Abstract: A bypass diode can include a first conductive region of a first conductivity type disposed above a substrate of a solar cell and a second conductive region of a second conductivity type disposed above the first conductive region. The bypass diode can include a thin dielectric region disposed directly between the first and second conductive regions.

Abstract: A self-generating movable heat source may include a burner, a heat exchanger, a plurality of sets of thermoelectric power generation modules, a plurality of sets of radiators, a shell, a combustion-supporting cooling fan assembly, a thermoelectric power generation module fixed frame, an integrated graphite pad, a plurality of sets of outer hexagonal stud screws, spring pads, nuts, Y-shaped pressing pieces, I-shaped pressing pieces, L-shaped pressing pieces, a power management system, and a lithium battery pack. In one embodiment, the burner, the heat exchanger, the plurality of sets of thermoelectric power generation modules, the thermoelectric power generation module fixed frame, the integrated graphite pad, and the plurality of sets of radiators are sequentially arranged in the shell from the inside to the outside.

Abstract: Integrated circuit devices which include a thermoelectric generator which recycles heat generated by operation of an integrated circuit, into electrical energy that is then used to help support the power requirements of that integrated circuit. Roughly described, the device includes an integrated circuit die having an integrated circuit thereon, the integrated circuit having power supply terminals for connection to a primary power source, and a thermoelectric generator structure disposed in sufficient thermal communication with the integrated circuit die so as to derive, from heat generated by the die, a voltage difference across first and second terminals of the thermoelectric generator structure. A powering structure is arranged to help power the integrated circuit, from the voltage difference across the first and second terminals of the thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator can include IC packaging material that is made from thermoelectric semiconductor materials.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lower metal substrate, a lower insulating layer disposed on the lower metal substrate, a plurality of lower electrodes disposed on the lower insulating layer to be spaced apart from each other, a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs disposed on the plurality of lower electrodes, a plurality of upper electrodes disposed on the plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and the plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs to be spaced apart from each other, an upper insulating layer disposed on the plurality of upper electrodes, and an upper metal substrate disposed on the upper insulating layer, wherein the lower insulating layer includes a first insulating layer disposed on the lower metal substrate and a plurality of second insulating layers disposed on the first insulating layer to be spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A heating and/or cooling device for contact with a human body is provided having a power source outputting electrical energy, a temperature controller operably coupled to the power source configured to maintain a predetermined temperature parameter, and at least one heating and/or cooling module operably coupled to the temperature controller for selectively receiving the electrical energy and being responsive thereto to heat and/or cool the human body. The at least one heating and/or cooling module having a pair of electrodes spaced apart by a thermoelectric powder and an insulator at least partially surrounding the thermoelectric powder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery (1) comprising at least a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12), placed at a suitable distance from each other, wherein said battery comprise an active material is between said electrodes (11, 12), said active material comprising: at least one oxygen-containing compound selected from the group consisting of MgO, ZnO, ZrOCl2, ZrO2, SiO2, Bi2O3, Al2O3, Fe3O4, Fe2O3 and TiO2; at least one salt selected from a chloride-containing salt and a sulphate-containing salt; at least one thickener additive selected from the group consisting of agar-agar, xanthan gum, methylcellulose, and gum arabic, and at least one plasticizer additive, wherein the particle size of the at least one oxygen-based compound has an average diameter in the range from 10 nm to 40 ?m.

Abstract: A light emitting material includes: luminescent nanoparticles; and an ionic crystal containing an anionic component represented by formula (1) below. In the formula, R1 and R2 each independently denote a fluorine atom or a fluoroalkyl group, or R1 and R2 each denote a fluoroalkylene group to be connected to each other to form a ring.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element includes forming a thermoelectric film containing a thermoelectric material on a surface of a substrate, pressing the thermoelectric film with a mold to form a pattern of the thermoelectric film on the surface of the substrate, and heating the pattern of the thermoelectric film formed on the surface of the substrate to generate the thermoelectric conversion element.

