thereof so as to enclose the through hole. | 07-08-2010 |
20100170552 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER AND METHOD THEREOF - A thermoelectric converter is made of a first thermoelectric conversion material in which at least one type of second thermoelectric conversion material particles having an average size of 1 to 100 nm is dispersed. At least a part of the second thermoelectric conversion material particles is dispersed at a distance not more than the mean free path of the phonons of the first thermoelectric conversion material. | 07-08-2010 |
20100180924 | Floating Platform with Detachable Support Modules - A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports. | 07-22-2010 |
20100193001 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE, AND HEAT EXCHANGER, THERMOELECTRIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE AND THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR EMPLOYING THE SAME - A thermoelectric conversion module ( | 08-05-2010 |
20100200039 | Device for supplying power to field devices - An arrangement is disclosed for supplying power to a field device used to monitor an industrial process in a plant, having an enclosure and a wireless communications interface for data communications with a central data-processing device, and having a thermoelectric converter, which converts an existing heat flow between two points at different temperatures into electrical power and supplies this power to the field device. The thermoelectric converter is arranged in a separate enclosure from the field device, and transfers the electrical power to the field device by means of electrical wires or wireless transmission. | 08-12-2010 |
20100212711 | Generator - A generator includes a heat-electricity transforming device and a heat collector. The heat-electricity transforming device is configured to transform heat into electricity. The heat collector includes at least one heat absorption module. The at least one heat absorption module includes a carbon nanotube structure. The at least one heat absorption module is connected to the heat-electricity transforming device and transfers heat to the heat-electricity transforming device. | 08-26-2010 |
20100212712 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator has a hot side heat exchanger comprising: a silicon carbide (SiC) honeycomb support with a plurality of passages. The passage walls are coated with a pyrophoric solid fuel such as red oxide (Fe | 08-26-2010 |
20100236595 | Thermoelectric power generator for variable thermal power source - Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines. | 09-23-2010 |
20100243016 | THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING DEVICE AND POWER GENERATING SYSTEM USING SAID THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING DEVICE - A thermoelectric power generating device and a power generating system using the same are provided which have easiness in maintenance and require a smaller space and which can perform thermoelectric conversion (power generation) from fluids with different temperatures to conduct electric power supply in a way cheaper and more stable than in the conventional devices. | 09-30-2010 |
20100243017 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF BATTERY-BASED ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS - A system and method for the thermal management of a battery-based energy storage is described. One embodiment includes a thermal management system for a battery-based energy storage system, the thermal management system comprising a residual heat source, such as a geothermal heat source, and a battery-based energy storage system thermally connected to the residual heat source The thermal connection between the energy storage system and the residual heat source may be direct (i.e., the energy storage system may be adjacent to, partially located within, or fully located within the residual heat source) or indirect (e.g., the energy storage system and residual heat source may use a heat conduit to transfer heat). In embodiments using a heat conduit to transfer heat, the thermal management system may further comprise a control system for controlling the circulation of a fluid in the heat conduit in order to regulate the temperature of the energy storage system. | 09-30-2010 |
20100243018 | METALLIZATION FOR ZINTL-BASED THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - A thermoelectric power generation device using molybdenum metallization to a Zintl thermoelectric material in a thermoelectric power generation device operating at high temperature, e.g. at or above 1000° C., is disclosed. The Zintl thermoelectric material may comprise Yb | 09-30-2010 |
20100258156 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator includes: a high temperature member which conducts thermal energy of a high temperature medium; a low temperature member which is provided on a side opposing to the high temperature medium of the high temperature member and is provided with a low temperature medium passage therein; a thermoelectric module which is sandwiched between the high temperature member and the low temperature member and carries out a thermoelectric conversion element converting a thermal energy to an electrical energy using a temperature difference between the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium supplied to the low temperature medium passage, and at least one tie rod fastening between the low temperature member and the high temperature member. | 10-14-2010 |
20100263702 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE USING THE THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR THE THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - Provided are a thermoelectric conversion element, a thermoelectric conversion module using the thermoelectric conversion element, and a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion module. The thermoelectric conversion element has a hexahedral shape, of which the two faces opposing each other and the other four faces have different reflectances to light. The thermoelectric conversion module comprises a plurality of p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric conversion elements, and a plurality of electrodes connecting the end faces of each pair of the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements electrically with each other to connect the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements electrically in series alternately. At least one of the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements has a hexahedral shape, of which the two faces opposing each other and the other four faces have different reflectances to light, and of which the two faces opposing each other are individually jointed to the electrodes. | 10-21-2010 |
20100269879 | Low-cost quantum well thermoelectric egg-crate module - Quantum well thermoelectric modules and a low-cost method of mass producing the modules. The devices are comprised of n-legs and p-legs, each leg being comprised of layers of quantum well material in the form of very thin alternating layers. In the n-legs the alternating layers are layers of n-type semiconductor material and electrical insulating material. In the p-legs the alternating layers are layers of p-type semiconductor material and electrical insulating material. In preferred embodiments the layers, referred to as superlattice layers are about 4 nm to 20 nm thick. The layers of quantum well material is separated by much larger layers of thermal and electrical insulating material such that the volume of insulating material in each leg is at least 20 times larger than the volume of quantum well material. | 10-28-2010 |
20100288325 | THERMOELECRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND CONNECTOR FOR THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT - Provided is a thermoelectric conversion module which can be flexibly applied to element size difference and thermal expansion of an element and has high electrical reliability with no conduction failure. A connector for a thermoelectric conversion element is also provided. A connector (C | 11-18-2010 |
20100294324 | MOLDING DEVICE CAPABLE OF CONVERTING HEAT FROM MOLTEN MOLDING MATERIAL INTO ELECTRICITY - A mold includes a first mold half, a second mold half opposite to the first mold half, and a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator includes a high temperature conductive portion, a semiconductor electricity-generating portion, and a low temperature conductive portion. The high temperature conductive portion is positioned in contact with the first mold half and configured to conduct heat from the first mold half to the semiconductor electricity-generating portion. The low temperature conductive portion is exposed to the air. The semiconductor electricity-generating portion is sandwiched between the high temperature conductive portion and the low temperature conductive portion, and positioned in contact with the high temperature conductive portion and the low temperature conductive portion; the semiconductor electricity-generating portion is configured for forming a voltage difference. | 11-25-2010 |
20110017253 | Thermionic converter - A thermionic converter includes an emitter electrode and a collector electrode. The emitter electrode includes a P-type diamond semiconductor layer doped with a P-type impurity. The emitter electrode is configured to emit a thermion from the P-type diamond semiconductor layer when heat is applied from an external power source. The collector electrode includes an N-type diamond semiconductor layer doped with an N-type impurity. The N-type diamond semiconductor layer opposes the P-type diamond semiconductor layer and is located at a predetermined distance from the P-type diamond semiconductor layer. The collector electrode is configured to receive the thermion emitted from the emitter electrode at the N-type diamond semiconductor layer. | 01-27-2011 |
20110023927 | Micro-combustion power system with metal foam heat exchanger - A micro-combustion power system is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the invention is comprised of a housing that further comprises two flow path volumes, each having generally opposing flow path directions and each generally having opposing configurations. | 02-03-2011 |
20110023928 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A thermoelectric conversion device used in a computer uses a thermoelectric conversion module to fully utilize the redundant heat generated by the computer and converts it to electricity based on a temperature difference between a heat generating device and a low temperature device inside the computer. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric conversion module is then delivered to and used to activate a load. | 02-03-2011 |
20110061703 | HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM FOR THE HOT ROLLING LINE - A heat recovery system for a hot rolling line where a metallic material is heated and rolled, the system includes a thermoelectric converter converting heat generated by processing of the metallic material at the hot rolling line to electricity, and an electricity storage storing the electricity converted by the thermoelectric converter. | 03-17-2011 |
20110083710 | Energy-Efficient Micro-Combustion System for Power Generation and Fuel Processing - An integrated micro-combustion power generator converts hydrocarbon fuel into electricity. The integrated micro-scale power generator includes a micro-machined combustor adapted to convert hydrocarbon fuel into thermal energy and a micro-machined thermoelectric generator adapted to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. The combustion reaction in the combustor flows in a path in a first plane while the thermal energy flows in a second plane in the generator; the second plane being nearly orthogonal or orthogonal to the first plane. The fuel handler in the combustor is adjacent and thermally isolated from the thermoelectric generator. The fuel handler may include a nozzle and gas flow switch, where the frequency of activation of the gas flow switch controls the amount of the fuel ejected from the nozzle. | 04-14-2011 |
20110088738 | ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY AT A SEABED - In an energy generating system for generating electrical energy at a seabed, the energy generating system has a canister arranged at the seabed, whereby in the canister at least one electrothermal converter is in contact with a cooling surface and a heating surface, whereby the cooling surface is cooled by the circumjacent seawater, a pipeline with a pump for feeding a hot medium out of a drilling well in the seabed to heat up the heating surface, and a power output in the canister for the electrical energy generated by the at least one electrothermal converter. Furthermore, a method for generating electrical energy at a seabed provides underwater installations with electrical energy, where such an energy generating system is used. | 04-21-2011 |
20110088739 | HIGH EFFICIENCY THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER - A composite includes a matrix having a plurality of matrix nanoparticles and a plurality of hetero-nanoparticles dispersed in the matrix. The hetero-nanoparticles include an atom having an atomic weight larger than the atoms in the matrix nanoparticles. A thermoelectric converter includes one or more first legs, each including an n-doped composite, and one or more second legs, each including a p-doped composite. The n-doped and p-doped composites include a matrix having a plurality of matrix nanoparticles and a plurality of hetero-nanoparticles dispersed in the matrix. The matrix nanoparticles and hetero-nanoparticles in each of the n-doped and p-doped composites can be the same or different. A method of making a composite for thermoelectric converter applications includes providing a mixture a plurality of matrix nanoparticles and a plurality of hetero-nanoparticles and applying current activated pressure assisted densification to form the composite. | 04-21-2011 |
20110094556 | PLANAR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator may comprise a pair of thermally conducive top and bottom plates having a foil assembly positioned therebetween. The foil assembly may comprise a substrate having a series of alternating thermoelectric legs formed thereon. The thermoelectric legs may be formed of alternating dissimilar materials arranged in at least one row. Each one of the thermoelectric legs may define a leg axis oriented in non-parallel relation to the row axis. Thermally conductive strips mounted on opposite sides of the substrate may be aligned with opposite ends of the thermoelectric legs in the rows such that one end of the thermoelectric legs is in thermal contact with the top plate and the opposite end of the thermoelectric legs is in thermal contact with the bottom plate. The thermally conductive strips define thermal gaps between the thermoelectric legs and the top and bottom plates causing heat to flow lengthwise through the thermoelectric legs resulting in the generation of electrical voltage. | 04-28-2011 |
20110100408 | Quantum well module with low K crystalline covered substrates - A thermoelectric module comprised of a quantum well thermoelectric material with low thermal conductivity and low electrical resitivity (high conductivity) for producing n-legs and p-legs for thermoelectric modules. These qualities are achieved by fabricating crystalline quantum well super-lattice layers on a substrate material having very low thermal conductivity. Prior to depositing the super-lattice thermoelectric layers the low thermal conductivity substrate is coated with a thin layer of crystalline semi-conductor material, preferably silicon. This greatly improves the thermoelectric quality of the super-lattice quantum well layers. In preferred embodiments the super-lattice layers are about 4 nm to 20 nm thick. In preferred embodiments about 100 to 1000 of these super-lattice layers are deposited on each substrate layer, to provide films of super-lattice layers with thicknesses of in the range of about 0.4 microns to about 20 microns on much thicker substrates. The substrates may be a few microns to a few millimeters thick. The thermoelectric films are then stacked and fabricated into thermoelectric p-legs and n-legs which in turn are fabricated into thermoelectric modules. These layers of quantum well material may in preferred embodiments be separated by much thicker layers of thermal and electrical insulating material such that the volume of insulating material in each leg is at least 20 times larger than the volume of quantum well material. | 05-05-2011 |
20110100409 | THERMOELECTRIC NANO-COMPOSITE, AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC APPARATUS INCLUDING THE THERMOELECTRIC NANO-COMPOSITE - A thermoelectric nano-composite including a thermoelectric matrix; a nano-metal particle; and a nano-thermoelectric material represented by Formula 1: | 05-05-2011 |
20110108080 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM - A thermoelectric generator assembly may comprise a frame that may include a first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member and the second frame member are adapted to retain one or more thermoelectric generator devices in position therebetween for transferring heat energy through the one or more thermoelectric generator devices from a heat source to a heat sink to generate electrical energy. The thermoelectric generator assembly may also include a spacer positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member. A power bus may be included to provide the electrical energy generated by the one or more thermoelectric generator devices for powering an electrical device. | 05-12-2011 |
20110114146 | UNIWAFER THERMOELECTRIC MODULES - A uniwafer device for thermoelectric applications includes one or more first thermoelectric elements and one or more second thermoelectric elements comprising respectively a first and second patterned portion of a substrate material. Each first/second thermoelectric element is configured to be functionalized as an n-/p-type semiconductor with a thermoelectric figure of merit ZT greater than 0.2. The second patterned portion is separated from the first patterned portion by an intermediate region functionalized partially for thermal isolation and/or partially for electric interconnecting. The one or more first thermoelectric elements and the one or more second thermoelectric elements are spatially configured to allow formation of a first contact region and a second contact region respectively connecting to each of the one or more first thermoelectric elements and/or each of the one or more second thermoelectric elements to form a continuous electric circuit. | 05-19-2011 |
20110139203 | HETEROSTRUCTURE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator element includes a first material configured to generate hole and electron carriers and a second material configured to produce a thermoelectric effect and thermally and physically connected to the first material, wherein an interface between the first material and the second material forms a heterojunction that acts to selectively permit injection of one of either the hole carrier or the electron carrier from the first material to the second material. | 06-16-2011 |
20110139204 | ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENT THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - The energy conversion efficient thermoelectric power generator includes a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element positioned adjacent the p-type thermoelectric element defining a gap therebetween, and first and second conductive members electrically connecting opposed top and the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, respectively. The first conductive member forms a hot junction with the top ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, and the second conductive member forms a cold junction with the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The materials and dimensions of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are selected such that a slenderness ratio X of each falls within the range of 0≦X≦1. | 06-16-2011 |
20110139205 | THERMIONIC CONVERTER - A thermionic converter for converting thermal energy to electrical energy includes an emitter and a collector. The emitter emits thermionic electrons upon receipt of heat from a heat source. The emitter is made of a first semiconductor material to which a first semiconductor impurity is doped with a first concentration. The collector is spaced and opposite to the emitter to receive the thermionic electrons emitted from the emitter so that the thermal energy is converted to electrical energy. The collector is made of a second semiconductor material to which a second semiconductor impurity is doped with a second concentration less than the first concentration. | 06-16-2011 |
20110146741 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A thermoelectric conversion module includes: p-type semiconductor blocks, each including a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, a first column portion and a first coupling portion that projects in a horizontal direction from an end of the first column portion; and n-type semiconductor blocks, each including an n-type thermoelectric conversion material, a second column portion and a second coupling portion that projects in a horizontal direction from an end of the second column portion, wherein the first coupling portions of the p-type semiconductor blocks are respectively coupled to the other ends of the second column portions of the n-type semiconductor blocks, and the second coupling portions of the n-type semiconductor blocks are respectively coupled to the other ends of the first column portions of the p-type semiconductor blocks, and the p-type semiconductor blocks and the n-type semiconductor blocks are alternately arranged and coupled to each other in series. | 06-23-2011 |
