Abstract: An energy generation device using the Seebeck effect comprising a housing, a plurality of thermopiles, an electrical connector, and a power management circuit. The housing is a non-conductive, heat-tolerant material such as a carbon composite or similar. The plurality of thermocouples are positioned within the housing, with portions of the thermocouple being embedded under the outer surface of the housing. When the housing is used in an environment that produces high temperature gradients, such as a reentry spacecraft, the temperature differential between the portions of the thermocouples at the front and rear and interior and exterior of the housing produce a current using the Seebeck effect. The plurality of thermocouples transmit the current using the electrical connector which then transmits the energy to the power management circuit for transformation or storage.

Abstract: A method of constructing a subterranean storage facility formed by an array of abutting shipping containers. The inner side panels and structural bars of adjoining containers are removed to form an interstitial space defined by the remaining outer side panels of the array. The removed panels and bars are repurposed in the construction to provide an external shell and enhanced structural support.