Abstract: The invention relates to UV, visible light and infrared radiation sensors, in particular to high-bandwidth thin-film electromagnetic radiation sensors, operating using the principle of thermoelectric effect. According to one embodiment the sensor comprises: a thermoelectric active layer, an electrode layer one and an electrode layer two, wherein the electrode layer one is located below the thermoelectric active layer and the electrode layer two is located above the thermoelectric active layer, whereby the sensor is designed so that the thermal gradient can be created and the electrical voltage can be measured perpendicular to the thermoelectric active layer, between the electrode layer one and the electrode layer two, wherein the material of the thermoelectric active layer is low molecular weight organic compound, selected so that its thermal conductivity would be less than 1 W/(m K{circumflex over (?)}2), Seebeck coefficient modulus would be greater than 100 ?V/K and its molecular weight is less than 900 Da.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a circuits for harvesting energy from an energy source. The energy source may have a first and a second potential of an input voltage. The circuits may further comprise one or more of a charging capacitor, transformers, transistors, or diodes. The circuits may be used for harvesting energy from thermoelectric generators.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method of producing a thermoelectric conversion device having a thermoelectric element layer with excellent shape controllability and capable of being highly integrated. The present invention relates to a method of producing a thermoelectric conversion device including a thermoelectric element layer formed of a thermoelectric semiconductor composition containing a thermoelectric semiconductor material on a substrate, the method including a step of providing a pattern frame having openings on a substrate; a step of filling the thermoelectric semiconductor composition in the openings; a step of drying the thermoelectric semiconductor composition filled in the openings, to form a thermoelectric element layer; and a step of releasing the pattern frame from the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus providing beamforming and environmental protection for LED light sources. A lens apparatus is provided to protect an LED mounted on a substrate. The lens apparatus includes an alignment feature configured to align the LED to a selected position and a focusing region configured to form a selected beam pattern from light emitted from the LED when located at the selected position. The lens apparatus also includes a compression surface configured to compress the substrate to a heat sink to facilitate heat dissipation from the LED and a fastening feature configured to fasten the lens apparatus to the heat sink to provide an environmentally protective seal, so that when the lens apparatus is fastened to the heat sink the alignment feature aligns the LED to the selected position, the compression surface compresses the substrate to the heat sink, and the protective seal protects the LED from environmental conditions.

Abstract: A device for measuring a plurality of material properties includes a structure and sensors in the structure configured to sense at least thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient for a single sample consecutively while maintaining a vacuum or inert gas environment. Embodiments can also measure ionic conductivity and/or surface temperatures. Embodiments can measure any suitable plurality of the above properties.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system for collecting energy from sources of thermal energy that exist in the environment and convert the energy to electricity. The system has N-P junctions mounted on the outer surface of a conduit, pipe or flue. A hot medium flows through the conduit, pipe or flue. The p-n junctions operate as thermoelectric power generators. Heat absorbed at the p-n junctions increases the kinetic energy of charge carriers causing migration of the charge carriers. This thermally-driven migration of charge carriers is used to drive an electrical current in an external circuit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric device where a first part formed in a first doped material and a second part formed in a second doped material each shaped like a comb are manufactured, before being assembled together and electrically connected. Then, the first base of the first part is sectioned into at least one first area and the second base of the second part is sectioned into at least one second area. Each first branch of the first part and each second branch of the second part separated respectively constitute a first element and a second element of a thermoelectric junction, electrically connected via portion of the second base that links them. In addition, each first branch and each second branch separated by a second area constitute a first element and a second element of a thermoelectric junction, electrically connected via the portion of the first base.

Abstract: Provided are an electrode material for thermoelectric conversion modules capable of preventing cracking and peeling of electrodes that may occur at the bonding parts of a thermoelectric element and an electrode under high-temperature conditions to thereby maintain a low resistance at the bonding parts, and a thermoelectric conversion module using the material.

Abstract: Thermoelectric systems employing distributed transport properties to increase cooling and heating performance are provided herein. In some examples, a thermoelectric heat pump is provided that includes a distributed transport properties (DTP) thermoelectric (TE) couple including at least one DTP TE element. The at least one DTP TE element includes a TE material with a Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, or electrical resistance varying within said DTP TE element such that when that DTP TE element is subjected to a fixed temperature differential and no current is flowing in a primary direction that produces heat pumping action, at least at one position within that DTP TE element there is a current that in steady state operation produces a lower temperature than the temperature at that position when no current is flowing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a bulk type thermoelectric element implemented so as to simplify the manufacturing process as well as to reduce the manufacturing cost. The method of manufacturing a bulk type thermoelectric element includes the steps of: preparing two types of P-type and N-type substrates by slicing a thermoelectric element material; bonding P-type pellets formed on the P-type substrate and N-type pellets formed on the N-type substrate to each other to alternately engaging with each other, and then polishing (grinding) the bottom of each substrate to form a P/N layer in which the P-type pellets and the N-type pellets are cross-formed; and assembling ceramic substrates with conductive electrode pads (PAD) on the top and the bottom of the P/N layer to complete a thermoelectric element.