20110146742 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT - A thermoelectric conversion element is configured to have two types of conductors with different Seebeck coefficients physically connected alternately with an electrode via one or more electrical resistance layers formed by electrical resistor having electrical resistance rate of 1×10 | 06-23-2011 |
20110155200 | Heat lamp - Device for the production of light contains at least one thermoelectric element, which is in thermal communication with a source of thermal energy, the electricity for production of light is generated by thermal effects on the surfaces of element through heat pumping, and the transformation of thermal energy into electrical energy is realized and electricity is produced in at least one thermoelectric cell, produced current is led into the controller of charge and/or discharge, and/or into at least one accumulator, and the regulator of charge and/or discharge is connected through power lines on at least one lighting element, which provides conversion of electric energy to light and is connected with at least one switch and leads into the regulator charge and/or discharge, and characteristic is that, the electrical current leads through at least one lighting element, the device transmits light energy and the light is on. | 06-30-2011 |
20110168222 | Amtec with heat pipe - There is provided an AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-electric converter) with a heat pipe and more particularly, to an AMTEC with a heat pipe minimized a heating part and a condensation part of the AMTEC and improved in efficiency of thermal to electric conversion through installing the heating and cooling heat pipes in the AMTEC, in which a metal fluid is heated by latent heat of an operating fluid of the heat pipe, instead of the heat conduction from a heat source, thereby reducing a temperature difference needed for heat transfer to vaporize the metal fluid even by a heat source of a lower temperature than a conventional heat source; improving a cooling performance in a condensation part to result in the high efficiency of thermal to electric conversion; using no additional driving components for driving the heat pipe. | 07-14-2011 |
20110168223 | THERMOELECTRIC APPLICATION FOR WASTE HEAT RECOVERY FROM SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES IN POWER ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS - In a power electronics system of a next generation vehicle, a power module is provided including a thermoelectric device which is provided in a thermally conductive path between a power device and a cooling plate such that the thermoelectric device creates useful electric power from the waste heat of the power device. | 07-14-2011 |
20110174350 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator including a plurality of thermoelectric elements placed on substrates, wherein a thermal conductivity of each substrate is defined as: | 07-21-2011 |
20110180120 | Thermomagnetic Generator - An apparatus for the conversion of thermal energy from a surface ( | 07-28-2011 |
20110209739 | Integrated Thermoelectric Honeycomb Core and Method - The disclosure provides a thermoelectric composite sandwich structure with an integrated honeycomb core and method for making. The thermoelectric composite sandwich structure comprises two prepreg composite face sheets and an integrated honeycomb core assembled between the face sheets. The honeycomb core comprises a plurality of core elements bonded together with a core adhesive. Each core element has a first side substantially coated with a negative Seebeck coefficient conductive material having a plurality of first spaced gaps, and each core element further has a second side substantially coated with a positive Seebeck coefficient conductive material having a plurality of second spaced gaps. The honeycomb core further comprises a plurality of electrical connections for connecting in series the first side to the second side. A temperature gradient across the honeycomb core generates power. | 09-01-2011 |
20110214707 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - Thermoelectric generating parts having a plate-shape or film-shape are stacked in a thickness direction. Each of the thermoelectric generating parts generates an electric power as a temperature difference is generated in the thickness direction. Thermal conducting members are disposed between two of the thermoelectric generating parts adjacent in a stacked direction and on outer surfaces of outermost two thermoelectric generating parts. A first thermal coupling member is connected to and thermally coupled to the every other thermal conducting members. A second thermal coupling member is connected to and thermally coupled to the thermal conducting members not connected to the first thermal coupling member. | 09-08-2011 |
20110226300 | DEVICE FOR RAPIDLY TRANSFERRING THERMAL ENERGY - Device for rapidly transferring thermal energy from a heat source to a point of arrival at a velocity greater than the convective capacity of the adjacent element, enabling the thermal energy to be converted into electrical energy via a conversion device positioned at the point of arrival, the thermal energy being transferred via a coating composed of one or more nanomaterials with atoms which form an ordered geometrical structure. | 09-22-2011 |
20110247669 | POWER-GENERATING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING - A power-generating device includes a thermoelectric material contoured to conform to at least a portion of a tubular and at least two conductors in operable communication with the thermoelectric material. | 10-13-2011 |
20110253186 | Combined Thermoelectric and Thermomagnetic Generator - A thermoelectric device ( | 10-20-2011 |
20110259385 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE BLOCK - (Problem) To make a thermoelectric conversion module block with a plurality of connected thermoelectric conversion modules easy to handle and easy to connect the thermoelectric conversion modules to one another, operate stably for long periods of time. | 10-27-2011 |
20110265837 | Rotary Heat Exchanger - A system for generating power from a low grade heat source includes a heat source inlet, heat sink inlet, heat exchanger unit, and a heat engine. The heat source inlet conveys a flow of a heated fluid into the system. The heat sink inlet conveys a flow of a cooled fluid into the system. The heat exchanger unit is configured to rotate. A portion of the heat exchanger unit alternates between thermal contact with the heated fluid and thermal contact with the cooled fluid in response to being rotated. The heat engine is configured to generate power in response to the heat exchanger unit being rotated. | 11-03-2011 |
20110271994 | Hot Side Heat Exchanger Design And Materials - In certain embodiments, a hot side heat exchanger (HSHX) includes a folded fin structure including a plurality of fins. Each of the plurality of fins is formed from a composite fin material having a first fin layer positioned between a second fin layer and a third fin layer, the first fin layer being a first material and the second and third fin layers being a second material. A base plate is in thermal communication with the plurality of folded fins. The base plate is formed from a composite base plate material having a first base plate layer and a second base plate layer, the first base plate layer being a first material and the second base plate layer being the second material. The first material has a greater thermal conductivity than the second material and the second material has greater corrosion resistance and high temperature strength than the first material. | 11-10-2011 |
20110284047 | MULTI-USE CAMPING POT THAT PRODUCES POWER FROM HEAT - People often need to recharge batteries for portable electronics in remote locations where there is no electrical grid. One way to recharge these batteries is to harvest energy from a source of heat such as a camping stove using a thermoelectric module. Prior art depicts using a thermoelectric module harvesting energy from a stove and using a pot of water to cool one side of the module. The current invention improves upon prior art by maximizing power output and efficiency, increasing energy and power density, reducing the risk of damaging the thermoelectric module, and providing communication to the electronic device being charged. | 11-24-2011 |
20110303258 | SYSTEM FOR RECLAMATION OF WASTE THERMAL ENERGY - A waste heat reclamation device absorbs waste heat from a heat generating object. A thermocouple loop is used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy which may be utilized to provide electrical power to an electronic device that is the heat generating object. The invention increases the efficiency of electronic devices such as computer processing units. | 12-15-2011 |
20110308560 | TEMPERATURE AND FLOW CONTROL OF EXHAUST GAS FOR THERMOELECTRIC UNITS - A vehicle exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe that provides heated exhaust gases to a thermoelectric unit as an input. A temperature control mechanism ensures that exhaust gas is directed into the thermoelectric unit only if the exhaust gas is within a specified temperature range. The thermoelectric unit transforms the exhaust gas heat into electrical power. | 12-22-2011 |
20110315183 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A THERMO-ELECTRIC ENGINE - An engine apparatus and method for operating same is disclosed. The engine generates electrical energy from phase changes of two different mixtures within chambers of the engine. Thermoelectric generators are preferably utilized to generate electrical energy from thermo differentials within the engine created by phase changes during engine operation. The engine may additionally be operated to perform mechanical based work. | 12-29-2011 |
20120012146 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR UNIT - The invention relates to a thermoelectric generator unit ( | 01-19-2012 |
20120012147 | DEVICE FOR CONVERTING THERMAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler. | 01-19-2012 |
20120017964 | Apparatus, System, and Method for On-Chip Thermoelectricity Generation - An apparatus, system, and method for a thermoelectric generator. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric generator comprises a first thermoelectric region and a second thermoelectric region, where the second thermoelectric region may be coupled to the first thermoelectric region by a first conductor. In some embodiments, a second conductor may be coupled to the first thermoelectric region and a third conductor may be coupled to the second thermoelectric region. In some embodiments, the first conductor may be in a first plane, the first thermoelectric region and the second thermoelectric region may be in a second plane, and the second conductor and the third conductor may be in a third plane. | 01-26-2012 |
20120024333 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL DEFORMED BY CRYOGENIC IMPACT AND METHOD OF PREPARING THE SAME - A thermoelectric material has a microstructure deformed by cryogenic impact. When the cryogenic impact is applied to the thermoelectric material, defects are induced in the thermoelectric material, and such defects increase phonon scattering, which results in enhanced figure of merit. | 02-02-2012 |
20120031451 | HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - The present invention relates to a high temperature thermoelectric generator. The generator includes at least one thermocouple thermally connected to a high temperature surface, a power management circuit adapted to receive electric power from the at least one thermocouple and provide a regulated output voltage, and a storage device adapted to receive the regulated output voltage from the power management circuit such that the output voltage charges the storage device. | 02-09-2012 |
20120055527 | STRUCTURAL ELEMENT FOR THERMALLY SHIELDING ENGINES OR ENGINE COMPONENTS, IN PARTICULAR A HEAT SHIELD FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES - The invention relates to a structural element for thermally shielding engines or engine components, in particular a heat shield for combustion engines, the structural element having a planar extension and comprising a first side that faces a hot element of the engine, and a second side that faces away from the hot element of the engine, characterized in that the structural element comprises a thermoelectric generator, which can be used to generate electric energy from a temperature difference resulting between the first side and the second side of the structural element during operation of the engine. | 03-08-2012 |
20120060884 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION FROM HEAT - Systems and methods are operable to generate electric power from heat. An exemplary direct thermal electric converter embodiment includes at least a first recombination material having a first recombination rate, a second recombination material adjacent to the first recombination material and having a second recombination rate, wherein the second recombination rate is different from the first recombination rate, and a third recombination material adjacent to the second recombination material and having a third recombination rate substantially the same as the first recombination rate. Application of heat generates at least first charge carriers that migrate between the first recombination material and the second recombination material, and generates at least second charge carriers that migrate between the third recombination material and the second recombination material. The migration of the first charge carriers and the migration of the second charge carriers generates an electrical current. | 03-15-2012 |
20120085382 | ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENT THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - The energy conversion efficient thermoelectric power generator includes a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element positioned adjacent the p-type thermoelectric element defining a gap therebetween, and first and second conductive members electrically connecting opposed top and the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, respectively. The first conductive member forms a hot junction with the top ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, and the second conductive member forms a cold junction with the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The materials and dimensions of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are selected such that a slenderness ratio X of each falls within the range of 0≦X≦1. | 04-12-2012 |
20120090657 | REDUCED LOW SYMMETRY FERROELECTRIC THERMOELECTRIC SYSTEMS, METHODS AND MATERIALS - n-type and p-type thermoelectric materials having high figures of merit are herein disclosed. The n-type and p-type thermoelectric materials are used to generate and harvest energy in thermoelectric power generator and storage modules comprising at least one n-type thermoelectric element coupled to at least one p-type thermoelectric element. | 04-19-2012 |
20120111386 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS - In some embodiments, an integrated power generation system includes a primary power source supplying power to a primary power user, a thermoelectric power generator system thermally coupled to a heat source, and an electronic controller unit. In certain embodiments, an electronic controller unit monitors the power output of the primary power source and operatively connects the thermoelectric power generating system to the primary power user when one or more power usage factors occurs. One power usage factor that can occur is the power output of the primary power source falling below a threshold power level. | 05-10-2012 |
20120118345 | Thermal integration of thermoelectronic device - Disclosed is an improved thermoelectric component, a method for thermal integration of the improved thermoelectric component in an environment having thermally distinct zones, and a thermoelectric generation system. In general, the thermoelectric component includes a thermoelectric device having opposing surfaces for arrangement in comparatively hot and cold environments, and an extended surface mounted in close proximity to at least one of the opposing surfaces, the extended surface being a layer of porous material having at least a portion immersed in at least one of the hot or cold environments. | 05-17-2012 |
20120118346 | Thermoelectric Apparatus and Method of Fabricating the Same - A thermoelectric apparatus includes a first and a second assemblies, at least a first and a second heat conductors. The first assembly includes a first and a second substrates, and several first thermoelectric material sets disposed between the first and second substrates. The first substrate has at least a first through hole. The second assembly includes a third and a fourth substrates, and several second thermoelectric material sets disposed between the third and fourth substrates. The fourth substrate has at least a second through hole. Each of the first and second thermoelectric material sets has a p-type and an n-type thermoelectric element. The first and second heat conductors respectively penetrate the first and second through holes. Two ends of the first heat conductor respectively connect the second and fourth substrates, while two ends of the second heat conductor respectively connect the first and third substrates. | 05-17-2012 |
20120132242 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR APPARATUS WITH HIGH THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION EFFICIENCY - A thermoelectric generator apparatus disposed on a high-temperature surface of an object (as a heat source), at least includes a heat concentrator, a thermoelectric module and a cold-side heat sink. The heat concentrator has a top surface and a bottom surface contacting a high-temperature surface of the object, and an area of the bottom surface is smaller than that of the high-temperature surface. The thermoelectric module is disposed on the top surface of the heat concentrator. The cold-side heat sink is disposed on the thermoelectric module. Heat generated by the heat source is concentrated on the heat concentrator and flows to the hot side of the thermoelectric module for increasing the heat flux (Q′) passing the thermoelectric module and the hot side temperature of the thermoelectric module. Consequently, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency (η) is improved, and the power generation of the thermoelectric module is increased. | 05-31-2012 |
20120138115 | SURFACE EXCITONIC THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - A thermoelectric device is disclosed. The device includes an insulating layer, a first conducting layer configured to induce charge of a first polarity on a first surface of the insulating layer, and a second conducting layer configured to induce charge of a second polarity on a second surface of the insulating layer, the second polarity opposite the first polarity, and the first surface opposite the second surface across a transversal axis, wherein by induction of opposing charges on the first surface and the second surface of the insulating layer spatially separated surface excitons are formed on the first and the second surfaces of the insulating layer, the spatially separated surface excitons generate a counterflow electrical current when a thermal gradient is provided across a longitudinal axis of the insulating layer. The surface excitons could potentially condense into a superfluid under appropriate conditions, giving rise to superfluidic thermoelectric current. | 06-07-2012 |
20120145213 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION FROM HEAT - Systems and methods are operable to generate electric power from heat. Embodiments employ one or more direct thermal electric converters that have at least a first recombination material having a first recombination rate, a second recombination material adjacent to the first recombination material and having a second recombination rate, wherein the second recombination rate is different from the first recombination rate, and a third recombination material adjacent to the second recombination material and having a third recombination rate substantially the same as the first recombination rate. Application of heat generates at least first charge carriers that migrate between the first recombination material and the second recombination material, and generates at least second charge carriers that migrate between the third recombination material and the second recombination material. The migration of the first charge carriers and the migration of the second charge carriers generates an electrical current. | 06-14-2012 |
20120152297 | POWER GENERATION USING A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR AND A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL - An energy harvesting device is disclosed that includes a thermoelectric device adapted to produce electricity according to a Seebeck effect when a thermal gradient is imposed across first and second major surfaces thereof, a housing enclosing a phase change material that is disposed for thermal communication with the first major surface of the thermoelectric device, and a radio transmitter electrically coupled to the thermoelectric device, the radio transmitter capable of transmitting wireless signals. In another aspect, the housing includes a conductive fin therein to provide more uniform distribution of heat to the phase change material. | 06-21-2012 |
20120160289 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING PRE-EQUILIBRIUM BALLISTIC CHARGE CARRIER REFRACTION - A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two. | 06-28-2012 |
20120167936 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE BASED ON SILICON NANOWIRES AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed are a thermoelectric device based on silicon nanowires including: a substrate; a silicon heat absorbing part absorbing heat, a silicon nanowire leg transferring heat, and a silicon heat releasing part releasing heat, which are formed on the substrate; and an insulating film with at least one or more holes, which is formed on the substrate including the silicon heat absorbing part, the silicon nanowire leg, and the silicon heat releasing part, and a method for manufacturing the same. | 07-05-2012 |
