Processes Patents (Class 136/201)
  • Patent number: 8796532
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating a photovoltaic module, and the resulting photovoltaic module, are provided and include selecting a photovoltaic cell operable to convert photons to electrons, selecting a light transparent superstrate material having a superstrate absorption coefficient and a superstrate refractive index, and selecting an encapsulant having an encapsulant absorption coefficient and an encapsulant refractive index, wherein an absorption coefficient relationship between the superstrate absorption coefficient and the encapsulant absorption coefficient and a refractive index relationship between the superstrate refractive index and the encapsulant refractive index are selected such that there is a gain in efficiency, and assembling the photovoltaic module using the selected materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Dow Corning Corporation, The Australian National University
    Inventors: Barry Ketola, Ann Norris, Nick Powell, Keith McIntosh, James Cotsell
  • Publication number: 20140209139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric module, having an electric insulation, an electric conductor path, one surface of the electric conductor path being attached to a surface of the electrical insulation, and a thermoelectric material, one surface of the thermoelectric material being attached to another surface of the conductor path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: BEHR GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Angermann
  • Patent number: 8791357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to micron-gap thermal photovoltaic (MTPV) technology for the solid-state conversion of heat to electricity. The problem is forming and then maintaining the close spacing between two bodies at a sub-micron gap in order to maintain enhanced performance. While it is possible to obtain the sub-micron gap spacing, the thermal effects on the hot and cold surfaces induce cupping, warping, or deformation of the elements resulting in variations in gap spacing thereby resulting in uncontrollable variances in the power output. A major aspect of the design is to allow for intimate contact of the emitter chips to the shell inside surface, so that there is good heat transfer. The photovoltaic cells are pushed outward against the emitter chips in order to press them against the inner wall. A high temperature thermal interface material improves the heat transfer between the shell inner surface and the emitter chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: MTPV Power Corporation
    Inventors: Eric L. Brown, Robert S. DiMatteo, Bruno A. Nardelli, Bin Peng, Xiao Li
  • Patent number: 8791353
    Abstract: Alumina as a sublimation suppression barrier for a Zintl thermoelectric material in a thermoelectric power generation device operating at high temperature, e.g. at or above 1000K, is disclosed. The Zintl thermoelectric material may comprise Yb14MnSb11. The alumina may be applied as an adhesive paste dried and cured on a substantially oxide free surface of the Zintl thermoelectric material and polished to a final thickness. The sublimation suppression barrier may be finalized by baking out the alumina layer on the Zintl thermoelectric material until it becomes substantially clogged with ytterbia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jong-Ah Paik, Thierry Caillat
  • Patent number: 8779276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric device, in particular an all-organic thermoelectric device, and to an array of such thermoelectric devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric device, in particular an all-organic thermoelectric device. Moreover, the present invention relates to uses of the thermoelectric device and/or the array in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Rene Wirtz, Silvia Rosselli, Gabriele Nelles
  • Publication number: 20140182644
    Abstract: Thermoelectric device with a multi-leg package and method thereof. The thermoelectric device includes a first ceramic base structure including a first surface and a second surface, and a first plurality of pads including one or more first materials thermally and electrically conductive. The first plurality of pads are attached to the first surface. Additionally, the thermoelectric device includes a second plurality of pads including the one or more first materials. The second plurality of pads are attached to the second surface and arranged in a mirror image with the first plurality of pads. Moreover, the thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric legs attached to the first plurality of pads respectively. Each pad of the first plurality of pads is attached to at least two first thermoelectric legs of the plurality of thermoelectric legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Alphabet Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Aguirre, Adam Lorimer, Sasi Bhushan Beera, Sravan Kumar Sura, Matthew L. Scullin, Sylvain Muckenhirn, Douglas Crane
  • Publication number: 20140182647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of thermoelectric components (4) for creating an electric current from a temperature gradient applied between two faces (3a, 3b) thereof. In the method, a thermally conductive support (30) is provided in contact with a hot or cold source, a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material is thermally sprayed on the support (30) to produce a coating (21), and an electrically conductive material is thermally sprayed onto the coating (21) to form electric conduction tracks (22) which are intended to receive the thermoelectric components (4) via the faces (3a, 3b) thereof. The invention also relates to a thermoelectric device obtained by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Gerard Gille, Patrick Boisselle
  • Publication number: 20140182645
    Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric conversion element capable of converting both a temperature gradient in an in-plane direction and a temperature gradient in a direction perpendicular to plane into electric power at the same time. The thermoelectric conversion element includes: a substrate; a magnetic film provided on the substrate and formed of a polycrystalline magnetic insulator material that is magnetizable in a predetermined direction having a component parallel to a film surface; and electrodes provided to the magnetic film and made of a material having a spin orbit interaction. The thermoelectric conversion element is configured to be capable of outputting a temperature gradient perpendicular to a surface of the magnetic film as a potential difference in a surface of one of the electrodes and outputting a temperature gradient parallel to the surface of the magnetic film as a potential difference between the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicants: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY, NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Kirihara, Yasunobu Nakamura, Shinichi Yorozu, Kenichi Uchida, Eiji Saitoh
  • Patent number: 8759662
    Abstract: Thermoelectric elements may be used for heat sensors, heat pumps, and thermoelectric generators. A quantum-dot or nano-scale grain size polycrystalline material the effects of size-quantization are present inside the nanocrystals. A thermoelectric element composed of densified Groups IV-VI material, such as calcogenide-based materials are doped with metal or chalcogenide to form interference barriers form along grains. The dopant used is either silver or sodium. These chalcogenide materials form nanoparticles of highly crystal grains, and may specifically be between 1- and 100 nm. The compound is densified by spark plasma sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: George S. Nolas
  • Publication number: 20140166064
    Abstract: In a thermoelectric conversion module having a stack structure in which one-side element (p-type thermoelectric conversion element) and an other-side element (thermoelectric conversion element) are alternately stacked; the one-side element and the other-side element are directly bonded in some regions of a bonding surface at which the one-side element and the other-side element are bonded; and the one-side element and the other-side element are bonded via insulating material in other regions of the bonding surface, at least one of the one-side element and the other-side element is a thermoelectric conversion element including a thermoelectric conversion material powder made of an intermetallic compound and a metal powder and being retained to have a predetermined shape by a cured resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takanori NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 8753547
    Abstract: A thermoelectric material that comprises a ternary main group matrix material and nano-particles and/or nano-inclusions of a Group 2 or Group 12 metal oxide dispersed therein. A process for making the thermoelectric material that includes reacting a reduced metal precursor with an oxidized metal precursor in the presence of nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Li Qin Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140158177
    Abstract: A machine, manufacture, article, process, and product produced thereby, as well as necessary intermediates, which in some cases, pertains to power sources, units thereof, etc. Illustratively, the machine can include a convertor, such as a photovoltaic cell, located to produce current that is not essentially steady direct current by repeatedly shadowing the photovoltaic convertor from exposure to radiation such that at least some of the radiation shadowed from the photovoltaic convertor either produces electricity or is reflected to an emitter which subsequently reemits radiation to the photovoltaic convertor or to another photovoltaic convertor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph M. Zlotnicki, Thomas J. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140163714
    Abstract: A means for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of thermoelectric material allows quality control at all steps in the construction of a bismuth telluride and antimony telluride thermoelectric generator. The method involves measuring negative thermoelectric voltage with no current flowing and then a measure of negative thermoelectric voltage while forcing known current through the material in the same direction as shorted to accurately determine thermoelectric resistance. A manual and automatic method of manufacturing thermoelectric rings using forcing current for in-process testing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Jon Murray Schroeder, Gerald Phillip Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8748726
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of thermoelectric materials, which embodiments may have improved figure of merit. In one exemplary embodiment, a thermoelectric material generally includes bismuth telluride nanoparticles, which may be undoped or doped with at least one or more of silver, antimony, tin, and/or a combination thereof. The bismuth telluride nanoparticles may be dispersed in a matrix material comprising particulate bismuth telluride. Methods for making undoped and doped bismuth telluride nanoparticles are also disclosed, which may include a solvothermal method for making bismuth telluride nanoparticles having a size ranging from 1 to 200 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arup Purkayastha, Purushottam Joshi
  • Publication number: 20140150838
