Abstract: A temperature sensor has a sensor tip and a front for measuring the temperature of the inner walls of tools, particularly inner walls of injection molding tools. The tip of the temperature sensor has two thermocouple wires of a thermocouple. Each thermocouple wire of the thermocouple guided to the front is welded to the sensor tip up to a depth which is larger than the total processing depth behind the front. The sensor tip is processable by removing of material at the front up to that processing depth.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric conversion module. This thermoelectric conversion module comprises a pair of substrates facing each other, a plurality of p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric conversion elements arranged between the paired substrates, a plurality of electrodes mounted individually on the paired substrates, connecting individual paired end faces of the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements electrically with each other, and connecting the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements electrically in series alternately, and a plurality of bonding members for bonding the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements individually with the electrodes.

Abstract: A thermopile-based thermal detector is provided by a thermocouple, formed from a single sheet of material, which is made dissimilar with a P-doped and an N-doped junction electrically isolated via a naturally forming depletion region. The thermopile P-N sheet is uniform and planar, addressing stress and manufacturing issues. The usual non-active area of a conventional thermopile is significantly reduced or eliminated, and thus the output signal per unit diaphragm area of the detector is substantially increased, without the typical reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio. Also, a significant reduction in size of the thermal detector area is provided without a reduction in signal or signal-to-noise ratio. In an aspect, a second layer of thermocouples is axially positioned over, and connected with, a first layer of thermocouples. Additional axially stacked thermopiles can be provided within the same fabrication process. Signal processing circuitry may be electrically interconnected with the thermocouple.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The thermoelectric device may include a nanowire having nanoparticles which are disposed on one of an exterior surface of the nanowire and an interior of the nanowire.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoelectric conversion devices and production methods thereof. The thermoelectric conversion device includes: a thermoelectric conversion device main body having a ridge portion and/or a vertex portion at which a ridge and/or a vertex have/has been subjected to a chamfering process; and a film covering a surface of the thermoelectric conversion device main body, including the ridge portion and/or the vertex portion thereof.

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 module is provided that includes a first thermally conductive plate with a first array of thermoelectric elements coupled to it. The first array of thermoelectric elements includes a first plurality of thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric module also includes a second thermally conductive plate coupled to the first array of thermoelectric elements, and a second array of thermoelectric elements coupled to the second plate. The second array of thermoelectric elements includes a second plurality of thermoelectric elements. A third thermally conductive plate is coupled to the second array of thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric module also includes a portion of each thermoelectric element of the first and second pluralities of thermoelectric elements being coplanar with at least a portion of every other thermoelectric element of the first and second pluralities of thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module is provided. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a plurality of thermoelectric devices and an electrode for electrically connecting the thermoelectric devices in series, wherein the electrode has a hole section opened to the outside of the electrode and metal which is in liquid state within the used temperature range is stored in the hole section.

Abstract: There are a number of sensors (2, 22) such as thermocouples which can provide a putative measurand signal which is within a predicted range for such signals whilst the sensor is incorrectly operating, such as as due to an open circuit. Techniques and processes are available to determine by interrogation sensor operational validity, but these can distort the measurand signal if correct. By time division multiplex techniques the present arrangement takes a putative measurand signal from a sensor (2, 22) in order that either within the same time division or more normally a separate time division, an interrogation of the sensor is performed in order to determine accuracy and therefore validity of the sensor 22.

Abstract: A solar module assembly and method. The assembly comprises a substantially transparent or semi-transparent surface provided on a first substrate member. The assembly includes an absorber material overlying a second substrate member. A spacing is provided between the semi-transparent surface of the first substrate and the second substrate, which has a first side and a second side. In a specific embodiment, the assembly has a fluid transport region disposed within a vicinity of either the first side or the second side of the second substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly has a photovoltaic device configured from at least the absorber material to generate electrical energy and a thermal energy device configured from at least the absorber material to generate thermal energy using the a fluid provided in the fluid transport region.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive paste for connecting thermoelectric materials, the paste comprising a specific powdery oxide and at least one powdery electrically conductive metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, and alloys containing at least one of these metals. By connecting a thermoelectric material to an electrically conductive substrate with the electrically conductive paste of the invention, a suitable electroconductivity is imparted to the connecting portion of the thermoelectric element. Further, the thermal expansion coefficient of the connecting portion can be made close to that of the thermoelectric material. Therefore, even when high-temperature power generation is repeated, separation at the connecting portion is prevented and a favorable thermoelectric performance can be maintained.

