Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device including: a heating unit having a heat medium passage in which a heat medium flows; a cooling unit having a cooling liquid passage in which a cooling liquid flows; a thermoelectric element having the heating unit and the cooling unit so as to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of the heat medium and a temperature of the cooling liquid; a power generation output detection unit configured to detect a power generation output of the thermoelectric element; a heat medium pressure detection unit configured to detect a pressure of the heat medium; a storage unit for storing, in advance, a relationship between a power generation output of the thermoelectric element and the pressure of the heat medium; and an abnormality detection unit configured to detect an abnormality taking place in the thermoelectric power generation device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pulverized solid fuel, in particular coal, nozzle (10) comprising an inlet opening (12) for receiving a stream of coal/air mixture (16) and an outlet opening (14) for discharging said stream (16) into a burner. The inlet opening (12) and the outlet opening (14) are fluidically connected by a flow section (18), and a flow cross section (20) of the flow section (18) varies along a flow direction (22) of the stream of coal/air mixture (16). The flow section (18) comprises a flow constriction (24) with a, preferentially globally, minimal flow cross section (26). The flow constriction (24) is fluidically located between the inlet opening (12) and the outlet opening (14) and the flow section (18) has a flow cross section (20) that, in particular continuously, increases from the flow constriction (24) to the outlet opening (14).

Abstract: A combined heat exchanger module includes a first upper tank introducing cooling water into the combined heat exchanger module, a lower tank introducing the cooling water into or discharging the cooling water from the combined heat exchanger module, a second upper tank for discharging the cooling water from the combined heat exchanger module, first heat radiating channels connected with the first upper tank and the lower tank, second heat radiating channels connected with the lower tank and the second upper tank, and thermoelectric elements, in which each of the thermoelectric elements has a first surface in contact with the second heat radiating channels and a second surface exposed to air, thereby performing heating of air by use of both the cooling water and the thermoelectric elements or performing cooling of the cooling water by use of the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: An energy harvester for use to provide power to metrology hardware like gas meters and flow measuring devices. The energy harvester may include a body with ends connectable to a pipe, a fluid circuit disposed in the body and coupled to the ends, the fluid circuit comprising, a flow unit configured to convert a single stream of fuel gas into a pair of streams at different temperatures, and a power unit responsive to a temperature differential between the two streams to generate an electrical signal. The electrical signal can be directed to the flow device to operate the flow device or, when necessary, replace, supplement, or recharge a power source on the flow device that powers electronics necessary to expand functions on the flow device.

Abstract: A combustor assembly includes a combustion liner defining a first radial opening, an outer sleeve that at least partially surrounds the combustion liner. The outer sleeve defines a second radial opening. A mounting body having a jacket portion and a flange portion surrounds the first radial opening and extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the combustion liner towards the outer sleeve. The flange portion is at least partially disposed within the second radial opening. An auxiliary component extends radially within the jacket portion and includes a flange portion. The flange portion of the auxiliary component is connected to the flange portion of the mounting body via a first fastener, and the flange portion of the auxiliary component is connected to the outer sleeve via a second fastener.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes an air compressor that is configured to compress and discharge air and a vortex tube that is configured to receive the compressed air discharged from the air compressor and separate and discharge the compressed air into two groups of air having a temperature difference. In addition, a thermoelectric module is provided that includes a thermoelectric element having a channel formed at a first side thereof introduced with any one of the two groups of air and a channel formed at a second side thereof introduced with the other of the two groups of air to generate an electromotive force due to a temperature difference of the two groups of air.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator assembly. The thermoelectric generator assembly comprises a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator has a hot junction flange, a cold junction flange and a thermoelectric power output. The thermoelectric generator assembly generates electrical power from heat differentials for use in powering field devices in industrial process monitoring and control systems.

Abstract: Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device includes: a that vessel has an inlet through which a first fluid is introduced and an outlet through which the first fluid is discharged; a tubular thermoelectric element that has a flow-through path through which a second fluid having a temperature different from that of the first fluid flows; a pair of flow path members each penetrating a wall of the vessel while being electrically insulated from the vessel; and lead wires. The flow path members are connected to ends of the thermoelectric element. The flow path members each have a conductive portion extending from a connecting portion between the flow path member and the thermoelectric element to the outside of the vessel. The lead wires each are connected to the conductive portion in the outside of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric device, comprising a first circuit (1), called hot circuit, through which a first fluid can flow according to a path along which the temperature of said first fluid decreases, and, a second circuit (2), called cold circuit, through which a second fluid can flow, at a temperature lower than that of the first fluid, according to a path along which the temperature of said second fluid increases, and elements (3p, 3n), called thermoelectric elements, that can be used to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient, said thermoelectric elements (3p, 3n) being distributed along said hot (1) and cold (2) circuits, provided configured to create said gradient. According to the invention, the device is configured for the contribution of the thermoelectric elements to the generation of the electricity to be substantially constant along the path of the first and/or of the second fluid.

