Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for characterizing adhesive bonding using an acoustic wave MEMS sensor. The sensor can consist of a silicon substrate, a thin aluminum nitride film on top of the substrate and a thin gold film above the aluminum nitride layer. An adhesive layer is added on top of the sensor and the dispersion property of acoustic waves in the layered configuration can be utilized for bonding integrity characterization. A wave dispersion model is developed to study the effect of changing the interface stiffness on the wave dispersion profile and to investigate the sensitivity of different sensor configurations. The results of the model illustrate that the dispersion profile shifts in the direction of decreasing wave velocity as the interface stiffness decreases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for characterizing adhesive bonding using an acoustic wave MEMS sensor. The sensor can consist of a silicon substrate, a thin aluminium nitride film on top of the substrate and a thin gold film above the aluminium nitride layer. An adhesive layer is added on top of the sensor and the dispersion property of acoustic waves in the layered configuration can be utilized for bonding integrity characterization. A wave dispersion model is developed to study the effect of changing the interface stiffness on the wave dispersion profile and to investigate the sensitivity of different sensor configurations. The results of the model illustrate that the dispersion profile shifts in the direction of decreasing wave velocity as the interface stiffness decreases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing a coating. The method may include providing a substrate material and initiating a coating-deposition process to apply a coating material to the substrate material to produce a coating on the substrate material, wherein the coating includes a diamond-like carbon coating. The method may further include monitoring an intensity of hydrogen-alpha emission of a plasma produced during the coating-deposition process and adjusting at least one process variable of the coating-deposition process to facilitate production of the diamond-like carbon coating.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit disclosed. The auxiliary power unit includes an exhaust passage configured to direct a flow of exhaust from a primary mover, a catalyst substrate disposed within the exhaust passage, and a heater configured to heat the catalyst substrate. The auxiliary power unit also includes a cooling jacket associated with the exhaust passage. The auxiliary power unit further includes a thermo-electric device disposed between the cooling jacket and the exhaust passage. The thermo-electric device is configured to generate electrical power from a temperature gradient created by the heater and the cooling jacket when the primary mover is non-operational.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a plurality of n-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements. These thermoelectric elements each have multiple end surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other, and include terminals attached to the end surfaces. The thermoelectric elements also include a support structure with an external surface covered by multiple layers of a thermoelectric material and a flexible substrate. The thermoelectric device also includes a plurality of conductive members which electrically interconnect the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: In one particular embodiment, an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine comprises a block, a head, a piston, a combustion chamber defined by the block, the piston, and the head, and at least one thermoelectric device positioned between the combustion chamber and the head. In this particular embodiment, the thermoelectric device is in direct contact with the combustion chamber. In another particular embodiment, a cylinder head configured to sit atop a cylinder bank of an internal combustion engine is provided. The cylinder head comprises a cooling channel configured to receive cooling fluid, valve seats configured for receiving intake and exhaust valves, and thermoelectric devices positioned around the valve seats.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchange module includes a first substrate including a heat receptive side and a heat donative side and a series of undulatory pleats. The module may also include a thermoelectric material layer having a ZT value of 1.0 or more disposed on at least one of the heat receptive side and the heat donative side, and an electrical contact may be in electrical communication with the thermoelectric material layer.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power unit is provided. The power unit may include at least one thermoelectric device. A first fluid passage may be disposed on a first side of the thermoelectric device and may be configured to receive a hot exhaust stream. The power unit may further include a plurality of heat pipes configured to focus thermal energy from a fluid flowing through the first passage toward the first side of the thermoelectric device. A second fluid passage may be disposed on a second side of the thermoelectric device opposite of the first fluid passage and configured to conduct thermal energy away from the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing a coating. The method may include providing a substrate material and initiating a coating-deposition process to apply a coating material to the substrate material to produce a coating on the substrate material, wherein the coating includes a diamond-like carbon coating. The method may further include monitoring an intensity of hydrogen-alpha emission of a plasma produced during the coating-deposition process and adjusting at least one process variable of the coating-deposition process to facilitate production of the diamond-like carbon coating.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system is provided for use on a work machine. The system may include one or more temperature sensors configured to collect environmental temperature information and a compressor-based HVAC unit having a compressor and providing in-cabin climate control based on circulation. The system may also include a thermoelectric HVAC unit to supplement the compressor-based HVAC unit. Further, the system may include a controller configured to control the thermoelectric HVAC unit and the compressor-based HVAC unit based on the environmental temperature information.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchange module includes a first substrate including a heat receptive side and a heat donative side and a series of undulatory pleats. The module may also include a thermoelectric material layer having a ZT value of 1.0 or more disposed on at least one of the heat receptive side and the heat donative side, and an electrical contact may be in electrical communication with the thermoelectric material layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in a thermoelectric generator control system including a thermoelectric generator, a DC-DC converter, and a controller. The method may include monitoring a voltage output of the thermoelectric generator and determining a voltage change on the voltage output. The method may also include calculating an adjustment for the DC-DC converter in response to the voltage change on the voltage output such that an output voltage from the DC-DC converter remains at a predetermined voltage level. Further, the method may include applying the adjustment to the DC-DC converter.