Abstract: A radiant energy trap. This diffuse and direct radiant energy concentrator comprises at least one reflector, a refractor substantially prism shaped and a receiver interfaced with the refractor. The invention is capable of a solid angle of acceptance of radiant energy, equivalent to that of a flat panel collector, while maintaining a relatively high concentration ratio of diffuse light. The invention can be embodied as an effective hybrid solar electric and thermal collector. A unique yet simple geometry results in relatively high optical and thermal efficiency. The invention can be embodied as a low profile 3-D diffuse light concentrator, combining reflection, refraction, and total internal reflection to approach the thermodynamic limit. It minimizes materials cost to the limits of cost reduction with relatively high efficiency PV cells. The invention increases the utilization of available solar energy and greatly reduces installed system payback periods, compared to prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to microelectronic engineering, to the structural design of cooling thermoelectric modules in particular. The utility model can be used in single-cascade and multicascade thermoelectric modules. The aim of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric module design that absolutely excludes environmental factors. The invented thermoelectric module comprises at least one cascade of alternating n- and p-type thermoelectric elements (1), electrodes (2) connected to the thermoelectric elements (1), heat transfer substrates (5, 6) fixed on the heat-absorbing (3) and heat-rejecting ends (4) of the thermoelectric elements (1) by means of the electrodes, and an insulating film (7) continuously covering all the internal surfaces of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: Provided are a thermoelectric device, a thermoelectric device module, and a method of forming the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device includes a first conductive type first semiconductor nanowire including at least one first barrier region; a second conductive type second semiconductor nanowire including at least one second barrier region; a first electrode connected to one end of the first semiconductor nanowire; a second electrode connected to one end of the second semiconductor nanowire; and a common electrode connected to the other end of the first semiconductor nanowire and the other end of the second semiconductor nanowire. The first barrier region is greater than the first semiconductor nanowire in thermal conductivity, and the second barrier region is greater than the second semiconductor nanowire in thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indium-doped Co4Sb12 skutterudite composition in which some Co on the cubic lattice structure may be replaced with one or more members of the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt; some Sb on the planar rings may be replaced by one or more members of the group consisting of Si, Ga, Ge and Sn; and a second dopant atom is selected from a member of the group consisting of Ca, Sc, Zn, Sr, Y, Pd, Ag, Cd, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. The composition is useful as a thermoelectric material. In preferred embodiments, the composition has a figure of merit greater than 1.0. The present invention also provides a process for the production of the composition, and thermoelectric devices using the composition.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator (TEG) and a method of fabricating the TEG are described. The TEG is designed so that parasitic thermal resistance of air and height of legs of thermocouples forming a thermopile can be varied and optimized independently. The TEG includes a micromachined thermopile sandwiched in between a hot and a cold plate and at least one spacer in between the thermopile and the hot and/or cold plate. The TEG fabrication includes fabricating the thermopiles, a rim, and the cold plate.

Abstract: There is provided a thermoelectric device capable of improving a power generation performance while keeping a hermetic sealing after a heat cycle is applied, and also achieving simplification of a structure and improvement in productivity and reliability of a device by reducing the number of articles, and a method of manufacturing the same. A thermoelectric device, includes a metal substrate 2, a thermoelectric element 3 mounted on a center portion of a surface of the metal substrate 2, a metal lid 4 for covering an upper surface and side surfaces of the thermoelectric element 3, and a joining metal member 5 provided to a peripheral portion of a surface of the metal substrate 2 to hermetically seal a space between the metal substrate 2 and the lid 4.

Abstract: A method for producing a filled skutterudite-based alloy includes the steps of melting alloy raw material that includes a rare earth metal R that is at least one species selected from among La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Yb, a transition metal T that is at least one species selected from among Fe, Co, Ni, Os, Ru, Pd, Pt and Ag, and metallic antimony Sb to form a melt; and rapidly quenching the melt through strip casting to form a solidified product that is the filled skutterudite-based alloy advantageously usable for a thermoelectric element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion module, comprising plural first electrode films (11, 12, 13) formed apart from each other on the top surface of an insulating body (10), plural p- and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element films (16, 19) and (17, 18) formed thereon, which are arranged apart from each other so that p- and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element films alternate with each other, and second electrode films (20) connecting p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element film (19) and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element film (18) over the gaps between the first electrode films; and a terminal electrode is connected to each of the p-and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element film (16, 17) at the end; and a production method thereof.