20120192908 | Sinkless thermoelectric energy generator - Disclosed is a sinkless electric generator for generating electrical power from temperature cycles encountered by the structure of an aircraft. The sinkless electric generator includes a thermoelectric generator which is in thermal contact with the structure of the aircraft (e.g., the aircraft's skin); an insulated housing containing a thermal mass; and a circuit for providing the energy generated by the thermoelectric generator during the temperature cycles encountered by the structure of the aircraft to a device. The insulated housing is positioned in thermal contact with the thermoelectric generator; wherein during the temperature cycles encountered by the structure of the aircraft, energy is created by the thermoelectric generator when heat is released from the thermal mass contained within the housing through the thermoelectric generator to the aircraft's structure and when heat is supplied from the aircraft's structure through the thermoelectric generator to the thermal mass. | 08-02-2012 |
20120192909 | GENERATING POWER FROM HEAT PRODUCED BY AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM - An electronic system includes an electronic system cabinet housing at least one electronic system component and a power generation system. The power generation system includes a cooling system having a cooling medium that generates a cooling energy. The power generation system further includes a thermoelectric conversion element having a first side and a second side. The first side is in a heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic system component and the second side is in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling medium. Heat energy generated by the at least one electronic system component raises a temperature of the first side and the cooling energy generated by the cooling medium lowers a temperature of the second side to establish a temperature difference. The thermoelectric conversion element produces an electro-motive force based on the temperature difference. | 08-02-2012 |
20120199171 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION UTILIZING NANOFLUID - According to one aspect, a system generates electricity from a temperature differential using a thermoelectric module. At least one side of the temperature differential is supplied by a thermal element having a fluid flowing through it. The fluid contains suspended nanoparticles to enhance the transfer of heat between the fluid containing the nanoparticles and the thermal element, as compared with a similar fluid not containing the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may include metal ions, for example silver ions, copper ions, or both. The system may further include an ion generator for generating the ions within the fluid. | 08-09-2012 |
20120247525 | TUNGSTEN-TITANIUM-PHOSPHATE MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Tungsten-titanium-phosphate materials and methods of making and using the same. The Tungsten-titanium-phosphate materials comprise about 20 to 60 actual mol % WO | 10-04-2012 |
20120260961 | CARBON NANOTUBE PLATE LAYER AND APPLICATION THEREOF - A carbon nanotube plate is provided, having a first carbon nanotube layer composed of many first carbon nanotubes, and a second carbon nanotube layer disposed on the first carbon nanotube layer. The second carbon nanotube layer is composed of many second carbon nanotubes placed in an orderly manner on the first carbon nanotube layer. At least two second carbon nanotubes are located along a curve. The surface of the second carbon nanotube layer has a whirlpool pattern. | 10-18-2012 |
20120260962 | ELECTRICAL GENERATOR USING THE THERMOELECTRIC EFFECT AND TWO CHEMICAL REACTIONS, I.E. EXOTHERMIC AND ENDOTHERMIC REACTIONS, TO GENERATE AND DISSIPATE HEAT, RESPECTIVELY - An electric generator based on a thermoelectric effect includes at least a heat source, a heat dissipator and a thermoelectric converter provided with at least two areas respectively in contact with the heat source and the heat dissipator. The heat source is the center of an exothermic chemical reaction, such as the catalytic combustion of hydrogen. The heat dissipator is the center of an endothermic chemical reaction, at least one product of which forms one of the reagents of the exothermic chemical reaction. Once it is formed by the heat dissipator, said product is then directed towards the input of the heat source in order to react there. The endothermic chemical reaction is more particularly a steam reforming reaction for methanol. | 10-18-2012 |
20120305045 | THERMO-ELECTRIC GENERATOR SYSTEM - A thermoelectric generator system comprises a control unit ( | 12-06-2012 |
20130008479 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT DESIGN - Thermoelectric elements having a non-uniform effective thermal conductivity include opposing contact surfaces for making electrical and thermal contact with respective hot side and cold side electrical interconnects. The contact surfaces having corresponding contact areas that are each greater than an intermediate cross-sectional area of the thermoelectric elements. | 01-10-2013 |
20130014797 | SUPPLYING ELECTRICAL POWER IN A HYDROCARBON WELL INSTALLATIONAANM ELLSON; NicholasAACI BristolAACO GBAAGP ELLSON; Nicholas Bristol GB - A method of providing electrical power in an underwater hydrocarbon well installation comprising a pipeline for conveying a hydrocarbon fluid is provided. The method comprises attaching at least one clamp to the pipeline at the outside of the pipeline, the clamp housing at least one thermoelectric generating device so that the device is in a temperature gradient resulting from a difference in temperature between the hydrocarbon fluid and the water surrounding the pipeline. | 01-17-2013 |
20130014798 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENTAANM NISHIDE; AkinoriAACI KokubunjiAACO JPAAGP NISHIDE; Akinori Kokubunji JPAANM Kurosaki; YosukeAACI HachiojiAACO JPAAGP Kurosaki; Yosuke Hachioji JPAANM Hayakawa; JunAACI HinoAACO JPAAGP Hayakawa; Jun Hino JPAANM Yabuuchi; ShinAACI MusashinoAACO JPAAGP Yabuuchi; Shin Musashino JPAANM Okamoto; MasakuniAACI TokyoAACO JPAAGP Okamoto; Masakuni Tokyo JP - A thermoelectric conversion element is provided as an element module with improved utility having an enhanced performance index and utilizing Fe | 01-17-2013 |
20130042900 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT - A thermoelectric element includes at least one thermopair and a pn-junction. The thermopair has a first material with a positive Seebeck coefficient and a second material with a negative Seebeck coefficient. The first material is selectively contacted by way of a conductor with the p-side of the pn-junction, and the second material is selectively contacted by way of a conductor with the n-side of the pn-junction. | 02-21-2013 |
20130061901 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTING MODULE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - Provided is a high temperature thermoelectric converting module including a plurality of p type thermoelectric elements; a plurality of n type thermoelectric elements; a plurality of electrodes; and a lead line. The plurality of p type thermoelectric elements, the plurality of n type thermoelectric elements, and the plurality of electrodes are electrically serially connected to each other, a pair of connecting lines that connects the lead line to one of the plurality of electrodes to output to the outside is further included, at least one electrode which is disposed at the high temperature side and the plurality of p type and n type thermoelectric elements are bonded with an intermediate layer therebetween. The plurality of p type and n type thermoelectric elements contain silicon as a component and the intermediate layer is formed as a layer containing aluminum and silicon and components other than silicon of the thermoelectric elements. | 03-14-2013 |
20130068271 | Prototype Thermoelectric Generator Based on Ionized Gas in a Container Under Electric Potential Difference - In this prototype Thermoelectric Generator (TEG), a new configuration of ionized gas in a container under electric potential difference has been theoretically studied. This device is proposed to generate electric power from ambient air based on the Kinetic Theory of Gases. This prototype TGE has been designed based on the idea of making a number of ionic molecules move toward a selected direction. This prototype TEG has a similar functionality to that of photovoltaic device that is confined by the statistical limits of energy distribution over photons that have the ability to make a photoelectric effect releasing free electrons with energies greater than the voltage threshold, but in this prototype TEG, the advantage is taken from extracting power directly from the moving molecules forming gas. This design is convenient to be installed indoors to produce cold air and generate electric power. | 03-21-2013 |
20130074899 | APPARATUS FOR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY - In the case of an apparatus for thermoelectric generation of electrical energy, a base part and an opposing piece are provided, between which a thermoelectric element is arranged and which can be connected to one another as a physical unit via latching elements which are formed on an attachment adaptor. The thermoelectric element can therefore be fixed with relatively low mechanical loads, and the physical unit can be arranged in a compact form at an installation location. | 03-28-2013 |
20130081665 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT - A thermoelectric element includes at least one thermocouple comprising an n-doped and a p-doped thermal leg made of semiconductor material, wherein the thermal legs extend between a hot and a cold side of the thermoelectric element and different temperatures can applied and tapped between the hot and the cold side. In order to create a thermoelectric element haying a high thermal power density that nevertheless ensures sufficient mechanical stability using less semiconductor material, the thermoelectric effect and the support function of the block between two components is split. The support function is performed by a multipart support, while the thermoelectric effect is initiated by thermal legs disposed on the support, in particular designed as a thin film | 04-04-2013 |
20130081666 | EMBEDDED OPTICAL ELEMENT PACKAGE MODULE USING A THERMOCOUPLE - An embedded optical element package module uses a thermocouple, which increases the optical output efficiency of an optical element, dissipates high-temperature heat generated by the optical element having high output to prevent degradation, converts waste heat into electrical energy, and supplies the electrical energy as a power source for the optical element to reutilize resources, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the optical element and minimizing costs. | 04-04-2013 |
20130087180 | WEARABLE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR SYSTEM - A wearable thermoelectric generator system thermoelectric generator may include a thermoelectric generator, a heat collector, and a heat exchanger. The heat collector may be configured to be placed in contact with a skin surface of a wearer. The heat exchanger may be configured to be exposed to ambient air. The thermoelectric generator may be mounted between the heat collector and the heat exchanger. The thermoelectric generator may be electrically connected to a load. The load may be packaged separately from the thermoelectric generator. | 04-11-2013 |
20130098418 | DEVICE FOR USE IN A FURNACE EXHAUST STREAM FOR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION - A device for generating voltage or electrical current includes an inner elongated member mounted in an outer elongated member, and a plurality of thermoelectric modules mounted in the space between the inner and the outer members. The outer and/or inner elongated members each include a plurality of passages to move a temperature altering medium through the members so that the device can be used in high temperature environments, e.g. the exhaust system of an oxygen fired glass melting furnace. The modules are designed to include a biasing member and/or other arrangements to compensate for differences in thermal expansion between the first and the second members. In this manner, the modules remain in contact with the first and second members. The voltage generated by the modules can be used to power electrical loads. | 04-25-2013 |
20130118542 | Energy Generation Device - An energy generator capable of transferring heat from a cold region to a hot region, which utilizes the adiabatic temperature difference called lapse rate generated in gas or gas-like particles when a force field or an energy potential gradient is applied to the particles. The temperature difference is increased by the thermal conductivity of the particles and lowered by the thermal conductivity of the substrate or container holding the particles and by parasitic thermal shorts caused by photons, phonons, or other particles not subjected or less affected by the force field. Implementations include semiconductors with a doping gradient or with an externally applied voltage; vapors in contact with their liquids; gases in contact with adsorbing surfaces; polar molecules with electrons in the conduction band. Multilayer devices are described. Applications include, for example, coolers, heaters, electrical generators and photon generators. | 05-16-2013 |
20130139864 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Provided is a thermoelectric device including two legs having a rough side surface and a smooth side surface facing each other. Phonons may be scattered by the rough side surface, thereby decreasing thermal conductivity of the device. Flowing paths for electrons and phonons may become different form each other, because of a magnetic field induced by an electric current passing through the legs. The smooth side surface may be used for the flowing path of electrons. As a result, in the thermoelectric device, thermal conductivity can be reduced and electric conductivity can be maintained. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139865 | COMPOSITE STRUCTURE OF GRAPHENE AND POLYMER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A composite structure of graphene and polymer and a method of manufacturing the complex. The composite structure of graphene and polymer includes: at least one polymer structure having a three-dimensional shape; and a graphene layer formed on the at least one polymer structure. | 06-06-2013 |
20130160806 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE AND FABRICATING METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed are a thermoelectric device and a fabricating method thereof. The thermoelectric device includes: a substrate; a heat absorbing part, a leg, and a heat radiating part formed on the substrate; and a heat radiating material formed between the substrate and the heat radiating part to radiate heat transferred from the heat radiating part. | 06-27-2013 |
20130160807 | SEMICONDUCTOR ELEMENT FOR A THERMOELECTRIC MODULE, METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SEMICONDUCTOR ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - A semiconductor element includes at least a thermoelectric material and a first frame part which are force-lockingly connected to one another, with the frame part forming a diffusion barrier for the thermoelectric material and an electrical conductor. A method for producing the semiconductor element as well as a thermoelectric module having at least two semiconductor elements, are also provided. | 06-27-2013 |
20130167894 | ANNULAR SEMICONDUCTOR ELEMENT AND ANNULAR INSULATION MATERIAL FOR A THERMOELECTRIC MODULE, THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE MODULE - An annular semiconductor element for producing a thermoelectric module includes at least one groove extending in a radial direction from an internal circumferential face to an external circumferential face. An annular insulation material insulates n-doped and p-doped semiconductor elements and is accordingly disposed on a lateral face of the semiconductor elements. The insulation material has a slit which extends in the radial direction and divides the insulation material. A thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric module are also provided. | 07-04-2013 |
20130167895 | METHOD FOR HEAT DISSIPATION ON SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A device and method wherein a thermo electric generator device is disposed between stacks of a multiple level device, or is provided on or under a die of a package and is conductively connected to the package. The thermo electric generator device is configured to generate a voltage by converting heat into electric power. The voltage which is generated by the thermo electric generator can be recycled back into the die itself, or to a higher-level unit in the system, even to a cooling fan. | 07-04-2013 |
20130180562 | TUNNEL-EFFECT POWER CONVERTER - A tunnel-effect power converter including first and second electrodes having opposite surfaces, wherein the first electrode includes protrusions extending towards the second electrode. | 07-18-2013 |
20130199590 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE FOR A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR OF A VEHICLE WITH A SEALING ELEMENT AND VEHICLE HAVING THE THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - A thermoelectric module includes an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface each being assigned to a respective hot side or cold side and forming an intermediate space therebetween, a geometric axis and at least one sealing element. The sealing element at least partially forms the inner circumferential surface or is separated from the hot side or cold side disposed there only by an electric insulation layer. The sealing element seals the intermediate space at least with respect to the cold side and has at least one electric conductor connecting at least one thermoelectric element disposed in the thermoelectric module to at least one other electric conductor disposed outside the thermoelectric module. A vehicle having the thermoelectric module is also provided. | 08-08-2013 |
20130213449 | THERMOELECTRIC PLATE AND FRAME EXCHANGER - An active thermoelectric plate exchanger is provided that includes a plurality of thermally conductive plates and a thermoelectric (TE) assembly having an array of thermoelectric modules (TEM) (e.g., TE coolers or TE generators) for heating/cooling or power generation. For cooling/heating, the TECs actively transfer heat between two fluids. For power generation, the TEGs generate and output power when two fluids having a thermal differential therebetween is applied across the TEGs. Several TE assemblies may be disposed in a stacked configuration between thermally conductive plates contacting the fluids. Additional fluid turbulence generating structures may be included with the fluid flow chambers/paths to generate fluid turbulence and increase thermal efficiency. These structures may include a thermally conductive plate with surface structures or may be a thermally conductive wire cloth, woven wire or wire mesh or screen. The resulting plate exchanger is modular and scalable. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213450 | Thermoelectric Generation Apparatus - A thermoelectric generation apparatus | 08-22-2013 |
20130228205 | Apparatus for reversibly converting thermal energy to electric energy - A thermoelectric device (the TED) of the present invention is used as a generator application and a heat pump application. The TED transfers heat from one side of the device to the other side from cold to hot, with consumption of electrical energy. In a functioning mode of the TED, direct current runs through the TED and heat is moved from one side of the TED to another side of the TED, wherein the TED is used either for heating or for cooling applications, generation of electricity and/or transfer of heat in heating and refrigerating applications. | 09-05-2013 |
20130228206 | MANGANESE OXIDE AND CARBON COMBINATION GENERATOR BATTERY - A solid state energy generator and storage device, comprising two layers, in contact with each other, of dissimilar materials in terms of electron density and configuration, sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. One of the layers is a stabilized mixture of carbon and an ionic material (carbon matrix) and the other layer is a stabilized manganese oxide mixed with an ionic material (oxide matrix). The built-in potential of the device is determined mathematically by integrating the electrostatic forces across the barrier and will rise or fall in direct proportion to the device temperature (in Kelvin). In addition the device can be charged and thus function as a charge storage device, with the rated voltage varying according to the temperature of the device. When a load is attached across the terminals of the device a current flows. | 09-05-2013 |
20130233368 | DOPED BORON CARBIDES AND THERMOELECTRIC APPLICATIONS - A thermoelectric converter is provided where an n-type boron carbide element is paired with a p-type boron carbide element and placed between a eat sink and a high temperature are, such as the ocean in which a submarine operates, and the interior of that submarine, respectively. Boron carbide elements suitable for use in this invention are deposited from meta carborane (n-type) together with dopants to emphasize n-type character, such as chromocene, and orthocarborane, together with dopants to emphasize p-type character, such as 1,4 diaminobenzene to form the p-type element. | 09-12-2013 |