Abstract: An insulated heat transfer substrate includes a heat transfer layer formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a conductive layer provided on one surface side of the heat transfer layer, and a glass layer formed between the conductive layer and the heat transfer layer, in which the conductive layer is formed of a sintered body of silver, and a thickness of the glass layer is in a range of 5 ?m or larger and 50 ?m or smaller.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature measuring instrument 7 for a high temperature and pressure furnace having a structure capable of preventing relative displacement of an insulating tube 10 with respect to a pair of metal bodies 8a and 8b. A distal end engaging portion 22 is provided in an axial direction end portion of the insulating tube 10. The temperature measuring instrument 7 is additionally provided with connecting members 15 and 17 which connect distal end portions of the pair of metal bodies 8a and 8b to one another. The insulating tube 10 is locked to the connecting members 15 and 17 at the distal end engaging portion 22 in such a way as to restrict relative displacement in the circumferential direction with respect to the pair of metal bodies 8a and 8b.

Abstract: A system and method for powering a borehole sensor with thermal energy is disclosed. The system includes a tubular pipe inserted into a subsurface borehole. A borehole casing is coaxially disposed with the tubular pipe. An annular space between the casing and the tubular pipe has a power source placed in the borehole to power a sensor in response to a temperature gradient between a surface of the casing and a surface of the tubular pipe. The method includes attaching thermopiles on the borehole casing or tubing; placing the thermopile in the annulus between the casing and the tubing; inducing a thermal gradient across the thermopile; generating an electrical energy in response to the temperature gradient; powering the sensor from the generated energy; and monitoring vertical expansion of a CO2 plume.

Abstract: Temperature sensor packages and methods of fabrication are described. The temperature sensor packages in accordance with embodiments may be rigid or flexible. In some embodiments the temperature sensor packages are configured for touch sensing, and include an electrically conductive sensor pattern such as a thermocouple or resistance temperature detector (RTD) pattern. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor packages are configured for non-contact sensing an include an embedded transducer.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus of energy harvesting for wearable technology through a thin flexible thermoelectric device is disclosed. A lower conduction layer is formed on top of a lower dielectric layer. An active layer, comprising at least one thin film thermoelectric conduit and a thermal insulator, is formed above the lower conduction layer. An internal dielectric layer is formed above the active layer, and contact holes are drilled above each thermoelectric conduit. An upper conduction layer and upper dielectric layer are formed, connecting the thermoelectric conduits in series. The resulting flexible thermoelectric device generates a voltage when exposed to a temperature gradient.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus of energy harvesting for wearable technology through a thin flexible thermoelectric device is disclosed. A lower conduction layer is formed on top of a lower dielectric layer. An active layer, comprising at least one thin film thermoelectric conduit and a thermal insulator, is formed above the lower conduction layer. An internal dielectric layer is formed above the active layer, and contact holes are drilled above each thermoelectric conduit. An upper conduction layer and upper dielectric layer are formed, connecting the thermoelectric conduits in series. The resulting flexible thermoelectric device generates a voltage when exposed to a temperature gradient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a sensor for a thermal, flow measuring device. The method includes, in such case, manufacturing a metal jacketing for a sensor core, introducing the sensor core into the metal jacketing and sintering the metal jacketing with introduced sensor core.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating power (and optionally heat) from a high value heat source using a plurality of circulating loops comprising a primary heat transfer loop, several power cycle loops and an intermediate heat transfer loop that transfers heat from the high-temperature heat transfer loop to the several power cycle loops.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound containing at least germanium, tellurium, bismuth, copper, antimony and silver as constituent elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is disclosed. The thermoelectric device comprises: a body part comprising a hollow in which a semiconductor device is disposed; a plurality of connecting parts protruding on the lateral sides of the body part and comprising connecting holes; and a plurality of electrode parts connected to the semiconductor device and extending to the connecting holes of the connecting parts.

Abstract: Polycrystalline magnesium silicide containing only carbon as a dopant and having carbon distributed at the crystal grain boundaries and within the crystal grains, a thermoelectric conversion material obtained using the polycrystalline magnesium silicide, a sintered compact, a thermoelectric conversion element, and a thermoelectric conversion module, and methods for producing polycrystalline magnesium silicide and a sintered compact.