Abstract: An exhaust gas routing device for an internal-combustion engine having a thermoelectric generator is fluidically connected with an exhaust gas line and a pipe guiding a coolant. The generator has a plurality of thermoelectric yoke pairs which are arranged between a first surface heated by the exhaust gas and a second surface cooled by the coolant. The exhaust gas routing device has a device guiding the exhaust gas along the first surface at a flow velocity that increases in the flow direction of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation apparatus includes a thermoelectric device having a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a first thermal energy storage unit operatively coupled to the first surface of the thermoelectric device setting the first surface at a first temperature. The thermoelectric power generation apparatus also includes a second thermal energy storage unit having a second temperature, the second thermal energy unit for setting the second surface of the thermoelectric device at an operative temperature in response to a temperature difference between the first temperature of the first surface and the second temperature of the second thermal energy storage unit. The thermoelectric device generates power in response to a temperature differential between the first temperature of the first surface and the operative temperature of the second surface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting engine heat energy to electricity using a thermoelectric conversion device are provided herein. One example system may include an engine heat source, a thermoelectric conversion device for converting heat into electricity, and a heat pipe. The heat pipe is positioned so that when the temperature of the engine exhaust is too high, the excess heat may be transferred away from the thermoelectric conversion device to the heat sink via the heat pipe.

Abstract: There is provided an AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-electric converter) with a heat pipe and more particularly, to an AMTEC with a heat pipe minimized a heating part and a condensation part of the AMTEC and improved in efficiency of thermal to electric conversion through installing the heating and cooling heat pipes in the AMTEC, in which a metal fluid is heated by latent heat of an operating fluid of the heat pipe, instead of the heat conduction from a heat source, thereby reducing a temperature difference needed for heat transfer to vaporize the metal fluid even by a heat source of a lower temperature than a conventional heat source; improving a cooling performance in a condensation part to result in the high efficiency of thermal to electric conversion; using no additional driving components for driving the heat pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrical power from the waste heat generated by an internal combustion engine includes a first pipe wall through which a heated medium flows, a thermoelectric generator disposed exteriorly to the inner pipe wall, and a second pipe wall disposed exteriorly to the thermoelectric generator. The first pipe wall and the second pipe wall form at least a partially double-walled pipe. The first pipe wall saves as a high-temperature source. The second pipe wall serves as a low-temperature source.

Abstract: Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vortex tube has a gas inlet port, a cold gas outlet port and a hot gas outlet port. A thermoelectric potential generator having hot gas inlet port coupled to the hot gas outlet port of the vortex tube, a cold gas inlet port coupled to the cold gas outlet port of the vortex tube, and a thermoelectric element coupled in heat conducting relationship between the cold gas inlet port and the hot gas inlet port to promote the flow of heat/cold through the thermoelectric element from the hot gas flowing into the hot gas inlet port to the cold gas flowing through the cold gas inlet port. In another, a compressed gas source, a thermoelectric element having first and second sides, and an expansion nozzle are coupled in series. The expansion nozzle is coupled between the compressed gas source and the first side. The thermoelectric element includes an electrical output port.

Abstract: A generator device for converting thermal energy to electric energy. A magnetic circuit includes at least a portion made of a magnetic material. A temperature-varying device varied the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below a phase transition temperature of the magnetic material to thereby vary the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. A coil is arranged around the magnetic circuit, in which electric energy is induced in response to a varying magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. A magnetic flux generator creates magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. The temperature-varying device alternately passes hot and cold fluid by, or through holes in, the portion made of the magnetic material of the magnetic circuit in a single direction to thereby vary the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below the phase transition temperature of the magnetic material.