    Abstract: A device and method for generating electricity. The device includes a heat source, a cold source, and a thermoelectric generating plate, having a first side and an opposed side. When heat is introduced to the heat source, heat flows across the thermoelectric generating plate and electricity is generated. In the present arrangement, because the hot and cold sources are in thermal communication with opposed sides of the thermoelectric generating plate, the thermal gradient or rate of heat flow across the thermoelectric generating plate is maximized. Thus, because the rate of heat flow is increased, the rate at which electricity is generated is also increased, and the size of the device is maintained, or minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward D. McCullough, James P. Huang
  • Patent number: 8739554
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermal block unit for thermal treatment of samples comprising temperature regulating units, temperature sensors for measuring temperature at different locations of the thermal block unit, a converter for converting signals from the temperature sensors into digital signals and a thermal block interface for communicating with an instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Federer
  • Publication number: 20140144476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric material comprising a zinc- and tin-based oxide doped with a metal selected from Ta and Nb. The invention also relates to a thermoelectric device comprising such a thermoelectric material, and its use for waste heat recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Micaela Nazaraly
  • Publication number: 20140144477
    Abstract: This disclosure examines using lead telluride nanocrystals as well as other materials suitable for thermoelectric conversion, particularly materials with high Figure of Merit values, as coatings on flexible substrates. This disclosure also examines using flexible substrates with lead telluride nanocrystal coatings as sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Yue Wu, Scott Finefrock
  • Publication number: 20140137918
    Abstract: A thermoelectric device, module, and system, and method for and method for making is provided. The thermoelectric device (200) having a first and second elements (202 and 204). The first and second elements (202 and 204) having first and second portions (206 and 208), and third and fourth portions (212 and 214) with first and second regions (210 and 216) connected between the first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (112 and 114), respectively. The first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (112 and 114) are electrically coupled though regions (210 and 216) and with thermal conductance between first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (212 and 214) being inhibited by regions (110 and 116), respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: MICROPOWER GLOBAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas E. Zirkle, Robert M. Gardner, Robert S. Kilbourn
  • Publication number: 20140137914
    Abstract: Method and system for generating electrical energy from a volume of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: GERALD H. POLLACK
  • Publication number: 20140137915
    Abstract: For directly converting heat to electrical energy, for example in a spacecraft operating in space, at least one thermoelectric generator module is arranged in an evacuated chamber so as to receive thermal radiation from a heat source through the interior vacuum within the interior of the chamber. The thermoelectric generator module converts a portion of the received heat to electrical energy and rejects a portion of the heat by thermal conduction to a thermally conducting cooling body such as the chamber wall or directly by thermal radiation to the surrounding vacuum of space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes SEBALD, Hendra KESUMA
  • Publication number: 20140130839
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator, a thermoelectric generator comprising same and a method for producing same. A method for producing a structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator, wherein the structure comprises at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material, either separated by a stripe of an insulating material, or provided spatially separated on an insulating material, and comprising stripes of conductive material each connecting one n-type stripe with one p-type stripe, and not in electrical contact with each other, wherein the structure is free from polymeric substrates, wherein the method comprises the steps of co-forming the at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material in a single manufacturing step; and forming connections between the at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material by means of stripes of conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK
    Inventors: Ngo Van Nong, Nini Pryds, Christian Robert Haffenden Bahl, Anders Smith, Soren Linderoth
  • Publication number: 20140130838
    Abstract: A p-type semiconductor block is made of a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. In addition, an n-type semiconductor block is made of an n-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. The p-type semiconductor block and the n-type semiconductor block are alternately arranged in such a way that the connection portion of the p-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the n-type semiconductor block and the connection portion of the n-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the p-type semiconductor block. The connection portions and tip-end portions of the pillar portions are made of a thermoelectric conversion material containing metal powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: FUJITSU LIMITED
  • Publication number: 20140116491
    Abstract: Thermoelectric solid material and method thereof. The thermoelectric solid material includes a plurality of nanowires. Each nanowire of the plurality of nanowires corresponds to an aspect ratio (e.g., a ratio of a length of a nanowire to a diameter of the nanowire) equal to or larger than 10, and each nanowire of the plurality of nanowires is chemically bonded to one or more other nanowires at at least two locations of the each nanowire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Alphabet Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Reifenberg, Saniya LeBlanc, Matthew L. Scullin