Abstract: A solid state thermoelectric converter includes a thermally insulating separator layer, a semiconducting collector and an electron emitter. The electron emitter comprises a metal nanoparticle layer or plurality of metal nanocatalyst particles disposed on one side of said separator layer. A first electrically conductive lead is electrically coupled to the electron emitter. The collector layer is disposed on the other side of the separator layer, wherein the thickness of the separator layer is less than 1 ?m. A second conductive lead is electrically coupled to the collector layer.

Abstract: A method of drawing a glass clad wire is provided herein, the method comprising: (i) sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end; (ii) introducing a wire material inside the glass tube; (iii) heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts to form a first ampoule containing the wire material to be used in a drawing operation; (iv) introducing the first ampoule containing the wire material into a heating device; (v) increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube is heated enough for it to be drawn and wire material melts; and (vi) drawing the glass clad wire comprising a continuous wire of wire material, wherein the wire material is a metal, semi-metal, alloy, or semiconductor thermoelectrically active material, and wherein the wire diameter is equal to or smaller than about 5 ?m.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoelectric device may include forming a plurality of islands of thermoelectric material on a deposition substrate. The plurality of islands of thermoelectric material may be bonded to a header substrate so that the plurality of islands are between the deposition substrate and the header substrate. More particularly, the islands of thermoelectric material may be epitaxial islands of thermoelectric material having crystal structures aligned with a crystal structure of the deposition substrate. Related structures are also discussed.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric system includes at least one cell. The at least one cell can include a first plurality of electrically conductive shunts extending along a first direction, a second plurality of electrically conductive shunts extending along a second direction non-parallel to the first direction, and a first plurality of thermoelectric (TE) elements. The first plurality of TE elements can include a first TE element between and in electrical communication with a first shunt of the first plurality of shunts and a second shunt of the second plurality of shunts, a second TE element between and in electrical communication with the second shunt and a third shunt of the first plurality of shunts, and a third TE element between and in electrical communication with the third shunt and a fourth shunt of the second plurality of shunts.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes a first substrate, a second substrate having a second surface which is apart from and faces a first surface of the first substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged on the first and the second surfaces, a plurality of electrodes on the first and second surfaces each electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of thermoelectric elements, and a ground electrode on at least the first surface. The plurality of electrodes on at least the first surface comprises a plurality of columns each of which comprises two or more electrodes aligned in a longitudinal direction, and the ground electrode is between two adjacent columns among the plurality of columns.

Abstract: A number of compact, high-efficiency and high-power density thermoelectric systems utilizing the advantages of thermal isolation are described. Such configurations exhibit high system efficiency and power density. Some configurations exhibit a substantial reduction in the amount of thermoelectric material required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric element in which a thin film of p-type thermoelectric material and a thin film of n-type thermoelectric material, which are formed on an electrically insulating substrate, are electrically connected, in which the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are selected from specific complex oxides with a positive Seebeck coefficient and specific complex oxides with a negative Seebeck coefficient, respectively. The present invention also provides a thermoelectric module using the thermoelectric element(s) and a thermoelectric conversion method. In the thermoelectric element of the present invention, since a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are formed into a thin film on an electrically insulating substrate, the thermoelectric element of the invention can be formed on substrates having various shapes, thereby providing thermoelectric elements having various shapes.

Abstract: A quickly attachable electric generator device for producing electric power from surfaces of hot or cold pipes. The invention provides a thermoelectric unit which includes a pedestal comprised of a material with high thermal conductivity on which a thermoelectric module is located. The pedestal includes a heat transfer element made to conform to a hot or cold cylindrical surface. The module also includes a module-to-air heat transfer element and the thermoelectric module is compressed between the air-to-module element and the pedestal. This element is referred to as a heat sink when energy is extracted from a hot surface and is referred to as a heat source when energy is flowing from the air and a cold surface. In preferred embodiments the heat transfer element is a thin flexible heat conductor that conforms to the hot or cold surface of various shapes and serves as a heat transfer conduit to transfer heat to or from a rigid portion of the pedestal.