Abstract: A generally toroidal counterflow heat exchanger is the main element of a combustor that operates at a micro scale. The combustor includes a central combustion region with openings to a reactant gas channel and an exhaust gas channel. The reactant channel and exhaust channels are coiled around each other in a spiral configuration that reduces heat loss. An electric current microgenerator is similar and also includes a thermoelectric active wall composed of n-type and p-type thermoelectric elements as part of a channel wall of the microcombustor. The thermoelectric active wall includes fins configured to increase the temperature differential across the thermoelectric elements relative to the temperature difference between the thermoelectric elements and the reactant and exhaust gases. A method of monolithically fabricating such microdevices by electrodepositing multiple layers of material is also provided.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module with a simple structure with less breakage by thermal stress is provided. For this purpose, the thermoelectric module includes p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements (13, 14) which are alternately placed, and outer electrodes (15) and inner electrodes (16), which are alternately placed between the thermoelectric elements (13, 14), and at least part of at least either one of the outer electrode (15) or the inner electrode (16) has a shape approximately along an object which exchanges heat with the electrodes (15, 16). The inner electrodes (16) surround an object which exchanges heat with the electrodes (15, 16).

Abstract: A generally toroidal counterflow heat exchanger is the main element of a combustor that operates at a micro scale. The combustor includes a central combustion region with openings to a reactant gas channel and an exhaust gas channel. The reactant channel and exhaust channels are coiled around each other in a spiral configuration that reduces heat loss. An electric current microgenerator is similar and also includes a thermoelectric active wall composed of n-type and p-type thermoelectric elements as part of a channel wall of the microcombustor. The thermoelectric active wall includes fins configured to increase the temperature differential across the thermoelectric elements relative to the temperature difference between the thermoelectric elements and the reactant and exhaust gases. A method of monolithically fabricating such microdevices by electrodepositing multiple layers of material is also provided.

Abstract: A thermoelectric battery is disclosed which uses pipes connected in series made from two different metallic materials. The pipes are connected in an alternating manner and exposed to sunlight to increase the temperature therein. Other parts of the pipes are connected to a cooler temperature such as water or the ground to produce a temperature differential suitable to produce a voltage potential. The thermoelectric battery is also used to supply power to a swinging pendulum in which two different ionic chemicals are mixed at a selected time to generate electrical power. The thermoelectric battery, connected through a pacemaker circuit, produces a magnetic field at predetermined periods equal to a multiple of the period of oscillation of the pendulum, the field acting to give the pendulum a push in order to keep the pendulum from stopping.

Abstract: The present invention provides an AMTEC cell having a more robust power conductance path (conduction, radiation, convection, and latent heat transfer) from the heat input surface of the cell to the working fluid, evaporation surface, and SES. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention includes collars, post and/or bridges extending between the SES support plate and the heat input surface. In another embodiment, a plurality of channels or conduits extend between the heat input surface and SES support plate. These embodiments simultaneously increase the thermal conductance path between the heat input surface of the cell and the evaporation surface as well as between the heat input surface of the cell and the SES, and enables superheating of the working fluid.

Abstract: A thermo-electric power generating element has the structure that two kinds of metal sheets, or foils, which form a thermocouple combination are laminated together and alternately connected at one end and the other end so as to form a plurality of thermocouples connected in series. When hot junctions are held at a high temperature, a temperature gap along the thermal flux is generated in the sheets, or foils. Electromotive force at every thermocouple derived from the temperature gap is summed up to a voltage level effective for outputting electric power through takeoff leads. This power generator is useful for converting waste heat to electric power. When the thermocouple pile is made from corrugated sheets, or foils, electric power is outputted with high efficiency.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion member formed by a thermoelectric conversion element has a split ring shaped transverse cross section. Electrodes are disposed on ring ends of the thermoelectric conversion member facing each other. A magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the transverse cross-sectional plane of the thermoelectric conversion member. A heating unit for heating one side of an annular wall of the thermoelectric conversion member and a cooling unit provided on the opposite side of the annular wall of the thermoelectric conversion member produces a temperature gradient in a direction radially of the thermoelectric conversion member. Electric field is induced in the direction perpendicular to both directions of the magnetic field and the temperature gradient, that is in the circumferential direction of the ring of the thermoelectric conversion member under the Nernst effect, enabling an electric voltage to be taken out at the electrodes.