20130247950 | HEAT ENGINE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES - A heat engine system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is operable on a road surface, includes a collector configured for collecting an air layer disposed adjacent the road surface. The heat engine system also includes a heat engine configured for converting thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between the air layer and an ambient air surrounding the vehicle to another form of energy. The air layer has a first temperature, and the ambient air has a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. In addition, the heat engine system includes a guide configured for transferring the air layer from the collector to the heat engine. A vehicle includes a body defining an interior compartment and having an underside surface spaced opposite the road surface, and the heat engine system. | 09-26-2013 |
20130255740 | THERMOGENERATOR AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A THERMOGENERATOR - The invention relates to a process for producing a thermogenerator ( | 10-03-2013 |
20130263904 | THERMALLY CONTROLLABLE ENERGY GENERATION SYSTEM - A thermally controllable energy generation system comprising an insulated, thermally-enhanced generator with a power circuit for conveying power. The thermally enhanced generator and its available voltage is controlled by a circuit which changes the ambient temperature of the generator through the use of a heating element and heating circuit. A controller circuit is in communication with the temperature sensor, the control circuit, the heating circuit and the power circuit. The thermally enhanced generator includes at least one cell, which comprises a layer of electron-rich donor material in contact with a layer of hole-rich acceptor material, sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. One of the layers is a stabilized mixture of carbon and an ionic material (carbon matrix) and the other layer is a stabilized oxide mixed with an ionic material (oxide matrix). | 10-10-2013 |
20130263905 | ADVERSE EVENT-RESILIENT NETWORK SYSTEM - An adverse event-resilient network system consisting of autonomously powered and mobile nodes in communication with each other either through radio, light or other electromagnetic signals or through a physical connection such as through wiring, cables or other physical connected methods capable of carrying information and communication signals. The nodes powered by an energy generator comprising multiple data, information and voice gathering, receiving and emitting devices as well as mechanical, optical and propulsion devices. | 10-10-2013 |
20130263906 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion element and a thermoelectric conversion module in which a high density arrangement is easily performed and connection reliability is high, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A thermoelectric conversion element is provided which includes a tube, a thermoelectric conversion material which is filled in the tube, and a plated metal layer which is plated on one end or both ends of the thermoelectric conversion material, wherein the thermoelectric conversion material protrudes from an end surface of the tube, and the plated metal layer covers the protrusion of the thermoelectric conversion material. Moreover, a thermoelectric conversion module which is configured to connect the thermoelectric conversion elements in series is provided. | 10-10-2013 |
20130269739 | NANO-COMPLEX THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL, AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A thermoelectric material including: a thermoelectric matrix; and a plurality of metal nanoparticles disposed in the thermoelectric matrix, wherein a difference between a work function of thermoelectric matrix and a work function of a metal particle of the metal nanoparticles is about −1.0 electron volt to about 1.0 electron volt. | 10-17-2013 |
20130269740 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator utilizes the waste heat of exhaust gases having a temperature of less than 250° C., such as those resulting from the operation of power plants. In this case, partially conductive or semiconductive particles are used which are arranged in layers between hot and cold air channels and produce a usable current flow. | 10-17-2013 |
20130269741 | Systems, Methods and/or Apparatus for Thermoelectric Energy Generation - Systems methods and/or apparatus for the conversion of various types of energy into thermal energy that may be stored and/or then converted into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be available on demand and/or at a user's desired power requirements (e.g., power level and/or type). For example, the energy may be available at a particular voltage and either as direct current (DC) energy or alternating current (AC) energy. The electrical energy may be easily transported and therefore available at a user's desired location. For example, the systems, methods and/or devices may eliminate or reduce the need for electricity transmission, at least for certain applications. In exemplary embodiments, the system may include an organic phase change material for storing the thermal energy. | 10-17-2013 |
20130269742 | Integrated Thermoelectric Honeycomb Core - The disclosure provides a thermoelectric composite sandwich structure with an integrated honeycomb core and method for making. The thermoelectric composite sandwich structure comprises two prepreg composite face sheets and an integrated honeycomb core assembled between the face sheets. The honeycomb core comprises a plurality of core elements bonded together with a core adhesive. Each core element has a first side substantially coated with a negative Seebeck coefficient conductive material having a plurality of first spaced gaps, and each core element further has a second side substantially coated with a positive Seebeck coefficient conductive material having a plurality of second spaced gaps. The honeycomb core further comprises a plurality of electrical connections for connecting in series the first side to the second side. A temperature gradient across the honeycomb core generates power. | 10-17-2013 |
20130269743 | THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION MODULE - A piezoelectric vibration element capable of reducing occurrence of unnecessary vibration, and a piezoelectric vibration device and a portable terminal using the same are disclosed. The piezoelectric vibration element includes a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of piezoelectric layers being stacked along a first direction, the piezoelectric vibration element having two surfaces that face each other to be at intervals in the first direction, and vibrating in bending mode in the first direction with an amplitude varying along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction according to input of an electric signal, one of the two surfaces having such a shape that a central portion thereof in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction protrudes as compared with opposite end portions thereof in the third direction. | 10-17-2013 |
20130276852 | STRUCTURAL ELEMENT FOR GENERATING THERMOELECTRIC POWER AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF - The invention relates to a thermoelectric structural element ( | 10-24-2013 |
20130298954 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL, AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC APPARATUS INCLUDING THE THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL - A thermoelectric material including a composition of Formula 1: | 11-14-2013 |
20130298955 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE WITH THERMAL EXPANSION COMPENSATION, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric module extends in a longitudinal direction and includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed within the outer tube and an interspace between the tubes. At least one first strip-shaped structure and one second strip-shaped structure are provided. The first strip-shaped structure extends from a first connection on the inner tube and the second strip-shaped structure extends from a second connection on the outer tube in opposite directions in at least one circumferential direction or in the longitudinal direction and at least partly form an overlap at least in the circumferential direction or in the longitudinal direction. At least one pair of semiconductor elements is disposed in the region of the overlap. A method for producing a thermoelectric module and a thermoelectric generator are also provided. | 11-14-2013 |
20130306122 | MANUFACTURE OF THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR STRUCTURES BY FIBER DRAWING - Methods of manufacturing a thermoelectric generator via fiber drawing and corresponding or associated thermoelectric generator devices are provided. | 11-21-2013 |
20130306123 | POWER GENERATOR - Disclosed is a generator. The generator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a thermoelectric element, which creates an electromotive force by using a temperature difference between a high-temperature portion and a low-temperature portion; a heat source, which is thermally coupled to the high-temperature portion and transfers heat to the high-temperature portion; and a vibrating capillary-shaped heat-pipe, which has a working fluid injected therein, is thermally coupled to the low-temperature portion, and discharges heat of the low-temperature portion. The generator in accordance with the present invention can increase an efficiency of power generation using the thermoelectric element by employing a highly exothermic vibrating capillary-shaped heat-pipe to maintain the temperature difference required for power generation. | 11-21-2013 |
20130306124 | WIRELESS POWER SUPPLY DEVICE AND WIRELESS POWER SUPPLY METHOD - To provide a wireless power supply device and a wireless power supply method capable of supplying electric power by a wireless system, using a means other than radio waves. This wireless power supply device of the present invention is provided with (A) a thermoelectric generation device which performs thermoelectric generation in response to the change in atmospheric temperature, and (B) a temperature control device which periodically changes the atmospheric temperature of the thermoelectric generation device. Further, this wireless power supply method uses a wireless power supply device provided with a thermoelectric generation device and a temperature control device, wherein the atmospheric temperature of the thermoelectric generation device is periodically changed by the temperature control device, and the thermoelectric generation device performs thermoelectric generation in response to the change in the atmospheric temperature, and the obtained power is brought to the exterior. | 11-21-2013 |
20130312804 | TOUCH PANEL - A touch panel includes: an illuminant that emits light from an opening provided on a non-operation area of a film; and at least one of a photoelectric converter that generates an electric power based on the light emitted from the illuminant and a thermoelectric converter that generates an electric power based on a temperature difference between a temperature of an operation surface of the touch panel and a temperature inside the touch panel; wherein the illuminant and the at least one of the photoelectric converter and the thermoelectric converter are arranged between an upper substrate and a lower substrate of the touch panel, and arranged below the non-operation area of the film. | 11-28-2013 |
20130319492 | Exhaust Gas System for an Internal Combustion Engine - An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine. | 12-05-2013 |
20130327369 | THERMOELECTRIC SYSTEM WITH MECHANICALLY COMPLIANT ELEMENT - A thermoelectric system includes at least one first heat exchanger configured to be in thermal communication with a heat source, at least one second heat exchanger configured to be in thermal communication with a heat sink, and at least one thermoelectric assembly including a plurality of thermoelectric elements sealed within an environment including a gas. The at least one thermoelectric assembly is mechanically coupled to the at least one first heat exchanger and mechanically coupled to the at least one second heat exchanger. The at least one thermoelectric assembly is sandwiched between the at least one first heat exchanger and the at least one second heat exchanger. The at least one second heat exchanger includes at least one mechanically compliant element configured to flex in response to at least one dimensional change of the at least one thermoelectric assembly due to thermal expansion or contraction. | 12-12-2013 |
20140000669 | THERMO-ELECTRIC GENERATOR MODULE | 01-02-2014 |
20140007914 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENTS USING METAL-INSULATOR TRANSITION MATERIAL - Provided is a thermoelectric device including a first electrode, a substrate electrically connected to the first electrode, a thin film on the substrate, and a second electrode on the thin film. The substrate and the thin film may be configured to exhibit a metallic property at a temperature over a critical temperature, thereby having a thermoelectric power of the device that is higher than that of a semiconductor junction. | 01-09-2014 |
20140007915 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR FOR A VEHICLE AND HEAT STORAGE DEVICE FOR A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR OF A VEHICLE - A thermoelectric generator for a vehicle includes a generator housing arranged in an exhaust line of the vehicle and/or in a bypass to the exhaust line and at least one thermoelectric module assigned to at least one first exhaust gas contact surface. Thermal energy is transferred from the first exhaust gas contact surface to the thermoelectric module via at least one heat conduction path and at least one heat storage chamber filled with at least one heat storage material. The heat storage chamber is assigned at least one second exhaust gas contact surface from which thermal energy is configured to be transferred to the heat storage chamber. The heat storage chamber is arranged outside the heat conduction path from the first exhaust gas contact surface to the thermoelectric module. A heat storage device is provided for the thermoelectric generator of the vehicle. | 01-09-2014 |
20140014153 | THERMOELECTRIC ELECTRICITY GENERATING DEVICE - Provided is a thermoelectric power generating apparatus that can generate power by thermoelectric conversion by efficiently utilizing a temperature difference produced in a thermal energy source. The apparatus | 01-16-2014 |
20140014154 | THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION DEVICE AND PORTABLE ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A thermoelectric power generation device includes a substrate and a thermoelectric conversion element formed on one surface of the substrate, the thermoelectric conversion element is formed so that the one surface side is used as a low temperature side, and the thermoelectric power generation device further includes: an electric storage circuit which is formed on other surface of the substrate to store electric energy generated by the thermoelectric conversion element; a first wiring which is a wiring formed on the other surface of the substrate to electrically connect the thermoelectric conversion element and the electric storage circuit to each other; and a heat radiation fin which is disposed above the other surface of the substrate to cover the first wiring in plan view. | 01-16-2014 |
20140020728 | Apparatus and Method for Harvesting Energy in an Electronic Device - An apparatus, a method, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus may be an electronic component. The electronic component includes at least one energy harvester coupled between at least one pair of hot and cold regions of the electronic component and configured to convert thermal energy to electrical energy in order to provide power to at least the electronic component, the at least one energy harvester including a radiative thermal channel or a conductive thermal channel. A first end of the conductive thermal channel is coupled to a first semiconductor material and a second end of the conductive thermal channel is coupled to a second semiconductor material, the first semiconductor material being coupled to the hot region and isolated from the cold region and the second semiconductor material being coupled to the cold region and isolated from the hot region. | 01-23-2014 |
20140020729 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME, AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A thermoelectric conversion element includes a p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material containing a metal as its main constituent, an n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material containing an oxide as its main constituent, and a composite oxide insulating material containing a composite oxide as its main constituent. The p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material are directly bonded in a region of a junction plane between the p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material, and the p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material are bonded to each other with the composite oxide insulating material interposed therebetween so as to define a pn conjunction pair in the other region of the junction plane. A perovskite-type oxide is used as the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material. | 01-23-2014 |
20140020730 | SYSTEM FOR THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATION - Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for generating and delivering electricity and/or hot water for combined heat and power (CHP) using one or more fuels. In many embodiments, the system can be used to provide efficient electrical, heating and cooling utilities to a residential household or group of households. Embodiments of the system can be configured for specific heat flow, while minimizing losses and maximizing total system efficiency. Embodiments also provide for stackable energy generation modules allowing the system to be placed in or nearby a residence to provide power to the residence. Embodiments also provide a control system which can be configured to monitor household electrical usage and dynamically regulate the system to operate at maximum efficiency as well as sell power to an external grid. | 01-23-2014 |
20140026932 | Thermoelectric Device, In Particular Intended To Generate An Electric Current In A Motor Vehicle - The invention relates to a thermoelectric device, comprising a first circuit ( | 01-30-2014 |
20140026933 | THERMOELECTRIC APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC ENERGY FROM A THERMAL ENERGY SOURCE - Apparatuses for converting heat energy into electrical energy are described. An example apparatus may include a thermoelectric generator (TEG) device and a heat sink component. The heat sink component can include a heat sink reservoir adapted for holding a heat transfer medium (e.g., a liquid). The TEG device includes a TEG module having a hot surface and a cold surface, the hot surface adapted to receive heat from the heat source. The TEG device may be coupled to the heat sink component in any suitable manner to reduce thermal resistance between the heat sink component and the cold surface of the TEG module. The heat sink component may be joined to the TEG device such that the heat sink liquid contacts the cold surface of the TEG module. The apparatus may further include a thermally-conductive member (TCM), which may be configured to transport heat to the TEG module. | 01-30-2014 |
20140034105 | Thermoelectric Device, Especially Intended To Generate An Electrical Current In An Automotive Vehicle - The invention relates to a thermoelectric device, comprising a first circuit ( | 02-06-2014 |
20140034106 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - Thermoelectric generating parts having a plate-shape or film-shape are stacked in a thickness direction. Each of the thermoelectric generating parts generates an electric power as a temperature difference is generated in the thickness direction. Thermal conducting members are disposed between two of the thermoelectric generating parts adjacent in a stacked direction and on outer surfaces of outermost two thermoelectric generating parts. A first thermal coupling member is connected to and thermally coupled to the every other thermal conducting members. A second thermal coupling member is connected to and thermally coupled to the thermal conducting members not connected to the first thermal coupling member. | 02-06-2014 |
20140048112 | THERMOELECTRIC HEAT EXCHANGER - The invention relates to a thermoelectric heat exchanger, comprising two pipes ( | 02-20-2014 |
20140048113 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR, THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION METHOD, ELECTRICAL SIGNAL DETECTING DEVICE, AND ELECTRICAL SIGNAL DETECTING METHOD - A thermoelectric generation method using a thermoelectric generator includes: placing a thermoelectric generator in a temperature-changing atmosphere; drawing to outside a current that is generated due to a temperature difference between first and second support members when the temperature of the second support member is higher than that of the first support member, and that flows from a second thermoelectric conversion member to a first thermoelectric conversion member, using first and second output sections as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively; and drawing to outside a current that is generated due to a temperature difference between the first and second support members when the temperature of the first support member is higher than that of the second support member, and that flows from a fourth thermoelectric conversion member to a third thermoelectric conversion member, using third and fourth output sections as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively. | 02-20-2014 |
