| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080289676 | ELECTRODE FOR A THERMAL BATTERY AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - An aqueous slurry can be used to paint thermal electrodes onto a current-collector substrate with a spray gun for thin electrodes or pasting with a thickened slurry. A feedstock aqueous slurry can include thermal electrode components, thermal electrolyte components, a binder or thickening agent, and water. This slurry can be sprayed or pasted onto a substrate and dried. To obtain different densities, the substrate can be compressed to a desired density. Thermal electrodes of a desired size and shape can be cut or punched from the sheet. Different binders and/or binder concentrations can be used to adjust the viscosity and/or thickness of the electrode. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080308140 | Thermo-Electric Cooling Device - A thermo-electric cooling device includes at least one-layer resin substrate having electric connection regions existing with a predetermined pattern, thermo-electric semiconductor elements including a plurality of p-type thermo-electric semiconductor elements and n-type thermo-electric semiconductor elements arranged so as to correspond to the electric connection regions, and an electric circuit metal layer where the thermo-electric semiconductor elements are electrically connected in series via a junction layer in the electric connection regions. The electric connection regions are, for example, through holes, openings, or the like. The plurality of thermo-electric semiconductor elements are a plurality of pairs of p-type thermo-electric semiconductor elements and n-type thermo-electric conductive elements. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090014045 | Appliance for cell-phones, laptops and PDAs - In a first aspect of the invention, a power source comprising an electrical charging device comprising a thermal conductor, a thermoelectric source (TES) for converting thermal energy into electrical energy, and a battery for accumulating electrical charge generated by the converter. The battery provides electrical power to a cell-phone, laptop computer or the like. In a second aspect of the invention, an RFID tag is attached to the cell-phone, laptop or the like to prevent loss or theft. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090014046 | FLEXIBLE THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A flexible thermoelectric device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. Flexible substrates are formed by using LIGA process, micro-electro-mechanical process or electroforming technique. The flexible substrates are used to produce thermoelectric device. The structure and the material property of the substrates offer flexible property and tensile property to the thermoelectric device. Thermal transfer enhancement structures such as thermal via or metal diffusion layer are formed on the flexible substrates to overcome the low thermal transfer property of the flexible substrates. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090133731 | CRISS-CROSSED AND COALIGNED CARBON NANOTUBE-BASED FILMS - Devices including nano-junctions made between aligned functionalized carbon nanotubes, and methods of aligning functionalized carbon nanotubes for the purpose of fabricating either coaligned or criss-crossed p-n junctions. Devices, such as thermoelectric devices, may be formed of a plurality of n-type carbon nanotubes forming a film and/or a plurality of p-type carbon nanotubes forming a film. Methods of making a criss-crossed p-n nanojunction device include the steps of functionalizing a carbon nanotube to create a p-type tube, functionalizing a carbon nanotube to create an n-type tube, applying an RF field to align nanotubes of a given p- or n-type, and orienting nanotubes of different types cross-wise relative to each other to achieve criss-crossed p-n nanojunctions. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090211618 | Thermoelectric Device and Thermoelectric Module - A thermoelectric device and a thermoelectric module are disclosed. The thermoelectric device comprises two thermoelectric materials bonded via first and second bonding surfaces. The first bonding surface comprises a region facing and electrically coupled to the second bonding surface and a region not facing the second bonding surface. Power generation and temperature control extensions to the thermoelectric module are further disclosed. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090277488 | Method and structure, using flexible membrane surfaces, for setting and/or maintaining a uniform micron/sub-micron gap separation between juxtaposed photosensitive and heat-supplying surfaces of photovoltaic chips and the like for the generation of electrical power - A near-field energy conversion structure and method of assembling the same, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near field” gap between juxtaposed photocell infrared radiation receiver and heat emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20100031986 | Thermoelectric Module - A thermoelectric module includes a first substrate, a second substrate having a second surface which is apart from and faces a first surface of the first substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged on the first and the second surfaces, a plurality of electrodes on the first and second surfaces each electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of thermoelectric elements, and a ground electrode on at least the first surface. The plurality of electrodes on at least the first surface comprises a plurality of columns each of which comprises two or more electrodes aligned in a longitudinal direction, and the ground electrode is between two adjacent columns among the plurality of columns. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100031987 | ENHANCED THERMALLY ISOLATED THERMOELECTRICS - In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric system includes at least one cell. The at least one cell can include a first plurality of electrically conductive shunts extending along a first direction, a second plurality of electrically conductive shunts extending along a second direction non-parallel to the first direction, and a first plurality of thermoelectric (TE) elements. The first plurality of TE elements can include a first TE element between and in electrical communication with a first shunt of the first plurality of shunts and a second shunt of the second plurality of shunts, a second TE element between and in electrical communication with the second shunt and a third shunt of the first plurality of shunts, and a third TE element between and in electrical communication with the third shunt and a fourth shunt of the second plurality of shunts. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100031988 | HIGH POWER DENSITY THERMOELECTRIC SYSTEMS - A number of compact, high-efficiency and high-power density thermoelectric systems utilizing the advantages of thermal isolation are described. Such configurations exhibit high system efficiency and power density. Some configurations exhibit a substantial reduction in the amount of thermoelectric material required. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100083996 | Methods of drawing wire arrays - A method of drawing a glass clad wire is provided herein, the method comprising: (i) sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end; (ii) introducing a wire material inside the glass tube; (iii) heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts to form a first ampoule containing the wire material to be used in a drawing operation; (iv) introducing the first ampoule containing the wire material into a heating device; (v) increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube is heated enough for it to be drawn and wire material melts; and (vi) drawing the glass clad wire comprising a continuous wire of wire material, wherein the wire material is a metal, semi-metal, alloy, or semiconductor thermoelectrically active material, and wherein the wire diameter is equal to or smaller than about 5 μm. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100095995 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENTS, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULES AND A PRODUCTION METHOD OF THE THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULES - The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion module, comprising plural first electrode films ( | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100101619 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - There is provided a thermoelectric device capable of improving a power generation performance while keeping a hermetic sealing after a heat cycle is applied, and also achieving simplification of a structure and improvement in productivity and reliability of a device by reducing the number of articles, and a method of manufacturing the same. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100126547 | Thermoelectric module - The invention relates to microelectronic engineering, to the structural design of cooling thermoelectric modules in particular. The utility model can be used in single-cascade and multicascade thermoelectric modules. The aim of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric module design that absolutely excludes environmental factors. The invented thermoelectric module comprises at least one cascade of alternating n- and p-type thermoelectric elements ( | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100132753 | NON-IMAGING DIFFUSE LIGHT CONCENTRATOR - A radiant energy trap. This diffuse and direct radiant energy concentrator comprises at least one reflector, a refractor substantially prism shaped and a receiver interfaced with the refractor. The invention is capable of a solid angle of acceptance of radiant energy, equivalent to that of a flat panel collector, while maintaining a relatively high concentration ratio of diffuse light. The invention can be embodied as an effective hybrid solar electric and thermal collector. A unique yet simple geometry results in relatively high optical and thermal efficiency. The invention can be embodied as a low profile 3-D diffuse light concentrator, combining reflection, refraction, and total internal reflection to approach the thermodynamic limit. It minimizes materials cost to the limits of cost reduction with relatively high efficiency PV cells. The invention increases the utilization of available solar energy and greatly reduces installed system payback periods, compared to prior art. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100147347 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR HYBRID THERMAL SOLAR MODULE - A solar module assembly and method. The assembly comprises a substantially transparent or semi-transparent surface provided on a first substrate member. The assembly includes an absorber material overlying a second substrate member. A spacing is provided between the semi-transparent surface of the first substrate and the second substrate, which has a first side and a second side. In a specific embodiment, the assembly has a fluid transport region disposed within a vicinity of either the first side or the second side of the second substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly has a photovoltaic device configured from at least the absorber material to generate electrical energy and a thermal energy device configured from at least the absorber material to generate thermal energy using the a fluid provided in the fluid transport region. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100252084 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - Thermoelectric elements are arranged with a high density in a peripheral region surrounding a center region or in an outer circumferential region of an opposing surface of a substrate instead of being arranged in the center region of the opposing surface. As compared to the case when the thermoelectric elements are arranged in the center of the opposing surface, when the thermoelectric elements are arranged in the region excluding the center region of the opposing surface, the thermoelectric element serving as a reference point of warp is positioned at an outer circumference side, i.e., the distance between the warp reference point and the outer circumference of the substrate becomes shorter. As the distance between the warp reference point and the outer circumference of the substrate becomes shorter, the displacement amount and the force of the warp caused at the outer circumference of the substrate become smaller. Moreover, when the thermoelectric elements are arranged with a high density, the force of each of the thermoelectric elements pulled by the substrate warp becomes smaller. Thus, by reducing the displacement amount and the force of the warp generated at the outer circumference of the substrate, it is possible to prevent a damage of the thermoelectric elements caused by the substrate warp. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100263700 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - Including a first insulating substrate (A) and a second insulating substrate (B) to be stacked each other. Including a first electrode ( | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100282284 | CRYSTALLINE PLATE, ORTHOGONAL BAR, COMPONENT FOR PRODUCING THERMOELECTRICAL MODULES AND A METHOD FOR PRODUCING A CRYSTALLINE PLATE - The invention relates to the thermoelectrical industry and can be used for producing thermoelectrical devices based on the Peltier and Seebeck effects. In particular, the invention relates to a crystalline plate made of thermoelectric laminated material, to a component which is used for producing n- and p-type conductivity legs. The invention is also related to a method of manufacture of crystalline plates of a thermoelectric layered material based on the A | 11-11-2010 |
| 20110056530 | HIGH CONCENTRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (HCPV) SOLAR CELL MODULE - A high concentrated photovoltaic (HCPV) solar cell module, comprising: a set of Fresnel lenses, a Group III-V semiconductor solar cell, and a substrate used to carry said Group III-V semiconductor solar cell. Wherein, said substrate is made of material of good heat dissipation, for assisting heat dissipation. Said set of Fresnel lenses includes a plurality of stacked-up Fresnel lenses, thus concentrating sunlights to said Group III-V semiconductor solar cell with a significantly higher concentration ratio. As such, in addition to the advantages of small volume, light weight, and cost saving, it is devoid of the problem of a conventional single piece Fresnel lens of insufficient light concentration capability. Therefore, said Group III-V semiconductor solar cell is capable of receiving much more sunlights per unit area, and achieving high photoelectric conversion efficiency; meanwhile, reducing number and area required by said Group III-V semiconductor solar cell, thus achieving reduction of production cost. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110073149 | Concentrated solar thermoelectric power system and numerical design model - The invention, the Concentrated Solar Thermoelectric Power System, herein abbreviated as C-STEPS, is a thermo-optical system configuration for the purpose of achieving a high solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency based on thermoelectric (TE) devices that use the Seebeck effect. It does so by implementing a system for concentrated solar energy using a design that combines a dual-function reflector/radiator component with an active or passive heat convection mechanism to ensure that TE module operation is maintained in a safe elevated temperature range with respect to the ambient temperature. Unsafe module temperatures are avoided by automatically adjusting the TE module hot side temperature directly or indirectly by regulating the TE cold side temperature using a variety of passive or active mechanisms, including the reflector/radiator component, phase change material, or convection/conduction mechanisms. A Numerical Design Model is used to optimize the configuration geometry and performance in various terrestrial and space applications and it is a central feature of the invention. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110088737 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion module which has a P-type thermoelectric conversion material and an N-type thermoelectric conversion material electrically connected to each other. The P-type thermoelectric conversion material and the N-type thermoelectric conversion material are joined with insulating material particles (ceramic spherical particles) interposed therebetween, so as not to be electrically connected to each other. The insulating material particles are joined to the P-type thermoelectric conversion material with a first adhesive material interposed therebetween and to the N-type thermoelectric conversion material with a second adhesive material interposed therebetween, and the P-type thermoelectric conversion material and the N-type thermoelectric conversion material are electrically connected to each other in a region other than the region in which the thermoelectric conversion materials are joined with the first and second adhesive material and the insulating material particles interposed therebetween. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110247668 | Thermoelectric Power Generating Systems Utilizing Segmented Thermoelectric Elements - A thermoelectric system includes a first thermoelectric element including a first plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a second thermoelectric element including a second plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a heat transfer device including at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sandwiched between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element. The second portion projects away from the first portion and configured to be in thermal communication with a working medium. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110290293 | Thermoelectric module and method for manufacturing the same - Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module includes: first and second substrates that are disposed to be separated from each other, facing each other and includes first and second grooves each formed on inner sides thereof; first and second electrodes that are received in the first and second grooves, respectively; and a thermoelectric device that is interposed between the first and second electrodes and is electrically bonded to the first and second electrodes. As a result, the present invention provide a thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the same capable of improving the figure of merit and reliability of the thermoelectric module. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20120000500 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - Provided is a thermoelectric conversion element which enables improvement in yield and durability, is easy to secure a temperature difference between the both ends and is easy to be bonded to an electrode without tilting, resulting in improvement of mass productivity. Also provided is a thermoelectric conversion module using the thermoelectric conversion element. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120024332 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL COATED WITH A PROTECTIVE LAYER - A thermoelectric material in a shape for forming part of a thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric material is coated with a protective layer to prevent degradation by humidity, oxygen, chemicals or thermal stress. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120042921 | Method for manufacturing thermoelectric module and thermoelectric module manufactured from the same - The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module and a thermoelectric module manufactured from the same. The method includes the steps of: forming each of first and second green laminates; forming first and second preliminary electrodes by printing a conductive paste on each of the first and second green laminates; disposing thermoelectric elements on any one of the first and second preliminary electrodes; stacking the first and second green laminates in such a manner that the thermoelectric elements are interposed between the first and second preliminary electrodes; and firing the stacked first and second green sheet laminates, thereby forming the first and second electrodes, and first and second ceramic substrates, and simultaneously bonding the first ceramic substrate to the first electrode, the first and second electrodes to the thermoelectric elements, and the second ceramic substrate to the second electrode. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042922 | GRAPHITE STRUCTURE, ELECTRONIC COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ELECTRONIC COMPONENT - The graphite structure includes a plurality of domains of graphite where a layer body of graphene sheets is curved in domelike, wherein the plurality of domains are arranged in plane, and the domains adjacent each other are in contact with each other. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120055526 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL, AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE COMPRISING THE THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL - A thermoelectric material having a high performance index and a thermoelectric module and a thermoelectric device including the thermoelectric material, and more particularly, to a thermoelectric material having a high Seebeck coefficient, high electrical conductivity, and low thermal conductivity and a thermoelectric module and a thermoelectric device including the thermoelectric material. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120097204 | NANOMESH PHONONIC STRUCTURES FOR LOW THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY AND THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY CONVERSION MATERIALS - A nanomesh phononic structure includes: a sheet including a first material, the sheet having a plurality of phononic-sized features spaced apart at a phononic pitch, the phononic pitch being smaller than or equal to twice a maximum phonon mean free path of the first material and the phononic size being smaller than or equal to the maximum phonon mean free path of the first material. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097205 | MAGNESIUM-SILICON COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME, AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE EACH COMPRISING OR INCLUDING THE COMPOSITE MATERIAL - Provided is a magnesium-silicon composite material which contains Mg | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120111385 | DOPED PNICTOGEN CHALCOGENIDE NANOPLATES, METHODS OF MAKING, AND ASSEMBLIES AND FILMS THEREOF - Embodiments of the invention are directed to doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates, where each nanoplate comprises a rhombohedral crystal of Bi | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120118343 | ALUMINUM-MAGNESIUM-SILICON COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME, AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE EACH COMPRISING OR INCLUDING THE COMPOSITE MATERIAL - Disclosed is an aluminum-magnesium-silicon composite material that contains an alloy comprising Al, Mg, and Si and can be used favorably as a material for a thermoelectric conversion module, and that has excellent thermoelectric conversion properties. The aluminum-magnesium-silicon composite material contains an alloy comprising Al, Mg and Si, and has an electrical conductivity (σ) of 1000-3000 S/cm at 300 K. This aluminum-magnesium-silicon composite material is favorable in the production of a thermoelectric exchange element as a result of having excellent thermoelectric conversion properties. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120145209 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE INCLUDING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric module including the same. The thermoelectric element is manufactured by differently setting diameter, density, and flatness, or laminating a plurality of sheets formed by mixing of metal or non-metal materials. Thus, thermoelectric figure of merit is improved in the thermoelectric module. Also, thermoelectric figure of merit, reliability, and efficiency of manufacturing process are improved in the thermoelectric module. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145210 | Next Generation Thermoelectric Device Designs and Methods of Using Same - This patent incorporates several new modified irregular-shaped thermoelectric element designs and connections for use in thermoelectric conversion devices to increase efficiency and lower the cost and size of thermoelectric devices. Thermoelectric conversion devices using the new design criteria have demonstrated comparative higher performance than current commercially available standard thermoelectric conversion devices. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145211 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - The present invention provides a thermoelectric device including: thermoelectric sheets made of a thermoelectric semiconductor and laminated in multi-layers; and a metal sheet interposed between the thermoelectric sheets, and a method of manufacturing the same. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145212 | SYNTHESIS OF SILVER, ANTIMONY, AND TIN DOPED BISMUTH TELLURIDE NANOPARTICLES AND BULK BISMUTH TELLURIDE TO FORM BISMUTH TELLURIDE COMPOSITES - According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of thermoelectric materials, which embodiments may have improved figure of merit. In one exemplary embodiment, a thermoelectric material generally includes bismuth telluride nanoparticles, which may be undoped or doped with at least one or more of silver, antimony, tin, and/or a combination thereof. The bismuth telluride nanoparticles may be dispersed in a matrix material comprising particulate bismuth telluride. Methods for making undoped and doped bismuth telluride nanoparticles are also disclosed, which may include a solvothermal method for making bismuth telluride nanoparticles having a size ranging from 1 to 200 nanometers. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120152294 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL INCLUDING COATING LAYERS, METHOD OF PREPARING THE THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL, AND THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL - A thermoelectric material includes powders having a surface coated with an inorganic material. The thermoelectric material includes a thermoelectric semiconductor powder and a coating layer on an outer surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor powders. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120152295 | ARRAYS OF FILLED NANOSTRUCTURES WITH PROTRUDING SEGMENTS AND METHODS THEREOF - A structure and method for at least one array of nanowires partially embedded in a matrix includes nanowires and one or more fill materials located between the nanowires. Each of the nanowires including a first segment associated with a first end, a second segment associated with a second end, and a third segment between the first segment and the second segment. The nanowires are substantially parallel to each other and are fixed in position relative to each other by the one or more fill materials. The third segment is substantially surrounded by the one or more fill materials. The first segment protrudes from the one or more fill materials. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120152296 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE, THERMOELECTIC DEVICE MODULE, AND METHOD OF FORMING THE THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - Provided are a thermoelectric device, a thermoelectric device module, and a method of forming the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device includes a first conductive type first semiconductor nanowire including at least one first barrier region; a second conductive type second semiconductor nanowire including at least one second barrier region; a first electrode connected to one end of the first semiconductor nanowire; a second electrode connected to one end of the second semiconductor nanowire; and a common electrode connected to the other end of the first semiconductor nanowire and the other end of the second semiconductor nanowire. The first barrier region is greater than the first semiconductor nanowire in thermal conductivity, and the second barrier region is greater than the second semiconductor nanowire in thermal conductivity. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120160288 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A thermoelectric conversion device includes a Heusler alloy film having a structure of B | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120174954 | SEEBECK/PELTIER THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE EMPLOYING TREATED FILMS OF SEMICONDUCTING MATERIAL NOT REQUIRING NANOMETRIC DEFINITION - The disclosure relates to Seebeck/Peltier effect thermoelectric conversion devices and in particular devices made of stack of dielectric layers alternated to treated semiconducting layers even of large size, not requiring lithographic patterning in a nano-micrometric scale. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120186621 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL INCLUDING NANOINCLUSIONS, THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A thermoelectric material including a thermoelectric matrix; and nano-inclusions in the thermoelectric matrix, the nano-inclusions having an average particle diameter of about 10 nanometers to about 30 nanometers. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120227778 | Thermoelectric Textile - Disclosed are thermoelectric systems and methods for manufacturing thermoelectric systems. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric system include a flexible structure and at least one thermocouple unit integrated in or attached to the flexible structure, where each thermocouple unit comprises at least one thermocouple and at least one flexible radiator element thermally connected to a first end of the at least one thermocouple. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a flexible structure, forming at least one thermocouple unit comprising at least one thermocouple and at least one flexible radiator element thermally connected to a first end of the at least one thermocouple, and integrating the at least one thermocouple unit in or attaching the at least one thermocouple unit to the flexible structure. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120255590 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion module includes two substrates, electrodes, thermoelectric conversion elements provided between the substrates and electrically connected in series via the electrodes, a polygonally-shaped thermoelectric conversion element disposition area provided on inner surface of the substrate wherein the thermoelectric conversion elements are disposed in the thermoelectric conversion element area, a fin radiator provided on outer surface of the substrate and a fin disposition area wherein the fin radiator is disposed in the fin disposition area. The fin disposition area and the thermoelectric conversion element disposition area are located on opposite sides of the substrates so as to overlap each other via the substrate. Part of each of the thermoelectric conversion elements located at least one corner of the thermoelectric conversion element disposition area is located outside the fin disposition area when the fin disposition area is projected on the thermoelectric conversion element disposition area. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120279541 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module using a thermoelectric element capable of showing a spin Seebeck effect. The present invention provides a new thermoelectric module including: a thermoelectric element; a first outer electrode that is connected to one side of the thermoelectric element and is applied with positive voltage; a second outer electrode that is connected to the other side of the thermoelectric element and is applied with negative voltage; an upper inner electrode layer that is embedded in an upper portion of the thermoelectric element and is mutually connected to the first outer electrode; and a lower inner electrode layer that is embedded in a lower portion of the thermoelectric element and is mutually connected to the second outer electrode. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120291832 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion module includes a plurality of first substrates and a plurality of second substrates disposed to face each other, a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, a base plate, first fins and second fins. Each inner surface of the first substrate faces the respective inner surface of the second substrate. The first electrode is joined to the respective inner surface of the first substrate and the second electrode is joined to the respective inner surface of the second substrate. The thermoelectric conversion elements are electrically connected to each other through the first and the second electrodes. The base plate is thermally joined to the outer surfaces of the first substrates. Each first fin is thermally joined to the outer surface of the base plate. Each second fin is thermally and directly joined to the respective outer surface of the second substrate. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120305043 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES WITH REDUCTION OF INTERFACIAL LOSSES - In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric system can include a first thermoelectric assembly and a second thermoelectric assembly. Both the first and second thermoelectric assemblies can be configured to receive heat from at least one heat source and to transmit heat to at least one heat sink. The first and second thermoelectric assemblies can be in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system can further include at least one electrically insulating element mechanically coupled to the first thermoelectric assembly and to the second thermoelectric assembly. The at least one electrically insulating element is not in a thermal path of either (i) heat flow from the at least one heat source to either the first thermoelectric assembly or the second thermoelectric assembly or (ii) heat flow to the at least one heat sink from either the first thermoelectric assembly or the second thermoelectric assembly. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120325280 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION UNITS - Embodiments of the present invention may include a thermoelectric conversion unit having a pair of substrates opposing each other, thermoelectric conversion elements provided between the pair of substrates, a frame member, and a case. The frame member may be mounted along an outer peripheral portion of the pair of substrates. The case may be formed with flow channels having an opened structure. Opening portions of the flow channels may be covered with the substrates. The case may include a peripheral wall portion configured to cover the outer peripheral portion of the frame member. The peripheral wall portion of the case and the outer peripheral portion of the frame member preferably tightly contact each other to achieve sealing. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120325281 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - The method of manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module includes the steps of providing a first inner surface of a first substrate with plural first electrodes and a first positioning portion, wherein the first positioning portion is located at a predetermined position to the first electrodes without overlapping with the first electrodes, providing a second inner surface of a second substrate with plural second electrodes and a second positioning portion, wherein the second positioning portion is located at a predetermined position to the second electrodes without overlapping with the second electrodes, providing the first electrodes with plural thermoelectric conversion elements, positioning a spacer to the first substrate with a third positioning portion of the spacer on the first positioning portion, and providing the thermoelectric conversion elements with the second electrodes by positioning the second substrate to the spacer with the second positioning portion on a fourth positioning portion of the spacer. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130000688 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - A thermoelectric device ( | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130014795 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULEAANM YANG; Ju HwanAACI Gyeonggi-doAACO KRAAGP YANG; Ju Hwan Gyeonggi-do KRAANM CHOI; Dong HyeokAACI Gyeonggi-doAACO KRAAGP CHOI; Dong Hyeok Gyeonggi-do KRAANM LEE; Sung HoAACI Gyeonggi-doAACO KRAAGP LEE; Sung Ho Gyeonggi-do KRAANM WI; Sung KwonAACI SeoulAACO KRAAGP WI; Sung Kwon Seoul KR - Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module includes: an upper substrate and a lower substrate each having a plurality of grooves formed on one surface thereof; a plurality of heat radiation pads embedded in the plurality of grooves; a plurality of electrodes formed on surfaces of the plurality of heat radiation pads and corresponding to the plurality of heat radiation pads one by one; and thermoelectric elements including p-type elements and n-type elements and electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes. According to the present invention, the heat radiation pads are embedded in the respective grooves formed on the upper substrate and the lower substrate, thereby maximizing heat transfer efficiency, and functioning as an insulator for preventing an electric short between the substrates and the electrodes. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130032188 | THERMOELECTRIC POWER MODULE - A thermoelectric power module capable of withstanding a long time use in a high temperature environment where a temperature (Th) of a higher temperature portion exceeds 250° C. The thermoelectric power module includes: a thermoelectric power element; a first diffusion prevention layer consisting of molybdenum (Mo) and disposed on a surface of the thermoelectric power element; a second diffusion prevention layer consisting of an intermetallic compound of nickel-tin (Ni—Sn) and disposed on a surface of the first diffusion prevention layer opposite to the thermoelectric power element side; an electrode; a third diffusion prevention layer consisting of an intermetallic compound of nickel-tin (Ni—Sn) and disposed on a surface of the electrode; a solder layer containing lead (Pb) at not less than 85% and configured to join the second diffusion prevention layer and the third diffusion prevention layer to each other. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130068270 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL, METHOD FOR PREPARING THE SAME, AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE INCLUDING THE SAME - Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric material having a plate type layered structure where each layer has a thickness of 30 nm or less, a method for preparing the same, and a thermoelectric module using the same. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130074897 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR THERMOELECTRIC MODULE - The present invention is related to a thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the same. The thermoelectric module includes a substrate, a bottom electrode and a thermoelectric semiconductor. The thermoelectric module further includes an insulating layer integrally formed on a whole exposed surface of the bottom electrode, a portion of exposed surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor and a portion of exposed surface of the substrate; a contact hole provided in the insulating layer to expose a portion of a top surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor; and a top electrode to electrically connect at least two thermoelectric semiconductors by being formed on a surface of at least two thermoelectric semiconductors exposed by the contact hole and a portion of a top surface of the insulating layer. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130098416 | MODULATABLE THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE - A thermoelectric device includes first and second legs extending continuously between first and second heat sources. The first and second legs respectively include first and second conducting elements and third and fourth conducting elements. The first and third conducting elements are adjacent and separated by an insulator. The second and fourth conducting elements are adjacent and separated by an insulator. The device also includes selection means enabling formation of a first thermocouple from the first and second conducting elements and formation of a second thermocouple from the third and fourth conducting elements. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098417 | THERMOGENERATOR COMPRISING PHASE-CHANGE MATERIALS - A thermogenerator including at least one thermoelement and two phase-change materials having different phase-change temperatures, the at least one thermoelement having two opposite main faces, and each of the faces is covered by one of the phase-change materials, such that the thermoelement is subject only to a temperature gradient imposed by the two phase-change materials, during a phase of heating or cooling. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130104948 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130104949 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER DEVICES | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130118541 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are a thermoelectric module and a method of manufacturing the same. The thermoelectric module includes: a thermoelectric laminate in which a plurality of N-type thermoelectric sheets made of an N-type thermoelectric material and a plurality of P-type thermoelectric sheets made of a P-type thermoelectric material are alternately disposed in a vertical direction and each of insulating sheets is provided between the N-type thermoelectric sheets and the P-type thermoelectric sheets; metal electrodes provided on left and right ends of the thermoelectric laminate; and substrates provided on outer side surfaces of the metal electrodes. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130133710 | COMMUNICATIONS AMONG SUBSYSTEMS IN ADAPTIVE COOLING AND ENERGY HARVESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - Arrangements for communications among subsystems within adaptive cooling and energy harvesting arrangements for use in information technology and other heat-producing equipment are disclosed. The arrangements provide for cooling and energy harvesting subsystems, each of which can operate in isolation and can be interconnected with additional subsystems in peer and hierarchical relationships. Each subsystem comprises at least one thermoelectric device capable of acting as a thermoelectric cooler and as a thermoelectric generator, a control system, and electronics controlled to selectively configure the thermoelectric device in at least in a thermoelectric cooler operating mode and in a thermoelectric generation operating mode. The thermoelectric device can incorporate quantum-process and quantum-well materials for higher heat transfer and thermoelectric generation efficiencies. The control system of each subsystem can operate in isolation but also work together with the control systems of other associated subsystems interconnected in peer or hierarchical associations. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130146114 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT - Disclosed is a thermoelectric element capable of being easily fabricated by employing a semiconductor CMOS process, and improving the thermoelectric efficiency by reducing thermal conductivity while improving electric conductivity between a heat absorption part and a heat emission unit. The thermoelectric element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a common electrode configured to absorb heat; a first electrode and a second electrode formed on an identical plane to a plane of the common electrode and configured to emit heat; an N-leg connected between the common electrode and the first electrode and configured to supply electrons; and a P-leg connected between the common electrode and the second electrode and configured to supply holes, in which a barrier material for suppressing thermal conduction between the common electrode and the first and second electrodes is formed in the N-leg and the P-leg. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146115 | Incremental Deployment of Stand-Alone and Hierarchical Adaptive Cooling and Energy Harvesting Arrangements for Information Technology - Arrangements for incremental deployment of stand-alone and hierarchical adaptive cooling and energy harvesting arrangements for use in information technology and other heat-producing equipment are disclosed. The arrangements provide for individual cooling and energy harvesting subsystems, each of which can operate in isolation and can be interconnected with additional subsystems in peer and hierarchical relationships. Each subsystem comprises at least one thermoelectric device capable of acting as a thermoelectric cooler and as a thermoelectric generator, a control system, and electronics controlled to selectively configure the thermoelectric device in at least in a thermoelectric cooler operating mode and in a thermoelectric generation operating mode. The thermoelectric device can incorporate quantum-process and quantum-well materials for higher heat transfer and thermoelectric generation efficiencies. The control system of each subsystem can operate in isolation but also work together with the control system of one or more other associated subsystems interconnected in peer or hierarchical arrangements. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146116 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES WITH INTERFACE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Thermoelectric devices with interface materials and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. A thermoelectric device can include at least one shunt, at least one thermoelectric element in thermal and electrical communication with the at least one shunt, and at least one interface material between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element. The at least one interface material can comprise a plurality of regions comprising a core material with each region separated from one another and surrounded by a shell material. The interface material can be configured to undergo deformation under (i) a normal load between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element or (ii) a shear load between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element. The deformation can reduce interface stress between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130160805 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL, METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME, AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE EMPLOYING THE SAME - The invention provides a thermoelectric material, a method for fabricating the same, and a thermoelectric module employing the same. The thermoelectric material is composed of Zn | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130213447 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion module includes a pair of substrates, electrodes formed on the facing surfaces of a pair of the electrodes, a thermoelectric element disposed between the electrodes, and a joining layer that joins the electrodes and the thermoelectric element, in which the thickness of the joining layer is 30 μm or more, and is formed by sintering paste including metal particles smaller than 100 nm. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130228204 | SEMICONDUCTOR ELEMENT FORMED OF THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL FOR USE IN A THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE HAVING SEMICONDUCTOR ELEMENTS - A semiconductor element is formed of a thermoelectric material having at least one aperture, a first end face and an opposite second end face. A cross-sectional surface which is parallel to the first end face or to the second end face extends through the thermoelectric material and through the aperture and has an area which is at most 20% greater than the first front surface and is smaller than the second end face. A thermoelectric module having at least two semiconductor elements is also provided. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130255738 | PHONONIC STRUCTURES AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS - Phononic structures, devices related to phononic structures, and methods related to fabrication of the phononic structures are described. The phononic structure can include a sheet of material, where the sheet of material can include a plurality of regions. Adjacent regions in the sheet of material can have dissimilar phononic patterns. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20140060601 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENTS - A thermoelectric element includes a body formed of a single thermoelectric material and extending in a first direction along which a thermal gradient is established in thermoelectric operation, wherein the body has at least first and second adjacent sections in the first direction; at least one of the sections is subject to stress which is applied to that section substantially all around a central axis of the body in the first direction; and the arrangement is such that the stress results in different strain in the first and second sections producing an energy barrier in the body to enhance thermoelectric operation. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140102498 | Methods of Fabricating Thermoelectric Elements - Methods of fabricating a thermoelectric element with reduced yield loss include forming a solid body of thermoelectric material having first dimension of 150 mm or more and thickness dimension of 5 mm or less, and dicing the body into a plurality of thermoelectric legs, without cutting along the thickness dimension of the body. Further methods include providing a metal material over a surface of a thermoelectric material, and hot pressing the metal material and the thermoelectric material to form a solid body having a contact metal layer and a thermoelectric material layer. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140124010 | THIN FILM THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES HAVING FAVORABLE CRYSTAL TILT - A method of fabricating a thermoelectric device includes providing a substrate having a plurality of inclined growth surfaces protruding from a surface thereof. Respective thermoelectric material layers are grown on the inclined growth surfaces, and the respective thermoelectric material layers coalesce to collectively define a continuous thermoelectric film. A surface of the thermoelectric film opposite the surface of the substrate may be substantially planar, and a crystallographic orientation of the thermoelectric film may be tilted at an angle of about 45 degrees or less relative to a direction along a thickness thereof. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140174492 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A thermoelectric material and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The thermoelectric material includes a mixture of nano-thermoelectric crystal particles, micron-thermoelectric crystal particles and nano-metal particles. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140174493 | NANOCOMPOSITE THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - A nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material includes a matrix and semiconductor nanowires dispersed as a dispersant in the matrix. The semiconductor nanowires are arranged unidirectionally in a long axis direction of the semiconductor nanowires. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140182644 | STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR MULTI-LEG PACKAGE THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Thermoelectric device with a multi-leg package and method thereof. The thermoelectric device includes a first ceramic base structure including a first surface and a second surface, and a first plurality of pads including one or more first materials thermally and electrically conductive. The first plurality of pads are attached to the first surface. Additionally, the thermoelectric device includes a second plurality of pads including the one or more first materials. The second plurality of pads are attached to the second surface and arranged in a mirror image with the first plurality of pads. Moreover, the thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric legs attached to the first plurality of pads respectively. Each pad of the first plurality of pads is attached to at least two first thermoelectric legs of the plurality of thermoelectric legs. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140209139 | THERMOELECTRIC MODULE, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND USE OF A METALLIC GLASS OR A SINTERED MATERIAL - The invention relates to a thermoelectric module, having an electric insulation, an electric conductor path, one surface of the electric conductor path being attached to a surface of the electrical insulation, and a thermoelectric material, one surface of the thermoelectric material being attached to another surface of the conductor path. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140216513 | HIGH ZT THERMOELECTRIC WITH REVERSIBLE JUNCTION - A composite structure with tailored anisotropic energy flow is described. The structure consists of an array of two-dimensional electrodes with anisotropic geometrical shapes on a semiconductor or semimetal layer that in turn is on a metal baselayer. An applied voltage between the two-dimensional electrode array and the baselayer renders the regions under the electrodes insulating such that the anisotropic regions interact with energy flow in the semiconductor or semimetal layer. Depending on the orientation of the anisotropic insulating regions with respect to the principal direction of energy flow, the energy flow in the semiconductor or semimetal layer is greater in a principal direction and is lower in an opposite direction. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140230868 | GRAPHENE-CONTAINING COMPOSITE LAMINATE, THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL, AND THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL - A composite laminate may include graphene and a thermoelectric inorganic material including a single crystal having a hexagonal crystal system. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140238457 | METHOD OF PRODUCING A THERMOCOUPLE HAVING A TAILORED THERMOELECTRIC RESPONSE - A method is disclosed for tailoring the thermoelectric response of a thermocouple to that desired by a user. The method comprises the steps of; (a) selecting a first thermoelectric material, (b) selecting a second thermoelectric material having dissimilar thermoelectric properties to the first thermoelectric material, a thermocouple formed from the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material having a known thermoelectric response, and (c) modifying the chemical composition of at least one of the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material to produce a thermocouple having a tailored thermoelectric response. In specific embodiments, the chemical composition may be modified by selectively depleting one or more chemical elements from the thermoelectric material or by selectively adding, or increasing the proportion of, one or more elements to the thermoelectric material. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140251403 | THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY CONVERTERS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The present disclosure provides a thermoelement with improved figure of merit for use in thermoelectric devices and a method of manufacturing the thermoelement. The thermoelement comprises metal layers, high power factor electrodes, a thermoelectric layer and a phonon blocking layer. The thickness of the thermoelectric layer is less than a thermalization length to achieve decoupling of phonons and electrons in the thermoelement. The phonon blocking layer reduces phonon conduction without significantly influencing electronic conduction. In an embodiment, the high power factor electrodes are made of materials with high Seebeck coefficient and high thermoelectric power factor that reduce thermal losses at interfaces of the thermoelement. The metal layers form outermost layers of the thermoelement and geometrically shaped to reduce heat flux in the thermoelement. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140261604 | GIANT CROSS-PLANE SEEBECK EFFECT IN OXIDE METAL SEMICONDUCTOR SUPERLATTICES FOR SPIN-MAGNETIC THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Lanthanum strontium manganate (La | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140261605 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE - A thermoelectric conversion module according to one aspect of embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein includes a plurality of layered planar bodies. Each of the plurality of layered planar bodies includes a base material having a planar shape, a plurality of p-type granular bodies made of a p-type thermoelectric material, and a plurality of n-type granular bodies made of an n-type thermoelectric material. The plurality of p-type granular bodies and the plurality of n-type granular bodies are held by the base material in such a manner as to be spaced apart from each other in a direction along a face of the base material crossing a layered direction of the plurality of layered planar bodies. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140290711 | METHOD OF PRODUCING THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL - A process for manufacturing a thermoelectric material having a plurality of grains and grain boundaries. The process includes determining a material composition to be investigated for the thermoelectric material and then determining a range of values of grain size and/or grain boundary barrier height obtainable for the material composition using current state of the art manufacturing techniques. Thereafter, a range of figure of merit values for the material composition is determined as a function of the range of values of grain size and/or grain boundary barrier height. And finally, a thermoelectric material having the determined material composition and an average grain size and grain boundary barrier height corresponding to the maximum range of figure of merit values is manufactured. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140305478 | Method for Producting a Thermoelectric Material - A thermoelectric material to exploit a unidirectional thermal gradient for the production of electrical power, comprising a body fabricated from milled silicon alloyed with a dopant and sintered at a temperature below the melting point of silicon. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140318588 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion element and a method for manufacturing the same and relates to suppression of breakage and deterioration of the thermoelectric conversion element due to partial pressurization from the vertical direction. This thermoelectric conversion element has: at least one n-type semiconductor body; at least one p-type semiconductor body; a first connecting electrode; a first out-put electrode for n-side output; and a second output electrode for p-side output, wherein areas of respective joint sections of the n-type semiconductor body with the first connecting electrode, the first output electrode, and the second output electrode and of the p-type semiconductor body with the first connecting electrode, the first output electrode, and the second output electrode are greater than respective cross-sectional areas in other positions, in an axial direction, of the n-type semiconductor body and the p-type semiconductor body. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318589 | Fabrication Method for Synthesizing a Bi2TeySe3-y Thermoelectric Nanocompound andThermoelectric Nanocompound Thereby - The present invention provides a method for synthesizing a Bi | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318590 | Fabrication Method for Synthesizing a BixSb2-xTe3 Thermoelectric Nanocompound and Thermoelectric Nanocompound Thereby - The present invention provides a method for synthesizing a Bi | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140352748 | THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT, AND MODULE INCLUDING THE SAME, AND PREPARATION METHOD THEREOF - A thermoelectric material including: a two dimensional nanostructure having a core and a shell on the core. Also, a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric apparatus including the thermoelectric material, and a method of preparing the thermoelectric material. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140360545 | THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY CONVERTERS WITH REDUCED INTERFACE LOSSES AND MAUNFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to a thermoelement for use in thermoelectric energy converters for power generation as well as cooling applications. The thermoelement includes a thermoelectric layer with a first side and a second side. Further, the thermoelement includes a first high power factor electrode and a second high power factor electrode. The first high power factor electrode is thermally and electrically attached to the first side of the thermoelectric layer and the second high power factor electrode is thermally and electrically attached to the second side of the thermoelectric layer. Furthermore, the thermoelement includes a plurality of metal layers. The plurality of metal layers are attached to the first high power factor electrode and the second high power factor electrode. In an embodiment of the present invention, a thermoelement comprises a plurality of micro thermoelements that are configured to reduce thermal density at the electrodes. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermoelectric layer is hemispherical in shape, wherein the hemispherical thermoelectric layer is deposited in an etched metal layer. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140366924 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF HIGH THERMOELECTRIC PERFORMANCE DOPED-SnTe MATERIALS - A thermoelectric composition comprising tin (Sn), tellurium (Te) and at least one dopant that comprises a peak dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of 1.1 and a Seebeck coefficient of at least 50 μV/K and a method of manufacturing the thermoelectric composition. A plurality of components are disposed in a ball-milling vessel, wherein the plurality of components comprise tin (Sn), tellurium (Te), and at least one dopant such as indium (In). The components are subsequently mechanically and thermally processed, for example, by hot-pressing. In response to the mechanical-thermally processing, a thermoelectric composition is formed, wherein the thermoelectric composition comprises a dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of the thermoelectric composition is at least 0.8, and wherein a Seebeck coefficient of the thermoelectric composition is at least 50 μV/K at any temperature. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140373888 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - A method for forming a thermoelectric element for use in a thermoelectric device comprises providing a mask adjacent to a substrate, the mask comprising a polymeric mixture, and bringing a template having a first pattern in contact with the mask to define a second pattern in the mask. The first pattern comprises one of holes and rods, and the second pattern comprises the other of holes and rods. Holes or rods of the second pattern expose portions of the substrate. Next, an etching layer is deposited adjacent to exposed portions of the substrate. The etching layer is configured to aid in etching the substrate. The substrate is subsequently etched with the aid of the etching layer. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150059818 | METHOD OF PRODUCING FILM OF SURFACE Nb-CONTAINING La-STO CUBIC CRYSTAL PARTICLES - There are provided a film of surface Nb-containing La-STO cubic crystal particles that is effective as, for example, a thermoelectric conversion material for use at low temperatures of around room temperature, and an art for producing this film. The production method includes preparing a mixed aqueous solution in which an La-containing compound, an Sr-containing compound, a six-fold coordinated Ti complex compound, and an amphiphilic compound are dissolved; growing cubic-form crystals formed of La-doped STO in the mixed aqueous solution by a hydrothermal synthesis method; obtaining surface Nb-containing La-STO cubic crystal particles by dissolving a niobium-containing compound in this mixed solution and heating; and forming a particle film in which the surface Nb-containing La-STO cubic crystal particles are bonded, by disposing the surface Nb-containing La-STO cubic crystal particles on a substrate and carrying out firing. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150068574 | METHODS FOR HIGH FIGURE-OF-MERIT IN NANOSTRUCTURED THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS - Thermoelectric materials with high figures of merit, ZT values, are disclosed. In many instances, such materials include nano-sized domains (e.g., nanocrystalline), which are hypothesized to help increase the ZT value of the material (e.g., by increasing phonon scattering due to interfaces at grain boundaries or grain/inclusion boundaries). The ZT value of such materials can be greater than about 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.8, 2 and even higher. Such materials can be manufactured from a thermoelectric starting material by generating nanoparticles therefrom, or mechanically alloyed nanoparticles from elements which can be subsequently consolidated (e.g., via direct current induced hot press) into a new bulk material. Non-limiting examples of starting materials include bismuth, lead, and/or silicon-based materials, which can be alloyed, elemental, and/or doped. Various compositions and methods relating to aspects of nanostructured theromoelectric materials (e.g., modulation doping) are further disclosed. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150122302 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE USING THE SAME, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE SAME - According to an embodiment, a thermoelectric conversion material is made of a polycrystalline material which is represented by a composition formula (1) shown below and has a MgAgAs type crystal structure. The polycrystalline material includes a MgAgAs type crystal grain having regions of different Ti concentrations. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150333242 | Energy Generation Device Using Non-Maxwellian Gases - An energy generator using a potential energy gradient applied to a non-Maxwellian gas occupying and restricted to a volume, to generate a temperature difference between regions in this volume. This temperature difference occurs in the absence of any flow of particles in or out of this volume. The volume can be embodied by a semiconductor and particles, by electrons or holes in the semiconductor. Electrical power can be generated from the temperature difference by connecting a Seebeck device across it or by using the temperature difference to drive an electrical analog of the fixed-vane Crookes radiometer to propel electrical carriers. When two such Crookes radiometers are formed across a junction, electrons and holes can be driven toward each other in the absence of any external voltage source, thereby producing electromagnetic radiation. Applications include heating, cooling, electrical energy production and lighting. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20160027986 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A thermoelectric element is provided as follows. First and second semiconductor fin structures are disposed on a semiconductor substrate. Each semiconductor fin structure extends in a first direction, protruding from the semiconductor substrate. First and second semiconductor nanowires are disposed on the first and second semiconductor fin structures, respectively. The first semiconductor nanowires include first impurities. The second semiconductor nanowires include second impurities different from the first impurities. A first electrode is connected to first ends of the first and second semiconductor nanowires. A second electrode is connected to second ends of the first semiconductor nanowires. A third electrode is connected to second ends of the second semiconductor nanowires. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160141480 | A HIGH FIGURE OF MERIT P-TYPE FeNbTiSb THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL AND THE PREPARATION METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a type of high figure of merit p-type FeNbTiSb thermoelectric material, whose composition is FeNb | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160190422 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE SAME, AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE USING THE SAME - A BiTe-based or CoSb | 06-30-2016 |