Abstract: A heater mechanism incorporating a thermoelectric converter for use with a self-powered, solid, liquid or gaseous fueled, heater. During operation of the heater mechanism the thermoelectric converter supplies sufficient electrical power to (a) sustain the heater in operation, (b) maintain the starter battery at full charge, and (c) provide auxiliary power to remove and transport heat to desired locations away from the heater. The converter is a highly compact design (high power output per unit volume of space) and lends itself to high volume (mass production) and automated assembly techniques to produce it inexpensively. The thermoelectric converter is made of fewer components than prior art devices. A number of components in the thermoelectric stack serve dual or even multi-functions. The thermoelectric stack components are bonded or mounted together in such a manner as to permit handling as a unit.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device has a cylindrical structure with a hollow central annulus member in which a fluid is pumped so that the heated fluid is pumped from the center of the structure and discharged on the outer surface of an outer annulus member or with the reversal of electrical current, the heated fluid is pumped from the outer periphery and discharged in the central tube. A plurality of thermoelectric cells are positioned in the space between the inner and outer annulus members with the cells being radially directed relative to the axis of the inner annulus member. A thermoelectric device having a similar structure may be used for the conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy when a thermal gradient is imposed between the inner member of the structure and the peripheral surface.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator module which is formed with a hot side heat exchanger having extruded fins on one surface and in contact with a series of individual thermoelectric semiconductor modules on the opposite side of the exchanger. A cold side heat exchanger attached to the opposite side of the semiconductor modules from the hot side heat exchanger, producing a thermal gradient across the semiconductor modules. The semiconductor modules are placed in an arranged pattern so that a maximum of heat flow through the modules is produced. Each semiconductor module is connected electrically to each other so that their output may be combined to produce a large quantity of electric power. A series of generator modules may be interconnected in a series or parallel combination to form a thermoelectric generator of varying power output.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion system including a burner assembly and a number of thermoelectric conversion modules for converting thermal energy resulting from the operation of the burner assembly into electrical energy. The burner assembly includes a central combustion chamber and a number of longitudinally extending heat pipes each having an evaporator section and a condenser section with the evaporator sections positioned at spaced locations around the combustion chamber. The system also includes flow means for causing the hot gases provided by the combustion chamber to flow past the evaporator sections. The heat pipes and the conversion modules correspond in number, with each of the modules connected in heat transfer relationship with a corresponding heat pipe condenser section.

Abstract: A method of operating a thermoelectric generator includes: cyclically producing increasing then decreasing temperature differences in the thermoelectric material of the generator; and generating a cyclically increasing then decreasing electrical generator output signal, in response to such temperature differences, to transmit electrical power generated by the generator from the generator. Part of the thermoelectric material reaches temperatures substantially above the melting temperature of the material. The thermoelectric material of the generator forms a part of a closed electrical loop about a transformer core so that the inductor voltage for the loop serves as the output signal of the generator. A thermoelectric generator, which can be driven by the described method of operation, incorporates fins into a thermopile to conduct heat toward or away from the alternating spaces between adjacent layers of different types of thermoelectric material.

Abstract: The invention comprises the conversion of thermal power into electrical energy. Two dissimilar metals, such as aluminum and brass, are separated by a heat conductive and electrical conductive material. Water makes a good separator. When a fluid is used, it is heated and caused to flow between the dissimilar metals. The metals may be in the form of rectangular plates and they act as electrodes from which the electrical power is tapped by suitable lines. In the above case the fluid is heated and passed between the metals, the internal temperature being greater than the outside of the metal plates. If desired, the outside of the metal plates may be additionally cooled. In a variation, the heat may be applied to the outside of one metal and passed through the metal, the separator, in this case preferably solid, and through the other metal. Again the other metal plate may be independently cooled. The heat can be applied in any conventional manner and solar heat can readily be used.

Abstract: A thermal converter is constructed with thermoelectric element composed of a honeycomb structural body having a large number of parallel channels extending therethrough and separated by thin walls, a part of the channels forming a region for flowing a high temperature fluid and the other part of the channels forming a region for flowing a low temperature fluid. A honeycomb structural body to constitute P type thermoelectric element and a honeycomb structural body to constitute N type thermoelectric element are preferably alternately arranged in a plurality of numbers.

Abstract: An air-to-air heat exchanger, comprising an array of stainless steel tubi arranged in a three-fold pass, is connected to the outlet of the combustion chamber of a liquid hydrocarbon-fueled, thermoelectric generator. Air enters the heat exchanger at the ambient temperature and is pre-heated up to 500.degree. C. At the same time, the temperature of the gases leaving the combustion chamber is reduced from 700.degree. C. to only 200.degree. C. This pre-heating of the air reduces fuel consumption, increases efficiency and makes it more difficult to detect the generator by means of its infrared signature.