20140060602 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITION, AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FILM USING THE COMPOSITION AND A METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME - An electrically conductive composition, containing (A) a carbon nanotube, (B) an electrically conductive polymer, and (C) an onium salt compound, an electrically conductive film using the composition, and a method of producing the electrically conductive film. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060603 | DEVICE FOR CONVERTING THERMAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler. | 03-06-2014 |
20140069477 | THERMALLY DRIVEN POWER GENERATOR - A thermally driven power generator having a base and a heat source placed within the base. The thermally driven power generator further having a heat collector is adapted to collect the heat from the heat source through a plurality of fins and a heat sink adapted to release heat into the environment. The thermally driven power generator further having a thermal electric power generation module is sandwiched between the heat collector and a heat sink; the thermal electric power generation module is designed to convert heat collected by the heat collector to electrical power. A tray assembly for a thermally driven power generator, the tray assembly having: a transport tray; and a magnetic element integrated with the transport tray, the magnetic element designed to attract a wick keeper of a candle such that the wick is held in place. | 03-13-2014 |
20140083478 | Combustion Device, Combustion Method, and Electric Power-Generating Device and Electric Power-Generating Method Using Same - [Problem] To provide a combustion device of high combustion efficiency in which additional charging of combustion material containing solids is also possible, and an electric power-generating device using same. [Solution] The combustion method that burns combustion material inside a combustion device comprises: a process of charging the combustion material in the combustion chamber of the combustion device; a process of igniting and burning said combustion material; a process of supplying air or combustion-aiding gas (called “air, etc.” below) to the flame resulting from the combustion of said combustion material from outside of the flame; a process of secondary combustion of the combustion material by said air, etc.; and a process of smoke exhaustion; and in particular, comprises a process of additionally charging combustion material that at least contains solids into said combustion chamber during combustion of the combustion material. | 03-27-2014 |
20140096806 | PRIVATE ELECTRIC GENERATOR - Provided is a private electric generator including: a first heat absorbing panel that absorbs heat corresponding to temperature; a second heat absorbing panel that absorbs heat corresponding to ground temperature or water temperature; and a thermoelectric generator that is disposed between the first and second heat absorbing panels and uses a temperature difference in the heat absorbed in the first and second heat absorbing panels to generate power, thereby generating power based on a difference in temperature and ground temperature or water temperature according to a daily temperature range. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096807 | THERMOELECTRIC ASSEMBLY USING A CARTRIDGE SUPPORT FIXTURE - A thermoelectric power generator (TEG) assembly and a method of fabrication are provided. The TEG assembly includes at least one thermoelectric (TE) module, a casing containing the at least one TE module, and at least one support fixture mechanically coupling the at least one TE module to the casing. The at least one support fixture is coupled to the at least one TE module. The at least one portion of the at least one TE module is configured to move relative to the casing in response to temperature-induced dimensional changes of at least a portion of the at least one TE module or at least a portion of the casing. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096808 | System For Thermoelectric Energy Generation - A system includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is arranged to be thermally coupled to a first surface and the second plate is arranged to be thermally coupled to an environment. The environment has a temperature that is different than the first surface. The system also includes a thermoelectric device that includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric device includes a third plate coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric elements and thermally coupled to the first plate. The thermoelectric device also includes a fourth plate coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric elements and thermally coupled to the second plate. The system also includes a dielectric fluid arranged between the first plate and the second plate. The thermoelectric elements are submersed in the dielectric fluid. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096809 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE, THERMOELECTRIC MODULE INCLUDING THE THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE, THERMOELECTRIC APPARATUS INCLUDING THE THERMOELECTRIC MODULE, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A thermoelectric device including: a thermoelectric material layer comprising a thermoelectric material; a transition layer on the thermoelectric material; and a diffusion prevention layer on the transition layer, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a compound of Formula 1: | 04-10-2014 |
20140096810 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A thermoelectric conversion device includes: a substrate; two magnetic layers having a fixed magnetization direction with respect to the substrate; and at least one electrode including a material having a spin orbit interaction, wherein a gap (or dielectric layer of low thermal conductivity) is provided between the magnetic layers. A thickness of the gap (or dielectric layer) is of a distance within the range at that a magnetic dipole interaction is exerted, and a film thickness of the magnetic layers is of about a characteristic length determined by diffusion or the like of a magnetic excitation. | 04-10-2014 |
20140102500 | Thermoelectric Device Assembly, Thermoelectric Module and its Manufacturing Method - In a structure for joining thermoelectric devices and electrodes in a thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric module is configured such that multiple P-type thermoelectric devices and multiple N-type thermoelectric devices are alternately disposed so as to be electrically connected in series via electrode members. A connected portion of the electrode member to the P-type thermoelectric device and a connected portion of the electrode member to the N-type thermoelectric device are made of different materials. This can suppress a considerable reduction in connection reliability between the thermoelectric devices and the electrodes even at a high temperature and efficiently transmit a peripheral temperature to the thermoelectric devices. | 04-17-2014 |
20140102501 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION APPARATUS - A thermoelectric conversion apparatus has a substrate and a power generation part. The power generation part has a magnetic layer with magnetization and an electrode layer made of a material exhibiting a spin-orbit interaction and formed on the magnetic layer. The substrate and the power generation part have flexibility. This thermoelectric conversion apparatus further has a cover layer having flexiblity and formed on the substrate so as to cover at least the power generation part. | 04-17-2014 |
20140130838 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A p-type semiconductor block is made of a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. In addition, an n-type semiconductor block is made of an n-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. The p-type semiconductor block and the n-type semiconductor block are alternately arranged in such a way that the connection portion of the p-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the n-type semiconductor block and the connection portion of the n-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the p-type semiconductor block. The connection portions and tip-end portions of the pillar portions are made of a thermoelectric conversion material containing metal powder. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130839 | STRUCTURE USEFUL FOR PRODUCING A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR, THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR COMPRISING SAME AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME - The present invention concerns a structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator, a thermoelectric generator comprising same and a method for producing same. A method for producing a structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator, wherein the structure comprises at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material, either separated by a stripe of an insulating material, or provided spatially separated on an insulating material, and comprising stripes of conductive material each connecting one n-type stripe with one p-type stripe, and not in electrical contact with each other, wherein the structure is free from polymeric substrates, wherein the method comprises the steps of co-forming the at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material in a single manufacturing step; and forming connections between the at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material by means of stripes of conductive material. The structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator is obtainable by the above method. The thermoelectric generator comprises at least one such structure. | 05-15-2014 |
20140137917 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE WITH BI-TAPERED THERMOELECTRIC PINS - The thermoelectric module with bi-tapered thermoelectric pins is a semiconductor device configured as a thermoelectric power generator that has pins made of Bismuth Telluride that attach to a ceramic hot plate and a ceramic cold plate to form a thermoelectric module (TEM). The pins will include at least one N-doped pin and one P-doped pin. The bi-tapered pin structure of the TE pins exhibits low maximum thermal stress as predicted by thermal analysis, thereby maintaining thermal, electrical, and mechanical integrity of the TEM device. | 05-22-2014 |
20140150839 | CIRCUIT ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING THERMOELECTRIC MODULES - A circuit assembly generally includes a circuit board and at least one electrical pathway configured to couple a thermoelectric module to the circuit board. The circuit board and the at least one electrical pathway form part of the thermoelectric module when the thermoelectric module is coupled to the circuit board via the at least one electrical pathway. The thermoelectric module, including the portion of the circuit board forming part of the thermoelectric module, defines a footprint that is smaller than a footprint of the circuit board. As such, the circuit board is capable of supporting electrical components on the circuit board in a position outside the footprint defined by the thermoelectric module. | 06-05-2014 |
20140158178 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR AND THERMOELECTRIC GENERATING SYSTEM - A thermoelectric generator (TEG) including a cooling element, a heat-collection element and at least one thermoelectric generating module is provided. The heat-collection element is disposed at a side of the cooling element, wherein the heat-collection element has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the heat-collection element is suitable for facing a thermal radiation source with the first surface so as to receive thermal energy thereof in a predetermined distance without contacting the thermal radiation source. The thermoelectric generating module is disposed between the second surface of the heat-collection element and the cooling element, wherein the emissivity of the heat-collection element is larger than 0.8. A thermoelectric generating system is also provided. | 06-12-2014 |
20140158179 | THERMIONIC CONVERTER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF ELECTRODE OF THERMIONIC CONVERTER - In a method of manufacturing an electrode of a thermionic converter, a carbide layer is formed on a base material by a vapor synthesis, an N-type diamond layer doped with a donor impurity is formed on the carbide layer by a vapor synthesis, and a surface of the N-type diamond layer is terminated with hydrogen. The base material is made of a metal, and the carbide layer is made of a metal carbide. | 06-12-2014 |
20140166063 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME - Thermoelectric devices are provided. First and second electrodes are provided on a substrate. A first leg including first semiconductor patterns and a first barrier pattern is provided on a first electrode. A second leg including second semiconductor patterns and a second barrier pattern is provided on the second electrode. A third electrode is provided on the first leg and the second leg. The first barrier pattern includes a metal-semiconductor compound including a first metal, and the second barrier pattern includes a metal-semiconductor compound including a second metal. A work function of the second metal is greater than a work function of the first metal. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166064 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - In a thermoelectric conversion module having a stack structure in which one-side element (p-type thermoelectric conversion element) and an other-side element (thermoelectric conversion element) are alternately stacked; the one-side element and the other-side element are directly bonded in some regions of a bonding surface at which the one-side element and the other-side element are bonded; and the one-side element and the other-side element are bonded via insulating material in other regions of the bonding surface, at least one of the one-side element and the other-side element is a thermoelectric conversion element including a thermoelectric conversion material powder made of an intermetallic compound and a metal powder and being retained to have a predetermined shape by a cured resin. | 06-19-2014 |
20140182647 | Process For Manufacturing A Thermoelectric Device, Especially Intended To Generate An Electrical Current In An Automotive Vehicle, And Thermoelectric Device Obtained By Such A Process - The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of thermoelectric components ( | 07-03-2014 |
20140202513 | AMTEC UNIT CELL WITH PARTIALLY OPENED INTERNAL ELECTRODE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE AMTEC CELL - Disclosed are an open internal electrode AMTEC unit cell, a method for manufacturing the same and a method for connecting circuits. In order to overcome the difficulty in collecting electricity within a conventional AMTEC unit cell, an internal electrode of which a portion is open to the outside, so that the internal electrode and an external electrode can be electrically connected to each other at the outside of the unit cell, and a metal support is used as the internal electrode, so that the internal electrode has durability and stability, and a solid electrolyte is formed in the form of a thin film, and as a result, the AMTEC unit cell has an improved efficiency and a simpler manufacturing process. | 07-24-2014 |
20140209140 | STACKED THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A stacked thermoelectric conversion module has a structure in which the following are stacked: a module for use in a high-temperature portion which is a thermoelectric conversion module in which a metal oxide is used as each thermoelectric conversion material or a thermoelectric conversion module in which a silicon-based alloy is used as each thermoelectric conversion material; and a module for use in a low-temperature portion which is a thermoelectric conversion module in which a bismuth-tellurium-based alloy is used as each thermoelectric conversion material. The stacked thermoelectric conversion module disposes a flexible heat-transfer material and, if necessary, a metal sheet between the module for use in a high-temperature portion and the module for use in a low-temperature portion. Also, the stacked thermoelectric conversion module disposes a cooling member on the cooling surface side of the module and a flexible heat-transfer material. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209141 | Method for Generation of Electrical Power within a Three-Dimensional Integrated Structure and Corresponding Link Device - Method for generation of electrical power within a three-dimensional integrated structure comprising several elements electrically interconnected by a link device, the method comprising the production of a temperature gradient in at least one region of the link device resulting from the operation of at least one of the said elements, and the production of electrical power using at least one thermo-electric generator comprising at least one assembly of thermocouples electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel and contained within the said region subjected to the said temperature gradient. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209142 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE USING SAME - Provided is a thermoelectric conversion element having a greater Seebeck coefficient (S) than the conventional ones. In a thermoelectric conversion element: a nonmagnetic Heusler alloy film ( | 07-31-2014 |
20140216514 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR GENERATING AN ELECTRIC CURRENT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to a thermoelectric module including at least one thermoelectric element ( | 08-07-2014 |
20140216515 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermal stress of electrode members ( | 08-07-2014 |
20140216516 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator includes: a heat-receiving plate being adapted to receive heat; a cooling plate being maintained at a low temperature as compared with the heat-receiving plate; a thermoelectric module being interposed between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate; a first O-ring being interposed between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate to surround an outside of the thermoelectric module; a bolt with which the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate are connected to each other at an outside of the first O-ring; and an elastic coil spring being provided as an assisting member on the bolt to bias the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate in a mutually approaching direction. | 08-07-2014 |
20140230870 | Thermoelectric Conversion Elements - It is provided a thermoelectric conversion element used at a high operation temperature of 500° C. or higher and including a laminate structure and electrodes. The laminate structure includes a plurality of p-type silicide substrates, and a plurality of n-type silicide substrates alternately laminated with each other, and adhesive layers each adhering the p-type and n-type silicide substrate adjacent to each other. The adhesive layer is made of a cured matter of an inorganic adhesive of a mixture of an inorganic binder and a filler. The electrodes are formed on the laminate structure and electrically connecting the p-type and n-type silicide substrates. The p-type and n-type silicide substrates have thicknesses of 0.5 mm or larger and 3.0 mm or smaller, the adhesive layer has a thickness of 0.5 mm or larger and 2.0 mm or smaller and has a thermal expansion coefficient of 7×10 | 08-21-2014 |
20140230871 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT - A thermoelectric conversion material containing a carbon nanotube and a conjugated polymer, in which the conjugated polymer at least has, as a repeating unit having a conjugated system, (A) a condensed polycyclic structure in which three or more rings selected from hydrocarbon rings and heterocycles are condensed, and (B) a monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ring structure, a monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic structure, or a condensed ring structure including the monocyclic structure; and a thermoelectric conversion element using the same. | 08-21-2014 |
20140230872 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator includes: a heat-receiving plate being adapted to receive heat; a cooling plate being maintained at a low temperature as compared with the heat-receiving plate; a thermoelectric module being interposed between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate; a terminal block at which a lead wire from the thermoelectric module is connected to an external power line, the terminal block being located on the cooling plate; and a metal cover being fixed on the cooling plate to cover the terminal block. | 08-21-2014 |
20140230873 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND HEAT RADIATION FIN - A thermoelectric conversion element includes: a magnetic body having a magnetization; and an electromotive body formed of material exhibiting a spin orbit coupling and jointed to the magnetic body. The magnetic body has an upper joint surface jointed to the electromotive body. The upper joint surface has concavities and convexities. | 08-21-2014 |
20140238459 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULES FOR AN EXHAUST SYSTEM - In a thermoelectric module consisting of p- and n-conducting thermoelectric material pieces which are alternately connected to one another via electrically conductive contacts, the thermoelectric module ( | 08-28-2014 |