Abstract: A novel thermoelectric module in which the thermoelectric elements are stacked together with thermal and electrical conductors integrated in the stack to perform the dual functions of conducting both heat and electricity.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are methods for transferring heat, for heating and cooling, and there is a solid state heat pump. The solid state heat pump can include a power supply that provides an electric field, a first metal layer, a dielectric layer disposed over the first metal layer, wherein the dielectric layer absorbs a first amount of heat upon application of the electric field and releases a second amount of heat upon alteration of the electric field, and wherein the second amount of heat is greater than the first amount of heat, and a second metal layer disposed over the dielectric layer. The alteration of the electric field can be achieved at least by one of reducing, removing, and/or reversing the polarity of the electric field. The solid state heat pump can also include a series resistor.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power supply converts thermal energy into a high power output with voltages in the Volt-range for powering a microelectronic device and comprises an in-plane thermoelectric generator, a cross-plane thermoelectric generator, an initial energy management assembly, a voltage converter and a final energy management assembly. The in-plane thermoelectric generator produces a high thermoelectric voltage at low power output. The initial energy management assembly rectifies and limits the thermoelectric voltage and stores and releases power to the voltage converter. The cross-plane thermoelectric generator generates a high power output at low thermoelectric voltage. Once activated by the in-plane thermoelectric generator, the voltage converter multiplies the low thermoelectric voltage output of the cross-plane thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthesis of radioactive material, such as a tritiated polymer, and an apparatus for generating electrical current from the nuclear decay process of a radioactive material. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an energy cell (e.g., a battery) for generating electrical current derived from particle emissions occurring within a radioactive material such as a tritiated polymer) on pore walls of a porous semiconductor. The radioactive material may be introduced into the energy cell by a wetting process.

Abstract: A near-field energy conversion structure and method of assembling the same, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near field” gap between juxtaposed photocell infrared radiation receiver and heat emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure.

Abstract: A rugged sensor and method for manufacturing such, for use in hostile environments, the sensor exhibiting high mechanical strength to protect the sensor from physical damage. The sensor system also including a modular component that may variously be connected to the sensor to extension thereof, the modular component also exhibiting high mechanical strength to protect electrical conductors located therein.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generator is disclosed for use to generate electrical power from heat, typically waste heat. An intermediate heat transfer loop forms a part of the system to permit added control and adjustability in the system. This allows the thermoelectric power generator to more effectively and efficiently generate power in the face of dynamically varying temperatures and heat flux conditions, such as where the heat source is the exhaust of an automobile, or any other heat source with dynamic temperature and heat flux conditions.

Abstract: Diamond-like carbon based devices and methods of making and using the same which have improved electron emission and increased reliability. The device can include an anode with a layer of diamond-like carbon material such as amorphous diamond coated over at least a portion of the anode and a cathode. An intermediate member can be electrically coupled between the diamond-like carbon material and the cathode. Various additional layers and configurations can allow for improved performance such as multiple cathode layers and/or multiple intermediate layers. The presence of diamond-like carbon on the anode provides significantly improved electron emission with or without diamond-like carbon on the cathode. The devices can be configured as thermoelectric conversion devices such as an electrical generator or a cooling device, light emitting devices, or other electronic devices and can be conveniently formed.

Abstract: A substrate temperature measurement apparatus and a processing apparatus, whereby thermocouple wire reliability is improved, influence of infrared rays on the chip is reduced and the temperature of the substrate can be accurately measured. A chip (16) made of metal material reflecting infrared rays and electromagnetic waves, has an insertion opening (16a) for inserting thermocouple wires (20a, 20b) is crushed and deformed with the thermocouple wires inserted, and thereby united together with the thermocouple wires, and contacted with the substrate (13); and a supporting member or members (15b, 15c), made of material of lower thermal conductivity than said chip (16), are provided for supporting said chip (16).

Abstract: A method comprising flowing engine combustion exhaust through a thermoelectric device and flowing engine coolant through the thermoelectric device to provide faster engine and transmission warming (coolant, oil).

Abstract: A thermoelectric device and a thermoelectric module are disclosed. The thermoelectric device comprises two thermoelectric materials bonded via first and second bonding surfaces. The first bonding surface comprises a region facing and electrically coupled to the second bonding surface and a region not facing the second bonding surface. Power generation and temperature control extensions to the thermoelectric module are further disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generation device is configured for mounting on cooling tubes of a heat exchanger of a computer room air conditioning unit in a data center. A first type of Seebeck material and a second type of Seebeck material are arranged in a matrix and connected in series. An electrically insulating, but thermally conducting plate is located on either side of the device. The device is mounted physically on cooling tubes of the heat exchanger and exposed on the other side to the warm air environment. As a result of the temperature difference a voltage is generated that may be used to power an electrical load connected thereto.