  • Publication number: 20140116489
    Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to generate electric power from heat. An exemplary direct thermal electric converter embodiment includes at least a first recombination material having a first recombination rate, a second recombination material adjacent to the first recombination material and having a second recombination rate, wherein the second recombination rate is different from the first recombination rate, and a third recombination material adjacent to the second recombination material and having a third recombination rate substantially the same as the first recombination rate. Application of heat generates at least first charge carriers that migrate between the first recombination material and the second recombination material, and generates at least second charge carriers that migrate between the third recombination material and the second recombination material. The migration of the first charge carriers and the migration of the second charge carriers generates an electrical current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Milon Orem
  • Patent number: 8709662
    Abstract: The method for producing a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery is characterized by including (1) a forming step of forming a sheet-form compact containing, as raw substances, a lithium compound serving as a first ingredient, a compound of a transition metal other than lithium serving as a second ingredient, and at least one of boron oxide and vanadium oxide serving as a third ingredient; and (2) a firing step of firing the compact at 700 to 1,300° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuta Sugiura, Tsutomu Nanataki, Jun Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8709850
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of at least one thermoelectric apparatus with the steps of: preparation of a first wafer (1) which is formed from a thermoelectric material of a first conductivity type; preparation of a second wafer which is formed from a thermoelectric material of a second conductivity type; structuring of the first wafer (1) so that a group of first thermoelectric structures (7) is produced; structuring of the second wafer so that a group of second thermoelectric structures is produced; and linking of the first to the second wafer in such a manner that the first and the second thermoelectric structures are electrically connected together and thus form the thermoelectric apparatus. According to the invention, before the structuring of the first wafer (1), a first contact material (3) is deposited on the first wafer (1) and/or before the structuring of the second wafer, a second contact material is deposited onto the second wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Micropelt GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Nurnus, Fritz Volkert, Axel Schubert
  • Publication number: 20140102500
    Abstract: In a structure for joining thermoelectric devices and electrodes in a thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric module is configured such that multiple P-type thermoelectric devices and multiple N-type thermoelectric devices are alternately disposed so as to be electrically connected in series via electrode members. A connected portion of the electrode member to the P-type thermoelectric device and a connected portion of the electrode member to the N-type thermoelectric device are made of different materials. This can suppress a considerable reduction in connection reliability between the thermoelectric devices and the electrodes even at a high temperature and efficiently transmit a peripheral temperature to the thermoelectric devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi FUJIWARA, Tomotake TOHEI, Zenzo ISHIJIMA, Takahiro JINUSHI, Shohei HATA
  • Publication number: 20140102499
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei TAKAHASHI, Tsutomu KANNO, Akihiro SAKAI, Hiromasa TAMAKI, Yuka YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8692103
    Abstract: A metal mixture is prepared, in which an excess amount of Te is added to a (Bi—Sb)2Te3 based composition. After melting the metal mixture, the molten metal is solidified on a surface of a cooling roll of which the circumferential velocity is no higher than 5 m/sec, so as to have a thickness of no less than 30 ?m. Thus, a plate shaped raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10 are manufactured, in which Te rich phases are microscopically dispersed in complex compound semiconductor phases, and extending directions of C face of most of crystal grains are uniformly oriented. The raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10 are layered in the direction of the plate thickness. And the layered body is solidified and formed to form a compact 12. After that, the compact 12 is plastically deformed in such a manner that a shear force is applied in a uniaxial direction that is approximately parallel to the main layering direction of the raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Toshinori Ota, Hiroki Yoshizawa, Kouiti Fujita, Isao Imai, Tsuyoshi Tosho, Ujihiro Nishiike
  • Publication number: 20140090150
    Abstract: A thermal-electronic device includes a first thermo-electric material having a first charge and a second thermo-electronic material having a second charge that is opposite the first charge. A flexible conductive interconnection is positioned between the first thermo-electric material and the second thermo-electric material to bond the first thermo-electric material and the second thermo-electric material into a segment. A plurality of segments are bonded together to form a thread having alternating first thermo-electric materials and second thermo-electric materials. The conductive interconnection allows a charge to flow between the first thermo-electric materials and second thermo-electric materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Anzen Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Skertic