20140246065 | METHOD FOR ENHANCEMENT OF THERMOELECTRIC EFFICIENCY BY THE PREPARATION OF NANO THERMOELECTRIC POWDER WITH CORE-SHELL STRUCTURE - Provided is nano thermoelectric powder with a core-shell structure. Specifically, the nano thermoelectric powder of the core-shell structure of the present invention forms coating layer on the surface of nano powder prior to sintering of the nano powder. An advantage of some aspects of the present invention is that it provides thermoelectric elements having reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced thermoelectric efficiency without affecting electrical conductivity using the nano thermoelectric powder with the core-shell structure. | 09-04-2014 |
20140251404 | SPRING-LOADED HEAT EXCHANGER FINS - A heat exchanger includes a first plate and a second plate connected to the first plate to define a duct between the first plate and the second plate. At least one elastic cooling fin is disposed inside the duct between the first plate and the second plate. The at least one elastic fin exerts a load on the first plate. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251405 | AMTEC CELL AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE AMTEC CELL - Disclosed is a modularized AMTEC cell which does not require a separate collector by using a metal support as an internal electrode, has durability and stability even at a high temperature and a high pressure, very easily joins the cell to a housing by inserting the cell into an insulating portion and sealing, minimizes the number of the parts and expands easily the system scale through the serial-parallel structure. | 09-11-2014 |
20140261607 | Thermoelectric Module with Flexible Connector - A thermoelectric power generating module incorporates compliance into the module using a three-dimensional flexible connector. The flexible connector may relieve thermal stress and improve reliability for thermoelectric modules. In addition, the connector may provide a buffer layer (e.g., cushion) to damp mechanical vibrations. In further embodiments, a thermal interface structure for a thermoelectric device includes a thermally conductive body comprising a first compliant surface for directly interfacing with a first component of the thermoelectric device and a second compliant surface, opposite the first surface, for directly interfacing with a second component of the thermoelectric device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140305480 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR TO ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY - An assembly for coupling thermally a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust manifold forms a first heat exchanger configured to couple thermally heat from exhaust gas to an outer surface of the first heat exchanger. The outer surface is preferably formed of stainless steel. A first dielectric layer is formed by firing a thick-film dielectric material onto the stainless steel of the first heat exchanger. A first conductor layer is formed by firing a conductive thick-film onto the first dielectric layer. A first paste layer of silver (Ag) based sintering paste is interposed between the first conductor layer and a first contact of the TEG. The first contact is sintered to the first conductor layer when the assembly is suitably arranged and suitably heated. | 10-16-2014 |
20140305481 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR TO ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY - An assembly for coupling thermally a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a first heat exchanger configured to guide exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine past an opening defined by the first heat exchanger, and a heat sink configured to couple thermally the TEG to the exhaust gas and fluidicly seal the opening. The assembly is configured so the heat sink is directly exposed to the exhaust gas so that heat is efficiently transferred from the exhaust gas to the TEG. | 10-16-2014 |
20140305482 | Thermoelectric Module and Method of Manufacturing the Same - In a configuration to join thermoelectric elements with an electrode in a thermoelectric module, reduction in junction reliability between the thermoelectric elements and the electrode is suppressed in a high-temperature environment and in an environment in which vibration and shock are imposed as load, to efficiently transmit the outer-circumferential temperature to the thermoelectric elements. In a thermoelectric module in which a plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric element are alternately arranged by aligning the surfaces thereof on the high-temperature side and the surfaces thereof on the low-temperature side, to electrically connect the thermoelectric elements in series to each other; the p-type thermoelectric elements and the n-type thermoelectric element are joined via an intermediate layer with a deformable stress relaxation electrode, to thereby absorb stress taking place during the module assembling process and the module operation by the electrode. | 10-16-2014 |
20140311542 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT - A thermoelectric conversion element includes a substrate, a non-magnetic metal layer, an insulated ferromagnetic layer, and a metallic ferromagnetic layer. The insulated ferromagnetic layer is provided between the substrate and the non-magnetic metal layer. Magnetization of the insulated ferromagnetic layer is fixed in one direction. The metallic ferromagnetic layer is provided between the insulated ferromagnetic layer and the non-magnetic metal layer. | 10-23-2014 |
20140311543 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION GENERATING DEVICE - To produce a temperature difference in the thermoelectric conversion module, a tabular member of the cooling side arranged side of the thermoelectric conversion module is fitted in a uniform pressed condition on the thermoelectric conversion module. In the airtight container in which the flow tube penetrates the housing and the thermoelectric conversion module is arranged in the reduced pressure space between the housing and the flow tube, a tabular member of the cooling side of the housing corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion module is formed by the thin plate that is flexible, and the thermoelectric conversion module is sandwiched between the thin plate and the flow tube. The thin plate contacts the thermoelectric conversion module in a pressed condition by reducing pressure in the reduced pressure space, and the thin plate deforms by following the shape of the thermoelectric conversion module and fits due to its flexibility. | 10-23-2014 |
20140311544 | POWER GENERATOR - A power generator includes layered-polymer piezoelectric element that is arranged on an object to be a heat source and a vibration source, and that generates electric power according to vibration transmitted from the object; a first heat conductor containing a flexible material that is arranged on the object, and that conducts heat from the object. The power generator includes a second heat conductor that is arranged on the first heat conductor and the layered-polymer piezoelectric element, and that conducts heat from the first heat conductor. Furthermore, the power generator includes a thermoelectric element that is arranged on the second heat conductor so as to be layered on the second heat conductor on the layered-polymer piezoelectric element, and that generates electric power according to inner temperature difference between temperature on a heat absorbing side obtained by the second heat conductor and temperature on a heat releasing side. | 10-23-2014 |
20140311545 | ELECTRICITY GENERATOR - The present invention relates to a portable electric generator comprising a heating plate and cooling means between which there is arranged at least one thermoelectric plate where the electric current generated between the heating plate and the cooling means when the plate is at a temperature greater than that of the cooling means is collected, a potential difference being established as a result. | 10-23-2014 |
20140326287 | WEARABLE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A thermoelectric generator module for a wearable thermoelectric generator assembly may include a top heat coupling plate and a bottom heat coupling plate each having a head formed on an outer surface of the heat coupling plate and thermally conductive strips formed on an inner surface. At least one thermoelectric foil may be interposed between the top and bottom heat coupling plate. A perimeter band may circumscribe the perimeter edges of the top and bottom heat coupling plate and encapsulate the thermoelectric foil. The head of at least one of the top and bottom heat coupling plate may protrude beyond upper and/or lower surfaces of the perimeter band. | 11-06-2014 |
20140332046 | ALKALI METAL THERMAL TO ELECTRIC CONVERTER SYSTEM INCLUDING HEAT EXCHANGER - Disclosed is a thermal to electric power generator comprising: a plurality of thermal to electric power generation cells; a case in which the plurality of the thermal to electric power generation cells are placed; a condensing unit which is disposed on an upper portion of the case and collects and condenses a working fluid which has passed through the plurality of the thermal to electric power generation cells; an evaporator which is disposed on a lower portion of the case, converts the working fluid into vapor by transferring heat to the working fluid; a heat exchanger which is placed on a surface other than an upper surface of the outside of the case contacting with the condensing unit; a circulator which connects the condensing unit and the evaporator; and a joiner which joins the evaporator to the plurality of the thermal to electric power generation cells. | 11-13-2014 |
20140332047 | SERIAL AND PARALLEL CONNECTION STRUCTURES OF THERMAL TO ELECTRIC CONVERTING CELLS USING POROUS CURRENT COLLECTING MATERIAL AND APPLICATION OF THE SAME - Disclosed is a method for collecting current by using a liquefied or gaseous working fluid present inside an electric power generator system. Through the method, a porous structure like a metal felt capable of infusing the liquefied working fluid is inserted and connected to the cell, and then the working fluid present around the cell is naturally infused, so that current is collected. For this purpose, a current collector is provided, which is located between adjacent thermal to electric power generation cells among a plurality of the thermal to electric power generation cells. | 11-13-2014 |
20140332048 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - A thermoelectric device includes at least one first heat exchange member. The first heat exchange member includes a conductive body having top and bottom surfaces joined by side surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces include a thin film of active material deposited thereon. The active material includes one of P-type and N-type thermoelectric materials positioned oppositely on the top and bottom surfaces. The thin film of active material includes an anti-diffusion coating deposited thereon. The anti-diffusion coating includes a joining layer deposited thereon. The conductive body of the first heat exchange member includes heat transfer passages formed therein receiving a heat transfer liquid. At least one second heat exchange member includes a conductive body having top and bottom surfaces joined by side surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces including a joining layer deposited thereon. The conductive body of the second member includes heat transfer surfaces formed therein receiving a heat transfer medium. The first and second heat exchange members are connected to each other at the joining layer and a temperature differential is created between the first and second heat exchange members. | 11-13-2014 |
20140338714 | Thermoelectric Assembly And Device, In Particular For Generating An Electric Current In A Motor Vehicle - An assembly is formed of a plurality of tubes ( | 11-20-2014 |
20140338715 | High Performance Thermoelectric Materials - A method and device produce thermoelectric power and thermoelectric modules. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric module comprises N-type carbon nanotube film and P-type carbon nanotube film. | 11-20-2014 |
20140345662 | DEVICE FOR CONVERTING THERMAL ENERGY TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - The invention relates to a device for converting thermal energy to electrical energy, comprising at least one thermoelectric module ( | 11-27-2014 |
20140345663 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE USING THE SAME - Provided are a thermoelectric device and a thermoelectric module having larger conversion efficiency than conventional ones. A thermoelectric device of the present invention includes a Heusler alloy material, and a pair of electrodes that takes out electromotive force according to a temperature gradient caused in the Heusler alloy material. Further, the dimensions of the Heusler alloy material are defined such that the conversion efficiency of the module is maximized according to an environment having a temperature difference, under which the Heusler alloy material is used. | 11-27-2014 |
20140345664 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR MODULE, METAL-CERAMIC SUBSTRATE AND METHOD OF PRODUCING SUCH A METAL-CERAMIC SUBSTRATE - The invention relates to a thermoelectric generator module with a hot zone and a cold zone including at least a first metal-ceramic substrate, which has a first ceramic layer and at least one structured first metallization applied to the first ceramic layer and is assigned to the hot zone, and at least a second metal-ceramic substrate, which has a second ceramic layer and at least one structured second metallization applied to the second ceramic layer and is assigned to the cold zone, and also a number of thermoelectric generator components located between the first and second structured metallizations of the metal-ceramic substrates. The first metal-ceramic substrate, assigned to the hot zone, has at least one layer of steel or high-grade steel, wherein the first ceramic layer is arranged between the first structured metallization and the at least one layer of steel or high-grade steel. The invention also relates to an associated metal-ceramic substrate and to a method for producing it. | 11-27-2014 |
20140345665 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT HAVING STRUCTURE CAPABLE OF IMPROVING THERMAL EFFICIENCY - A thermoelectric device provided according to one aspect of the present invention includes a support member having a shape corresponding to a waste heat environment having a curved surface, and a thermoelectric material formed on a surface of the support member so that it surrounds the support member, wherein the support member is formed of a material having a low thermal conductivity, which is not the thermoelectric material, so as to keep a temperature difference between both ends of the thermoelectric device. | 11-27-2014 |
20140360547 | ENERGY RECOVERY AND REGENERATION SYSTEM - In at least one embodiment, an energy recovery and regeneration system includes at least one pyroelectric energy recovery module (ERM), a coolant line, a valve and an energy storage module. The at least one pyroelectric ERM generates a voltage in response to realizing a temperature change. The coolant line includes a first end in fluid communication with a coolant source to receive a coolant and a second end disposed adjacent the at least one pyroelectric ERM to deliver the coolant thereto. The valve is interposed between the coolant source and the at least one pyroelectric ERM. The valve modulates the coolant delivered to the at least one pyroelectric ERM to generate the temperate change. The energy storage module is in electrical communication with the pyroelectric ERM to store the voltage generated by the at least one pyroelectric ERM. | 12-11-2014 |
20140360548 | THERMO-ELECTRIC POWER HARVESTING BEARING CONFIGURATION - A power generating bearing assembly provides a bearing subassembly retained by a bearing housing. During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly. The bearing housing can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage which would be integrated within the bearing housing. The liquid cooling passage would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly to remove heat therefrom. A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) is thermally coupled to an exterior surface of the housing at a location identified for collecting heat generated during operation. The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) utilizes a temperature difference between the housing and the ambient air to generated electric power. The power can be used to operate electrically powered devices, such as condition sensors, communication devices, and the like. | 12-11-2014 |
20150013739 | Thermoelectric Generator - A thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric element and a casing to house the thermoelectric element, the casing including a first casing member and a second casing member to house the thermoelectric element so as to pressingly hold the thermoelectric element in between the first and second casing members, wherein a rib is formed around at least one of a surface of the first casing member and a surface of the second casing member, the surfaces pressingly holding the thermoelectric element therebetween while the first casing member and the second casing member house the thermoelectric element therein. | 01-15-2015 |
20150034138 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - The invention concerns a thermoelectric module with multiple thermoelectric elements, which are arranged spaced apart from one another, two thermoelectric elements being respectively electrically connected by means of a conductor bridge, an electrical insulation being arranged at least in certain portions on a side of the conductor bridge that is facing away from the thermoelectric element and/or on a side of the conductor bridge that is facing the thermoelectric element, the electrical insulation being arranged on the surface of the conductor bridge, the electrical insulation and the conductor bridge being thermomechanically decoupled. | 02-05-2015 |
20150053247 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A thermoelectric conversion device includes a stack in which a first perovskite dielectric film, which includes Sr and Ti and has a first bandgap, and a second perovskite dielectric film, which includes Sr and Ti and has a second bandgap smaller than the first bandgap, are stacked alternately, each of the first and second perovskite dielectric films being doped to have an electric conductivity, the first and the second perovskite dielectric films having respective compositions such that there appears a bandoffset of 0.54 eV in maximum between a conduction band of the first perovskite dielectric film and a conduction band of the second perovskite dielectric film. | 02-26-2015 |
20150075578 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion material having a reduced thermal conductivity and having an improved figure of merit, and a method for producing the material. The thermoelectric conversion material has, as formed on a resin substrate having recesses, a thermoelectric semiconductor layer formed of a thermoelectric semiconductor material, wherein the resin substrate comprises one formed by curing a resin layer of a curable resin composition. The production method for the thermoelectric conversion material comprises a resin substrate formation step of transcribing a protruding structure from an original plate having the protruding structure onto a resin layer of a curable resin composition and curing the layer, and a film formation step of forming a thermoelectric semiconductor layer of a thermoelectric semiconductor material on the resin substrate. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075579 | THERMIONIC POWER GENERATOR - A thermionic power generator includes an emitter generating thermions and a collector collecting the thermions. The emitter includes an emitter substrate having an electric conductivity, a low resistance layer stacked to the emitter substrate and made of an n-type diamond semiconductor that includes phosphorus as a donor, and an electron emission layer stacked to the low resistance layer and made of an n-type diamond semiconductor that includes nitrogen as a donor. The collector includes a collector substrate having an electric conductivity and is disposed opposite to the emitter via a clearance. The electron emission layer has a thickness equal to or less than 40 nm. | 03-19-2015 |
20150083179 | THERMO-ELECTRIC POWER HARVESTING BEARING CONFIGURATION - A power generating bearing assembly ( | 03-26-2015 |
20150096604 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND ARTICLE FOR THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION USING SAME, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT - The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion material including a carbon nanotube, a thermoelectric conversion element including the same, an article for thermoelectric power generation, and a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion material comprising: a carbon nanotube; and a polythiophene polymer constituted of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1), | 04-09-2015 |
20150101646 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY RECOVERY - The present disclosure relates to a energy recovery system for a vehicle. The waste recovery system includes a thermoelectric module which is interfaced with a heat source of the vehicle. The heat source generates waste heat. Further, the waste heat provides a high temperature heat source for the thermoelectric module. A low temperature heat source is also interfaced with the thermoelectric module. A temperature difference between the high temperature heat source and the low temperature heat source generates thermoelectric power. A controller is configured to select the low temperature heat source based on at least one of the temperature difference associated with the thermoelectric module, and an operating parameter of the vehicle. | 04-16-2015 |
