Abstract: A thermoelectric film is disclosed. The thermoelectric film includes a substrate that is substantially electrically non-conductive and flexible and a thermoelectric material that is deposited on at least one surface of the substrate. The thermoelectric film also includes multiple cracks oriented in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A thermoelectric film is disclosed. The thermoelectric film includes a substrate that is substantially electrically non-conductive and flexible and a thermoelectric material that is deposited on at least one surface of the substrate. The thermoelectric film also includes multiple cracks oriented in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that includes a block, a cylinder head having an intake valve port and exhaust valve port formed therein, a piston, and a combustion chamber defined by the block, the piston, and the head. At least one thermoelectric device is positioned within either or both the intake valve port and the exhaust valve port. Each of the valves is configured to move within a respective intake and exhaust valve port thereby causing said valves to engage the thermoelectric devices resulting in heat transfer from the valves to the thermoelectric devices. The intake valve port and exhaust valve port are configured to fluidly direct intake air and exhaust gas, respectively, into the combustion chamber and the thermoelectric device is positioned within the intake valve port, and exhaust valve port, such that the thermoelectric device is in contact with the intake air and exhaust gas.

Abstract: In conventional pistons for internal combustion engines made from aluminum, magnesium, or the like, protection must be provided in the area in and around the ring grooves due to the wear and resultant microwelding between the piston ring groove and associated piston ring. One solution has been to cast the piston head around a separate protective ring made from steel or a similar material, which is costly and can negatively effect reliability and durability. In accordance with this invention, a hard ceramic reinforcing layer is provided on the outer surface of the piston in the area within the ring groove using a plasma electrolytic oxidation process. In this manner, the complexity and cost of the piston assembly is reduced while improving the reliability and durability. A piston according to this invention can be used to improve existing engine design that use a separate protective ring or can be used in new, cleansheet engine designs.