Abstract: A temperature detector detects a temperature of an electricity storage unit installed in a casing. A controller estimates a temperature outside the casing on the basis of a detection temperature of the electricity storage unit detected by the temperature detector. The controller estimates an outdoor air temperature outside the casing on the basis of a change amount of detection temperature per a predetermined period detected in a state where a cooling unit is operated and a change amount of detection temperature per the predetermined period detected in a state where the cooling unit is stopped.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a single-walled-carbon-nanotube-reinforced metal matrix complex material. The method includes (a) manufacturing a complex powder by performing ball milling of a metal powder and a single-walled carbon nanotube powder, and (b) manufacturing a metal-carbon-nanotube complex material by spark-plasma-sintering (SPS) the complex powder manufactured during step (a). According to the method of manufacturing the single-walled-carbon-nanotube-reinforced metal matrix complex material according to the present invention, in order to manufacture material parts requiring high strength and abrasion resistance, the single-walled carbon nanotube powder is added to various metal matrixes and ball milling is performed, thus manufacturing a complex powder having uniform dispersity.

Abstract: A control system for a natural gas distribution network, includes: a processing unit suited to communicate, through corresponding signals, with one or more control devices operatively connected to the distribution network; a rechargeable battery which supplies power to the processing unit; a power supply device suited to recharge the rechargeable battery. The power supply device includes: a thermoelectric generator connected to the rechargeable battery; a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger respectively in contact with two opposite sides of the thermoelectric generator; a vortex tube which receives part of the natural gas from the distribution network and divides it into a colder portion and into a warmer portion; a first duct suited to convey the colder portion into the first heat exchanger; a second duct suited to convey the warmer portion into the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermoelectric generator and methods for fabricating the same. The semiconductor legs and electrodes of the thermoelectric generator are embedded in one or more flexible polymer matrices providing protection to the semiconductor legs and electrodes to maintain good electric contacts among them during bending. Thus, the output power of the thermoelectric generator can be substantially retained even after a large number of bending cycles.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices and methods of using thermoelectric devices. A thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric element comprised of a material having a non-zero Berry curvature. The device may operate as a Nernst generator that generates electricity in response to application of a temperature gradient to the thermoelectric element, or as an Ettingshausen cooler that pumps heat into or out of an object to be heated or cooled in response to application of a current to the thermoelectric element. In either application, the non-zero Berry curvature of the material allows the device to operate without an externally applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A solid state cooler device is disclosed that includes a first superconductor shunt, a first normal metal pad disposed on the first superconductor shunt, and a first insulator layer and a second insulator layer disposed on the normal metal pad and separated from one another by a gap. The solid state cooler device also includes a first superconductor pad disposed on the first insulator layer and a second superconductor pad disposed on the second insulator layer, a first conductive pad coupled to the first superconductor pad, and a second conductive pad coupled to the second superconductor pad. Hot electrons are removed from the first normal metal pad when a bias voltage is applied between the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad, wherein the first superconductor shunt facilitates even current distribution through the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoelectric apparatuses for the production of thermoelectric coolers in radio electronics, medicine, and devices that are used in the conditions of repeatable temperature cycling (heating-cooling). The method of production of a thermoelectric micro-cooler includes forming on a first ceramic wafer a first conductive layer containing conductive traces; soldering legs of thermoelectric material to the conductive traces of the first conductive layer: forming on a temporary wafer a second conductive layer containing conductive traces: soldering the conductive traces of the second conductive layer to the legs of thermoelectric material; applying to the legs of thermoelectric material and soldered joints a protective coating; etching the temporary wafer; applying onto the second ceramic wafer an elastic conductive adhesive layer; adhering the second ceramic wafer to the conductive traces of the second conductive layer.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for facilitating heat transfer and cooling electronic components are presented. A system for cooling an electronic component includes a cold core, a plurality of solid state cooling devices, and a plurality of heat sinks. The cold core may define one or more cavities for receiving electronic components. The system may include an air mover and a duct. In operation, the system may cool an electronic component to sub-ambient temperatures. In other embodiments, the system may include multiple cold cores connected by liquid conduits for facilitating a flow of a cooling fluid.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric module used for cooling, and the thermoelectric module can be made thin by having a first substrate and a second substrate with different surface areas to raise the heat-dissipation effectiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus for making in-situ electrical measurements of a sample while the sample is subjected to a temperature gradient between a first side of the sample and a second side of the sample. The apparatus comprises a first heater and a second heater that are positioned in contact with the first side of the sample and the second side of the sample, respectively. The first heater and the second heater comprise respective faces that each have electrical contacts embedded therein. Electrical measurements pertaining to the sample can be made by way of the electrical contacts embedded in the faces. A temperature at either side of the sample can be monitored by way of thermocouples positioned inside the heaters in proximity to the faces of the heaters.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermoelectric generation apparatus, a heat generation apparatus for fuel storage tanks, and a waste heat recovery system. The thermoelectric generation apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes a first piping through which a fluid flows, a second piping through which a cooling medium of a lower temperature than the fluid flows so as to radiate the heat of the fluid, a plurality of first radiating fins having one side in contact with air of a lower temperature than the fluid so as to radiate the heat of the fluid and the other side in contact with the second piping, and a thermoelectric generation module provided between the first piping and the second piping to produce electricity through a temperature difference between the first piping and the second piping.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to scanning tunneling thermometers and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) techniques. In one example, a method includes simultaneously measuring conductance and thermopower of a nanostructure by toggling between: applying a time modulated voltage to a nanostructure disposed on an interconnect structure, the time modulated voltage applied at a probe tip positioned over the nanostructure, while measuring a resulting current at a contact of the interconnect structure; and applying a time modulated temperature signal to the nanostructure at the probe tip, while measuring current through a calibrated thermoresistor in series with the probe tip. In another example, a device includes an interconnect structure with connections to a first reservoir and a second reservoir; and a scanning tunneling probe in contact with a probe reservoir. Electrical measurements are simultaneously obtained for temperature and voltage applied to a nanostructure between the reservoirs.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device (1) comprising a frame (2), a membrane (3) made of thermoelectric material, and an element (4) for absorbing or releasing energy. The element (4) is supported to the frame (2) solely by the membrane (3).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion material includes a sintering step. In the sintering step, a sintered body of a sintered material (20) is obtained by applying a voltage to a conductive mold (10) in a first direction so as to cause energization under the condition in which an insulating layer (30) is disposed in at least a portion between an inner wall (12) of the mold (10) and the sintered material (20) and the insulating layer (30) keeps having insulating properties. Here, the sintered body is a thermoelectric conversion substance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating an aluminum alloy member for bonding different materials. The method may include etching the aluminum alloy member with one or more etching solutions, and forming one or more undercuts on a surface of the aluminum alloy member.