20150101647 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY RECOVERY - The present disclosure relates to an energy recovery system for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of heat sources generating waste heat. The energy recovery system includes at least one thermoelectric module interfaced with each of the plurality of heat sources. Further, the waste heat provides a high temperature heat source for each of the thermoelectric modules. A low temperature heat source is interfaced with each of the thermoelectric modules. A temperature difference between the high temperature heat source and low temperature heat source produces a thermoelectric power. A controller is configured to monitor the thermoelectric power generated by each of the thermoelectric modules. The controller is further configured to optimize a utilization of the thermoelectric power generated by each of the thermoelectric modules. | 04-16-2015 |
20150101648 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION SYSTEM AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT - A thermoelectric conversion element includes a cable. The cable includes a first member extended in the axis direction of the cable, and a second member extended in the axis direction to cover at least a part of the outer face of the first member. One of the first and second members is a magnetic body. The other of the first and second members is a conductive body formed of material exhibiting a spin orbit coupling. | 04-16-2015 |
20150107638 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL - In a thermoelectric conversion element comprising a thermoelectric conversion layer formed by using a thermoelectric conversion material, the thermoelectric conversion material includes a polythiophene polymer, which includes a main chain made of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1), and has a side chain R in a regiorandom array with respect to the main chain, a carbon nanotube, and a non-conjugated macromolecule. | 04-23-2015 |
20150136192 | Thermoelectric Conversion Module and Method for Making it - According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a thermoelectric module ( | 05-21-2015 |
20150136193 | Hybrid Device Comprising A Thermoelectric Module, Notably Intended To Generate An Electric Current In A Motor Vehicle, And A Heat Heat Exchanger - A hybrid device ( | 05-21-2015 |
20150144171 | PRODUCTION METHOD OF THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER, PRODUCTION METHOD OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER, AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER - As the first conductive paste, a paste is used which is made by adding an organic solvent to powder of alloy in which a plurality of atoms keep a given crystal structure constant. As the second conductive paste, a paste is used which is made by adding an organic solvent to powder of metal different in kind from the alloy. In a step of making the stack body, cavities are formed in the stack body. In a uniting step, the cavities work to facilitate flow of thermoplastic resin to absorb pressure acting in a direction different from a direction in which pressure exerted on the first conductive paste to unite the stack body, thereby resulting in an increase in pressure for the uniting to solid-state sinter the first conductive paste to make the first layer-to-layer connecting member. | 05-28-2015 |
20150303366 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THERMOELECTRIC MODULE, AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - A manufacturing method of a thermoelectric module comprises forming a first wax model in which the first thermoelectric elements are arranged in a predetermined pattern, forming a first mold from the first wax model, casting a group of the first thermoelectric elements by pouring molten metal of a first thermoelectric material into the first mold to solidify the molten metal, forming a second wax model that represents arrangement of second thermoelectric elements to form the thermoelectric module by being connected with the first thermoelectric elements, forming a second mold from the second wax model, casting the group of the second thermoelectric elements by pouring molten metal of a second thermoelectric material into the second mold to solidify the molten metal, and connecting the group of the first thermoelectric elements with the group of the second thermoelectric elements electrically in series. | 10-22-2015 |
20150311421 | FLEXIBLE THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES, METHODS OF PREPARATION THEREOF, AND METHODS OF RECOVERING WASTE HEAT THEREWITH - The present disclosure relates to flexible thermoelectric devices. In some embodiments, such devices can comprise a flexible substrate with a first conductive component and a second, different conductive component deposited thereon so as to form a plurality of electrical junctions. The flexible substrate can be a fabric, and the conductive component can be deposited by methods such as stitching of conductive yarns or deposition of conductive inks. The present disclosure further relates to methods of preparing flexible thermoelectric devices and methods of utilizing flexible thermoelectric devices for producing electrical current from waste heat. | 10-29-2015 |
20150318460 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion module includes a p-type thermoelectric conversion member ( | 11-05-2015 |
20150325766 | THEMOELECTRIC DEVICE - A thermoelectric device such as that for a motor vehicle may include a housing having a first housing part and a second housing part at least partially delimiting a housing interior. The first housing part and the second housing part may each include a housing wall, which are arranged opposite one another. At least one housing wall may have at least two receiving regions. The at least two receiving regions may respectively include at least one thermoelectric element arranged thereon. The at least two receiving regions may each be surrounding by a surround extending along a circulation direction. The surround of the at least two receiving regions may include a spring-elastic structure. | 11-12-2015 |
20150333245 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator that generates electricity using heat energy of exhaust gas, the thermoelectric generator comprising: an inflow portion into which exhaust gas flows from an exhaust passage; an outflow portion out of which exhaust gas flows; a branch passage that carries exhaust gas that has flowed in from the inflow portion toward the outflow portion; a plurality of thermoelectric modules arranged inside the branch passage, a length direction of each thermoelectric module of the plurality of thermoelectric modules being the same direction as a flow direction of exhaust gas in the exhaust passage, the plurality of thermoelectric modules being arranged in series in an exhaust gas flow direction from the inflow portion toward the outflow portion; and at least one wall that defines the branch passage, and the at least one wall being such that exhaust gas flows along both sides of the at least one wall. | 11-19-2015 |
20150333246 | HEAT CONVERSION DEVICE - Provided is a heat conversion device, including: a unit thermoelectric module including a first semiconductor element and a second semiconductor element; and a heat conversion module performing heat conversion by coming into contact with the unit thermoelectric module, wherein the heat conversion module includes: a heat conversion substrate coming into direct contact with at least any one of one end and the other end of the first semiconductor element or the second semiconductor element; and a radiating unit disposed on the heat conversion substrate. | 11-19-2015 |
20150333247 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR THE SAME - Concerning a thermoelectric conversion element, it is desired to provide a new spin current to charge current conversion material. A thermoelectric conversion element includes a magnetic layer possessing in-plane magnetization, and an electromotive layer magnetically coupled to the magnetic layer. The electromotive layer is formed of a carbon material, possesses anisotropy of electric conductivity, and further includes an additive. | 11-19-2015 |
20150340582 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion module is disclosed that corrects the difference in thermal resistance between a P-type thermoelectric conversion member and an N-type thermoelectric conversion member. In this thermoelectric conversion module, since insulators included in the P-type thermoelectric conversion member and the N-type thermoelectric conversion member have a different thermal resistance, it is possible to correct the difference in thermal resistance between the P-type thermoelectric conversion element and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element. | 11-26-2015 |
20150349233 | CARRIER ELEMENT AND MODULE - A carrier element includes a coupling to a heat source, a coupling to a heat sink, and a thermoelectric thin-layer element with a hot side and a cold side, arranged on the carrier element between the coupling to the heat source and the coupling to the heat sink. The hot side is in thermally conductive contact with the coupling to the heat source, and the cold side is in thermally conductive contact with the coupling to the heat sink. To avoid damaging tensile and shear stresses in the thermoelectric thin-layer element, especially in the thermoelectrically active material, while ensuring good thermal coupling at the same time, at least one elastic and/or flexible compensating section of the carrier element is set up between the coupling to the heat source and the coupling to the heat sink in such a way that it compensates for the difference between the expansions of the heat source and those of the heat sink by a change of shape of the compensating section. | 12-03-2015 |
20150357540 | HEAT ENGINE AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING THERMAL ENERGY - In the present disclosure, energy harvesters based on quantum confinement structures, such as resonant quantum wells and/or quantum dots, are described. Also disclosed are methods of harvesting energy utilizing the described energy harvester and methods of manufacturing energy harvesters. Energy harvesting is the process by which energy is taken from the environment and transformed to provide power for electronics. | 12-10-2015 |
20150357541 | COMPLIANT INTERFACIAL LAYERS IN THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - A thermoelectric power generation device is disclosed using one or more mechanically compliant and thermally and electrically conductive layers at the thermoelectric material interfaces to accommodate high temperature differentials and stresses induced thereby. The compliant material may be metal foam or metal graphite composite (e.g. using nickel) and is particularly beneficial in high temperature thermoelectric generators employing Zintl thermoelectric materials. The compliant material may be disposed between the thermoelectric segments of the device or between a thermoelectric segment and the hot or cold side interconnect of the device. | 12-10-2015 |
20150357542 | ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT AND A MEANS FOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING SAID THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT, MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH AN ASSEMBLY - An assembly of at least one thermoelectric element capable of generating an electric current under the effect of a temperature gradient exerted between two of its sides, referred to as the contact sides, and an electrical connection means is disclosed. The assembly includes a first deformable element electrically connecting the electrical connection means to the thermoelectric element, the first element including a first side linked to the electrical connection means and a second side linked to the thermoelectric element, the first side being deformable independently from the second side and vice versa, the assembly including a second deformable element forming a heat bridge between the first and second sides of the first element. A thermoelectric module including such an assembly and a thermoelectric device including such a module are also disclosed. | 12-10-2015 |
20150362267 | High Temperature Heat Exchanger - A high-temperature heat exchanger comprises a thermally insulated solid body formed from a high temperature resistant material with a thermal conductivity of at least 20 W/mK, at least one heater element within the solid body; and passages for fluid flow formed in the solid body. A system is also disclosed that comprises high-temperature heat exchanger in a thermo-management circuit of a battery. | 12-17-2015 |
20150364666 | REFRIGERATION POWER THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION APPARATUS - This invention is about a cold energy thermoelectric power generation apparatus, which is based on thermoelectric couple assemblies with small temperature difference, so that thermoelectric couples function with light load and high efficiency, with greatly extended service life, furthermore, it is not necessary to use an air radiator or circulating cooling water system as in a traditional thermoelectric generator, therefore the flow setup is simpler; by using the cold recovery and circulation technology, the cold energy in the recovered liquefied gas can be used for power generation, the utilization rate of useful cold energy, or cold energy lian can be over 35%, and the equipment maintenance work quantity is substantially reduced as compared with a traditional thermoelectric generator, achieving quite significant economic, social, and environmental protection benefit, and it is a breakthrough to the traditional cold energy recovery technology. | 12-17-2015 |
20150372213 | Thermoelectric Conversion Element and Method for Making the Same - In order to further improve the spin-current/electric-current conversion efficiency in a spin-current thermoelectric conversion element, a thermoelectric conversion element includes a magnetic material layer having in-plane magnetization; and an electromotive material layer magnetically coupled with the magnetic material layer. The electromotive material layer includes a first conductor with a spin orbit coupling arising, and a second conductor having lower electric conductivity than electric conductivity of the first conductor. | 12-24-2015 |
20150372214 | COOLED COOLING AIR SYSTEM HAVING THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - Various embodiments include a cooled cooling-air system including: an inlet hot fluid conduit fluidly connected with a hot air source from a turbomachine; an inlet cold fluid conduit fluidly connected with a cold fluid source, the cold fluid source having a lower temperature than the hot air source; and a first thermoelectric generator fluidly connected with the inlet hot fluid conduit and the inlet cold fluid conduit, the first thermoelectric generator for cooling the inlet hot fluid conduit and simultaneously generating an electrical output. | 12-24-2015 |
20150372215 | MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - An insulating substrate is prepared. In this substrate, plural via holes penetrating in a thickness direction are filled with a conductive paste. This paste is produced by adding an organic solvent to a powder of an, and by processing the power of the alloy to a paste. The substrate is then pressed from a front surface and a back surface of the substrate, while being heated. The conductive paste is solid-phase sintered and interlayer connecting members are formed. A front surface protective member is disposed on a front surface of the substrate and a back surface protective member is disposed on a back surface of the substrate, and a laminate is formed. The laminate is integrated by a lower pressure being applied while heating at a lower temperature, compared to the temperature and pressure in the process of forming the interlayer connecting members. | 12-24-2015 |
20150380630 | Thermoelectric Conversion Structure and Method for Making the Same - A thermoelectric conversion structure according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes a thermoelectric conversion unit structure including a magnetic fine particle including a magnetic material with the spin Seebeck effect arising and an electromotive body with which to cover the magnetic fine particle, wherein a plurality of the thermoelectric conversion unit structures form an aggregate with the electromotive body connecting to each other. | 12-31-2015 |
20160003502 | THERMOELECTRIC HEAT TRANSFERRING SYSTEM - A thermal system, comprising a thermoelectric element arranged for a heat flux through the element from the cold side for heat uptake to the hot side for heat dissipation, wherein the heat uptake of the thermoelectric element is arranged by convention, the system further comprising a primary loop for accommodating a cooling liquid for transferring the heat away of the thermoelectric element, wherein the thermoelectric element is arranged for having a maximum heat transfer capacity being higher than the maximum heat dissipation capacity of the primary loop and/or wherein the system is arranged for, manipulation of the flow which affects the stagnant film layer at the heat transmitting surface of the thermoelectric element of the forced convection, to enhance the heat transfer coefficient, and/or wherein a part of the primary loop forms a liquid channel for the heat transmitting surface of the thermoelectric element wherein the direction of the flow is traversing the direction of the liquid flow of the opposite side of the thermoelectric element. | 01-07-2016 |
20160005943 | STRUCTURE OF THERMOELECTRIC FILM - A structure of a thermoelectric film including a thermoelectric substrate and a pair of first diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers is provided. The first DLC layers are respectively located on two opposite surfaces of the thermoelectric substrate and have electrical conductivity. | 01-07-2016 |
20160005945 | NATURAL HEAT ENERGY CONVERSION AND STORAGE DEVICE - A natural heat energy conversion and storage device includes: a heat energy transmission system, an energy conversion system, and an energy storage unit. The heat energy transmission system is used for performing large-scale collection of heat energy through an energy absorption and expansion unit, and transferring the heat energy to a heated end of a heat pipe, which can be superconducting. The heat pipe transfers the heat energy to an energy conversion unit where the heat energy can be converted into electric energy. The energy conversion unit is used for converting the heat energy collected by the heat energy transmission system into electric energy, and storing the generated electric energy into the energy storage unit. The number of modules of the energy conversion unit is at least one. The energy storage unit is used for storing the electric energy obtained through conversion by the energy conversion unit. | 01-07-2016 |
20160013390 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, ARTICLE FOR THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION AND POWER SUPPLY FOR SENSOR | 01-14-2016 |
20160027985 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator includes a perovskite dielectric substrate containing Sr and Ti and having electric conductivity by being doped to n-type; an energy filter formed on a top surface of the perovskite dielectric substrate, the energy filter including a first perovskite dielectric film, which contains Sr and Ti, has electric conductivity by being doped to n-type, and has a conduction band at an energy level higher than that of the perovskite dielectric substrate; a first electrode formed in electrical contact with a bottom surface of the perovskite dielectric substrate; and a second electrode formed in electrical contact with a top surface of the energy filter. The thermoelectric generator produces a voltage between the first and second electrodes by the top surface of the energy filter being exposed to a first temperature and the bottom surface of the perovskite dielectric substrate being exposed to a second temperature. | 01-28-2016 |
20160035955 | System and Method for Using Pre-Equilibrium Ballistic Charge Carrier Refraction - A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two. | 02-04-2016 |
20160035956 | THERMOELECTRIC APPARATUS AND ARTICLES AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - In one aspect, thermoelectric apparatus and articles and various applications of thermoelectric apparatus and articles are described herein. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric apparatus described herein comprises at least one p-type layer coupled to at least one n-type layer to provide a pn junction, and an insulating layer at least partially disposed between the p-type layer and the n-type layer, the p-type layer comprising carbon nanoparticles and the n-type layer comprising n-doped carbon nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles of the p-type layer and/or the nanoparticles of the n-type layer are disposed in a polymeric matrix comprising electrically poled polymer. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric article comprises a thermally insulating support and thermoelectric modules formed of a structure passing around or through the thermally insulating support to provide faces of the thermoelectric modules on opposing sides of the thermally insulating support. | 02-04-2016 |
20160043297 | HIGH EFFICIENCY THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION UNIT - In order to provide a thermoelectric conversion unit capable of generating power with high thermoelectric conversion efficiency, in the thermoelectric conversion unit including: a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules ( | 02-11-2016 |