Abstract: A method of making a solid state thermal transfer device includes first and second electrically conductive substrates that are positioned opposite from one another. The solid state thermal transfer device also includes a sealing layer disposed between the first and second electrically conductive substrates and a plurality of hollow structures having a conductive material, wherein the plurality of hollow structures is contained by the sealing layer between the first and second electrically conductive substrates.

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: To provide a thermoelectric conversion module enabling cost reduction by reducing time and work required for assembly, and so on.

Abstract: Devices including nano-junctions made between aligned functionalized carbon nanotubes, and methods of aligning functionalized carbon nanotubes for the purpose of fabricating either coaligned or criss-crossed p-n junctions. Devices, such as thermoelectric devices, may be formed of a plurality of n-type carbon nanotubes forming a film and/or a plurality of p-type carbon nanotubes forming a film. Methods of making a criss-crossed p-n nanojunction device include the steps of functionalizing a carbon nanotube to create a p-type tube, functionalizing a carbon nanotube to create an n-type tube, applying an RF field to align nanotubes of a given p- or n-type, and orienting nanotubes of different types cross-wise relative to each other to achieve criss-crossed p-n nanojunctions.

Abstract: Prevented is thermoelectric elements from being exposed to abnormally high temperature A thermoelectric generating device has a thermoelectric module 12 with p- and n-type thermoelectric elements 1 and 2 being connected in series, a passage 7 through which heating fluid 8 flows to heat one side of the module and a passage 10 through which cooling fluid 11 flows to cool the other side of the module 12; arranged between the passage 7 and one side of the thermoelectric module 12 is a passage 15 through which urgently cooling fluid 25 flows for prevention of the thermoelectric elements 1 and 2 from abnormally high temperature.

Abstract: A composition comprising a material at least partially enclosed by a tubular, spherical or planar nanostructure composed of a plurality of peptides, wherein each of the plurality of peptides includes no more than 4 amino acids and whereas at least one of the 4 amino acids is an aromatic amino acid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module is provided. The method includes mounting a thermoelectric material to a substrate such that a portion of the thermoelectric material covers a removable pattern. The thermoelectric material is then segmented and the removable pattern is removed. The portions of the thermoelectric material which were covering the removable pattern are also removed, leaving the portions of the thermoelectric material not covering the removable pattern attached to the substrate.

Abstract: A thermocouple system is disclosed. The thermocouple system includes a thermocouple having a positive lead and a negative lead. A positive wire is connected at a first end to the positive lead at a first junction and at a second end to a second junction. A negative wire is connected at a first end to the negative lead at a third junction and at second end to a fourth junction. The second and fourth junctions constitute a reference junction. At least one of a thermal conductivity and a gauge of at least one of the positive wire and the negative wire are selected to govern the respective flows of heat from the first junction toward the reference junction and the flow of heat from the third junction toward the reference junction to be of such quantities that the difference in the heat flows is less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: One or more thin-film layers of thermoelectric material are formed on one or both sides of a substrate (e.g., a flexible substrate). In some embodiments, the thin-film layers have features that scatter phonons. A flexible substrate and its attached layers of thermoelectric material can be rolled up and/or arranged in a serpentine configuration for incorporation into a thermoelectric power source. In some embodiments, thin-film layers on one side of a substrate form a single, continuous thermoelectric element. In particular embodiments, one or more thin-film layers are fabricated on a substrate using an arrangement where the substrate is wrapped around a wheel and rotated one or more times past a sputtering device or other device for depositing material.

Abstract: A temperature power generation device includes a temperature reactive layer made of high thermal energy absorbing material and a thermal electron generation layer made of low work function material. A temperature power generation method by using the temperature reactive layer and the thermal electron generation layer to absorb heat and generate thermal electrons which are then induced to a conductive layer through an externally applied electric field, and the generated thermal electrons are then further transferred via an electricity output component to an output load for providing power.

Abstract: A solid state thermal transfer device includes first and second electrically conductive substrates that are positioned opposite from one another. The solid state thermal transfer device also includes a sealing layer disposed between the first and second electrically conductive substrates and a plurality of hollow structures having a conductive material, wherein the plurality of hollow structures is contained by the sealing layer between the first and second electrically conductive substrates.