Abstract: The embodiments herein describe technologies of cryogenic digital systems with a first component located in a first cryogenic temperature domain and a second component located in a second cryogenic temperature domain that is lower in temperature than the first cryogenic temperature domain. An electrical conductor is coupled between the first component and the second component along a first plane. The electrical conductor carries a signal between the first component and the second component. A cooling assembly is coupled to a segment of the electrical conductor. The cooling assembly may include an electrical insulator including ceramic material. The cooling assembly may include a cold plate, two cold plates, or an orthogonal cold strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article having: a porous thermally insulating material, an electrically conductive coating on the thermally insulating material, and a thermoelectric coating on the electrically conductive coating. Also disclosed is a method of forming an article by: providing a porous thermally insulating material, coating an electrically conductive coating on the thermally insulating material, and coating a thermoelectric coating on the electrically conductive coating. The articles may be useful in thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes a laminated body including a plurality of first thermoelectric conversion parts, a plurality of second thermoelectric conversion parts, and an insulator layer. The first thermoelectric conversion parts and the second thermoelectric conversion parts are alternately arranged in the Y axis direction and the first thermoelectric conversion part and the second thermoelectric conversion part are joined in a region of the surface between the first thermoelectric conversion part and the second thermoelectric conversion part in the Y axis direction, and in the other region of the surface in the Y axis direction, the insulator layer is interposed between the first thermoelectric conversion part and the second thermoelectric conversion part. The laminated body has a first principal surface and a second principal surface at both ends in the Y axis direction, and both end surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the Y axis direction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An embodiment of a thermoelectric device may include a plurality of thermoelectric cells disposed between first and second planes. Each of the thermoelectric cells may include a thermoelectric element formed from a thermoelectric material of a single semiconductor type, the thermoelectric element including a first end, a second end, and a portion extending from the first end to the second end, the portion extending from the first end to the second end including at least two surfaces that face each other; and at least one conductive element electrically connected to and extending away from the second end of the thermoelectric element toward the first end of the thermoelectric element of another thermoelectric cell. Each thermoelectric cell also may further include an insulating element disposed between the at least two surfaces of the thermoelectric element and between portions of the at least one conductive element.

Abstract: There is a need to produce electric power by means that provide low pollution and high efficiency. Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) systems enable the direct conversion of energy from thermal to electric, based on the emission of electrons from a heated cathode, Diamond is an ideal material for the cathode because of its high temperature mechanical stability, its ability to be created with low resistivity, and its strong tendency to emit electrons. The efficiency of current TEC systems is not practical, as above approximately 700° C. the current produced decreases. The presence of hydrogen at the electron-emitting surface is required to enhance thermionic emission. The present invention provides a resupply of hydrogen to the emitting surface by diffusion of hydrogen through the diamond cathode, and enables efficient operation of TEC systems at temperatures well above the current limit; practical systems for direct conversion of heat to electricity are thus enabled.