20160056360 | Flexible Thermoelectric Device Using Mesh Type Substrate and Manufacturing Method Thereof - The present invention relates to a flexible thermoelectric device and a manufacturing method thereof, and a thermoelectric material is formed on a mesh type substrate made of a glass fabric, and the like. According to the present invention, since the thermoelectric material is supported by a mesh type substrate without a substrate made of alumina, and the like, the thermoelectric device has a high flexibility and a light weight, and thermal loss is minimized by the substrate to maximize thermoelectric efficiency. | 02-25-2016 |
20160056361 | Nano-Composite Thermo-Electric Energy Converter and Fabrication Method Thereof - Briefly, the present disclosure relates to a nanocomposite thermoelectric energy converter comprising a composite thin film inorganic semiconductor having carbonized polymer nano-clusters and the net of polymer nano-fibers included within. The carbonized polymer nano-clusters and nano-fibers improve the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT by increasing electrical conductivity and decreasing thermal conductivity. The converter may be fabricated by a dual beam pulsed laser deposition process. A first laser beam evaporates a target comprising the materials of the inorganic semiconductor. A second laser beam evaporates the polymer using a matrix assisted target for depositing the polymer concurrently with the semiconductor deposition to yield the composite film. The lasers may be separately controlled to determine the resulting composition. The converter may be deposited on rigid or flexible substrates for a wide range of applications. | 02-25-2016 |
20160064636 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A thermoelectric generation apparatus for a vehicle using waste heat of an engine is provided. The thermoelectric generation apparatus includes a conduction block that has a high thermal conductivity and is disposed between an engine and an exhaust manifold. A first thermoelectric element module is configured to generate an electromotive force from a difference between temperatures of opposite ends of the first thermo electric element. In addition, the first thermoelectric element is disposed at one side of the conduction block. Accordingly, thermoelectric generation efficiency of the first thermoelectric element module is increased by minimizing heat loss of the waste heat gas discharged from the engine. | 03-03-2016 |
20160072034 | METALS-SEMICONDUCTOR NANOWIRE COMPOSITES - When fabricating thermoelectric devices using bulk semiconductor materials and single crystal substrates, the performance of the thermoelectric device can be limited by the interdependence between electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity in the bulk semiconductor material. Additionally, the properties of bulk semiconductor materials can lead to expensive, bulky, and complex power generation systems. Thermoelectric devices can be fabricated using a metals-semiconductor composite and epitaxial nanowire percolation network architecture. Low cost, mechanically flexible, highly scalable, and high performance thermoelectric devices can be achieved due to the flexibility with the host semiconductor material, nanoparticle material, diameter and length of the nanowires, density and size of the embedded nanoparticles, angle of intersection of the nanowires, and choice of epitaxial growth conditions and fabrication processes in the metals-semiconductor composite and epitaxial nanowire percolation network architecture. | 03-10-2016 |
20160072035 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator includes a structure, thermoelectric devices, a hollow port member, electric wires, a shielding member, and a cooling unit. The structure defines an enclosed space between a high-temperature medium and a low-temperature medium, and the enclosed space is in a low-oxygen condition. The thermoelectric devices are placed in the enclosed space. The port member has one end portion to which the structure is connected so that the port member communicates with the enclosed space, and the port member has an opening in the other end portion thereof. The electric wires are inserted through the port member, and each wire has one end portion connected to the thermoelectric devices, and the other end portion pulled out to the outside of the port member through the opening. The shielding member is fitted in the port member, and the electric wires pass through the shielding member. The cooling unit is configured to cool the shielding member. | 03-10-2016 |
20160072036 | NANOFIBER-BASED THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR MODULE, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND ELECTROSPINNING APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING NANOFIBERS THEREFORE - The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a nanofiber-based thermoelectric generator module, the method comprising: an electrode formation step of forming a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes so as to be spaced apart from and opposite to each other in an alternately staggered arrangement relative to each other; a first nanofiber arrangement step of arranging a first nonofiber including an n-type or p-type semiconductor; and a second nanofiber arrangement step of arranging a second nonofiber including a semiconductor of a type different from the type of the semiconductor forming the first nanofiber, a nanofiber-based thermoelectric generator module manufactured by the method, and an electrospinning apparatus of manufacturing nanofibers for the nanofiber-based thermoelectric generator module. | 03-10-2016 |
20160072038 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT - A thermoelectric conversion element comprises: a substrate; an insulating ferromagnetic layer provided on the substrate and having a magnetization fixed in one direction; and a nonmagnetic metal layer provided on the ferromagnetic layer. The substrate is configured from an organic type material whose thermal conductivity is not less than 0.15 W/Km and not more than 1.5 W/Km, whose Young's modulus is not less than 0.2 Gpa and not more than 7 Gpa, and whose film thickness is 100 μm or less. | 03-10-2016 |
20160093789 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR, IN PARTICULAR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A thermoelectric generator may include a housing that delimits a housing interior and has a first housing wall and a second housing wall opposite the first housing wall. The generator may also include a plurality of thermoelectric elements, each having a thermoelectrically active material and being arranged spaced apart from one another in the housing interior, wherein at least two adjacent thermoelectric elements are connected to one another by at least one conductor link. The conductor link may be fitted by at least one of a first electrical insulation on an inner side of the first housing wall facing the housing interior, and a second electrical insulation on an inner side of the second housing wall facing the housing interior. Each of the first and the second electrical insulation may include at least one graphite film and at least one carrier film having an electrically insulating material. | 03-31-2016 |
20160111620 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY AND THERMOELECTRIC POWER OF SEMICONDUCTOR NANOWIRES - Methods and devices for controlling thermal conductivity and thermoelectric power of semiconductor nanowires are described. The thermal conductivity and the thermoelectric power are controlled substantially independently of the electrical conductivity of the nanowires by controlling dimensions and doping, respectively, of the nanowires. A thermoelectric device comprising p-doped and n-doped semiconductor nanowire thermocouples is also shown, together with a method to fabricate alternately p-doped and n-doped arrays of silicon nanowires. | 04-21-2016 |
20160111621 | Heat Conversion Device - Provided is a heat conversion device, including: a housing; a thermoelectric module received in the housing and including a thermoelectric semiconductor between substrates disposed to face each other; a first temperature conversion portion and a second temperature conversion portion disposed between the substrates, respectively; and a heat reduction portion adopted to guide a part of a fluid flowing in the housing and passing through the first temperature conversion portion to the second temperature conversion portion. | 04-21-2016 |
20160118566 | WEARABLE DEVICE HAVING THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - Provided are wearable devices including a thermoelectric generator. The wearable devices include a main body that has at least one opening and a thermoelectric generator that is seated in the opening. The devices include a pair of terminals that are electrically connected to an adjacent thermoelectric generator or a charge unit disposed on the main body, and a supporting member that is situated on a lower part of the thermoelectric generator and contacts the skin of a user, such that the thermoelectric generator includes a high temperature unit and a low temperature unit facing each other, and the high temperature unit is situated on the supporting member and the low temperature unit is disposed to face an outside environment. | 04-28-2016 |
20160118567 | WATER-AND-AIR-COOLED THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - A water-and-air-cooled thermoelectric device includes water inlet pipes disposed in parallel at an upper side of the thermoelectric device and including a first hot water pipe and a first cool water pipe. Water outlet pipes are disposed in parallel at a lower side of the thermoelectric device and include a second hot water pipe and a second cool water pipe. A plurality of cool water tubes connect the first cool water pipe and the second cool water pipe. Hot water tubes are adjacent to the cool water tubes and connect the first hot water pipe and the second hot water pipe. Thermoelectric elements are disposed between the cool water tubes and the hot water tubes and convert an energy obtained by heat exchange into an electrical energy. A plurality of heat pipes are spaced apart and extend in a direction perpendicular to the hot water tubes. | 04-28-2016 |
20160133812 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator is provided that can perform thermoelectric generation efficiently. This generator includes: a first heat medium chamber into which a first heat medium flows and out of which the first heat medium flows; a first chamber wall which defines the first heat medium chamber; a second heat medium chamber into which a second heat medium flows and out of which the second heat medium flows; a second chamber wall which defines the second heat medium chamber; and thermoelectric generation layers. The two second heat medium chambers are within the first heat medium chamber. Both the second heat medium chambers are separated from each other and are arranged parallel to each other. The first chamber wall and the second chamber wall are not in contact with each other, and the temperature of the first heat medium and the temperature of the second heat medium are different from each other. The thermoelectric generation layers are provided on the outer surface of the first chamber wall and the outer surface of the second chamber wall. | 05-12-2016 |
20160133814 | FUEL-FLEXIBLE THERMAL POWER GENERATOR FOR ELECTRIC LOADS - An apparatus and method configured to provide electric power from a thermal source. The apparatus may include a thermoelectric generator and a heat source. The apparatus may include a fuel source. The heat source may be combustive or non-combustive. The apparatus may also include a thermal battery. The heat source may be configured to combust a hydrocarbon fuel to generated heat. The apparatus may include one or more thermal diodes and/or a heat sink to remove waste heat. The method may include converting thermal energy into electrical energy using the apparatus. The method may also include powering a light or other electrical load using the apparatus. The present disclosure includes a method for manufacturing the apparatus. | 05-12-2016 |
20160133818 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE - A thermoelectric generation structure for a vehicle is provided. The structure includes an exhaust manifold into which exhaust gas is introduced and a cover that is disposed within the exhaust manifold and provided with a cooling water microchannel to perform cooling. A magnetic thermoelectric material is mounted between the cover and the exhaust manifold to generate electricity. Additionally, the magnetic thermoelectric material having an adjustable size and shape is used in the thermoelectric generation device by being mounted in the exhaust manifold of the vehicle to minimize the weight and volume to improve the marketability. The electricity is generated by the magnetic thermoelectric material using the spin seebeck phenomenon to improve the fuel efficiency. | 05-12-2016 |
20160141478 | LAMINATED THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR - A laminated thermoelectric conversion element is configured to generate electricity from a difference in temperature with respect to a heat-transfer direction. The thermoelectric conversion element includes opposed first and second surfaces which extend in the heat-transfer direction. Respective external electrodes are provided on the first and second surfaces for outputting electricity generated from the temperature difference. At least one of the first and second surfaces is provided with a mark which makes it possible to visually determine the location of the high-temperature side and the low-temperature side with respect to the heat-transfer direction as well as the polarity of the electricity generated. | 05-19-2016 |
20160149106 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - A thermoelectric device including a heat supplier, a thermoelectric element disposed on the heat supplier, and a heat exchanger disposed opposite to the heat supplier, where the thermoelectric element is disposed between the heat supplier and the heat exchanger. In the thermoelectric device, the heat exchanger include a medium adsorptive part defined on a surface thereof, and the medium adsorptive part is exposed outside to contact with a first medium of the air and has an adsorptive property for a second medium including a fluid and different from the first medium. | 05-26-2016 |
20160149107 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - An electronic device includes a main body and a thermoelectric conversion module. The main body has a heat generating element therein. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a shell and a thermoelectric conversion element. The shell is assembled to the main body. The thermoelectric conversion element is pivoted on the shell and has an operation surface and a back surface opposite to each other. The thermoelectric conversion element is adapted to rotate between a first state and a second state relatively to the shell. When the thermoelectric conversion element is in the first state, the operation surface faces the main body and receives heat from the heat generating element, for the thermoelectric conversion element to generate electricity. When the thermoelectric conversion element is in the second state, the back surface faces the main body and the operation surface receives heat from external environment, for the thermoelectric conversion element to generate electricity. | 05-26-2016 |
20160155920 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR SYSTEM OF ENGINE | 06-02-2016 |
20160155923 | THERMO-ELECTRIC GENERATOR | 06-02-2016 |
20160163944 | THERMOELECTRIC POWER MODULE - A thermoelectric power module which can be manufactured without spoiling solderability or joining strength when a thermoelectric element and an electrode are joined to each other by using solder, and in which electric resistance does not largely increase in long time use. The thermoelectric power module includes: a thermoelectric element consisting essentially of a thermoelectric material containing at least two kinds of elements of bismuss, tellurium, antimony, and selenium as principal components; at least one diffusion prevention layer and a solder joint layer disposed in sequence on a surface of the thermoelectric element, the at least one diffusion prevention layer not containing nickel, and the solder joint layer consisting essentially of at least one of nickel, tin, and an alloy or compound containing them as principal components; an electrode; an electrode prevention layer disposed at least on one principal surface of the electrode, and including a film containing nickel as a principal component and having a thickness of 0.2 μm to 3.0 μm; and a solder layer joining the solder joint layer to a partial area of the electrode prevention layer. | 06-09-2016 |
20160163946 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - The thermoelectric device includes a first duct housed in a second duct in tightly sealed manner. The first and second ducts extend along a longitudinal axis. The device further includes a thermocouple extending along a transverse axis. The thermocouple is interposed between the first and second ducts which are shaped in such a way that the thermocouple undergoes a compressive stress, in the transverse direction. | 06-09-2016 |
20160163947 | STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION ELEMENT MODULE - A structure for mounting a thermoelectric generation element module for a vehicle includes a thermoelectric generation element module engine including a thermoelectric generation element receiving heat from a heat source to generate electricity; and a gap-adjusting member adjusting a gap between the thermoelectric generation element and the heat source. | 06-09-2016 |
20160163948 | Thermoelectric Device Fabrication Using Direct Bonding - Methods of fabricating a thermoelectric element include bonding at least one thermoelectric material leg to at least one of a header and an electrical connector using a direct bonding process. The direct bonding process may include liquid diffusion (e.g., brazing) or solid state diffusion bonding. The thermoelectric material leg may be directly bonded to the header or electrical connector without the use of a metal contact layer between the thermoelectric material leg and the header or electrical connector. | 06-09-2016 |
20160163950 | STRUCTURE OF THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND FABRICATING METHOD THEREOF - A structure of a thermoelectric module including at least one substrate, a thermoelectric device and an insulation protection structure is provided. The thermoelectric device is disposed on the substrate. The insulation protection structure surrounds the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device includes at least three electrode plates, first type and second type thermoelectric materials and a diffusion barrier structure. First and second electrode plates among the three electrode plates are disposed on the substrate. The first type thermoelectric material is disposed on the first electrode plate. The second type thermoelectric material is disposed on the second electrode plate. A third electrode plate among the three electrode plates is disposed on the first type and second type thermoelectric materials. The diffusion barrier structure is disposed on two terminals of each of the first type and second type thermoelectric materials. A fabrication method of the foregoing thermoelectric module is also provided. | 06-09-2016 |
20160163951 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION SYSTEM - A thermoelectric conversion module includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a thermoelectric conversion device arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first joining member arranged between the first substrate and the thermoelectric conversion device and a second joining member arranged between the second substrate and the thermoelectric conversion device. A difference of thermal expansion coefficients between the first joining member and the first substrate is higher than a difference of thermal expansion coefficients between the second joining member and the second substrate. | 06-09-2016 |
20160163952 | THERMALLY DRIVEN POWER GENERATOR - A thermally driven power generator having a base and a heat source placed within the base. The thermally driven power generator further having a heat collector is adapted to collect the heat from the heat source through a plurality of fins and a heat sink adapted to release heat into the environment. The thermally driven power generator further having a thermal electric power generation module is sandwiched between the heat collector and a heat sink; the thermal electric power generation module is designed to convert heat collected by the heat collector to electrical power. A tray assembly for a thermally driven power generator, the tray assembly having: a transport tray; and a magnetic element integrated with the transport tray, the magnetic element designed to attract a wick keeper of a candle such that the wick is held in place. | 06-09-2016 |
20160181500 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND APPLICATION SYSTEM THEREOF | 06-23-2016 |
20160185470 | DEVICE FOR THE RECOVERY OF THERMAL ENERGY DISSIPATED BY A SATELLITE IN A VACUUM - A device for the recovery of a proportion of the energy which is dissipated, by the Joule effect, by the equipment of a predetermined satellite in a vacuum atmosphere, includes at least one radiative panel ( | 06-30-2016 |
20160197259 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES AND SYSTEMS | 07-07-2016 |
20160197260 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR | 07-07-2016 |
20160204328 | WASTE HEAT POWER GENERATION DEVICE AND GAS APPLIANCE USING THE SAME | 07-14-2016 |
20160251992 | FLEXIBLE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR MODULE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME | 09-01-2016 |
20190148616 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE, SENSOR MODULE, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM | 05-16-2019 |
20190148617 | FLEXIBLE THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC APPARATUS COMPRISING SAME | 05-16-2019 |