  • Patent number: 8688390
    Abstract: A means for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of thermoelectric material allows quality control at all steps in the construction of a bismuth telluride and antimony telluride thermoelectric generator. The method involves measuring negative thermoelectric voltage with no current flowing and then a measure of negative thermoelectric voltage while forcing known current through the material in the same direction as shorted to accurately determine thermoelectric resistance. A manual and automatic method of manufacturing thermoelectric rings using forcing current for in-process testing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Jon Murray Schroeder
    Inventors: Jon Murray Schroeder, Gerald Phillip Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8685758
    Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes a pair of heat transfer plates, p-type semiconductor blocks and n-type semiconductor blocks arranged between the heat transfer plates, and terminal electrodes formed respectively on inner surfaces of the heat transfer plates and connecting the semiconductor blocks in series. The heat transfer plates include holes reaching from an outer surface to the terminal electrodes, and grooves each formed between the terminal electrodes and communicating between the adjacent holes. If a disconnection occurs, for example, a pin of a tester is brought into contact with the terminal electrode via the hole to specify a disconnected portion, and the terminal electrodes are electrically connected by injecting conductive paste into the holes in the disconnected portion as well as the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Takuya Nishino
  • Patent number: 8686278
    Abstract: An integrated micro-combustion power generator converts hydrocarbon fuel into electricity. The integrated micro-scale power generator includes a micro-machined combustor adapted to convert hydrocarbon fuel into thermal energy and a micro-machined thermoelectric generator adapted to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. The combustion reaction in the combustor flows in a path in a first plane while the thermal energy flows in a second plane in the generator; the second plane being nearly orthogonal or orthogonal to the first plane. The fuel handler in the combustor is adjacent and thermally isolated from the thermoelectric generator. The fuel handler may include a nozzle and gas flow switch, where the frequency of activation of the gas flow switch controls the amount of the fuel ejected from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Ying Hsu
  • Patent number: 8686277
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a microelectronic assembly including a built-in TEC, a microelectronic assembly including a built-in TEC, and a system including the microelectronic assembly. The method includes providing a microelectronic device, and fabricating the TEC directly onto the microelectronic device such that there is no mounting material between the TEC and the microelectronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Mohammad M. Farahani, Gregory Chrysler, Kris Frutschy
  • Publication number: 20140083477
    Abstract: The disclosed relates to a thermoelectric device for generating electrical currents exploiting the Seebeck effect, more specifically a structural thermoelectric device which can replace a structural component of a body. The structural thermoelectric device can include a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer and located therebetween a polymer thermocouple layer having a reinforcement formed from a structural support, wherein the internal surface of the support includes at least one layer of at least one conducting polymer. The reinforcement can be is porous material with a plurality of voids, wherein the internal surfaces of the voids are coated with a conducting polymer, which is capable of providing the Peltier effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Sajad Haq, Michael Dunleavy, Martyn John Hucker, Joseph Maurice Davies
  • Patent number: 8674208
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generation method using a thermoelectric generator includes: placing a thermoelectric generator in a temperature-changing atmosphere; drawing to outside a current that is generated due to a temperature difference between first and second support members when the temperature of the second support member is higher than that of the first support member, and that flows from a second thermoelectric conversion member to a first thermoelectric conversion member, using first and second output sections as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively; and drawing to outside a current that is generated due to a temperature difference between the first and second support members when the temperature of the first support member is higher than that of the second support member, and that flows from a fourth thermoelectric conversion member to a third thermoelectric conversion member, using third and fourth output sections as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masakazu Yajima, Masayoshi Kanno, Shinichiro Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140060607
    Abstract: Thermoelectric materials and flexible polymer-based thermoelectric materials that may be applied to fabrics for use as personal cooling/heating clothes and portable power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Yue Wu, Scott Finefrock
  • Publication number: 20140060603
    Abstract: A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Kriisa Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Toomas KRIISA
  • Patent number: 8664509
    Abstract: A thermoelectric apparatus includes a first and a second assemblies, at least a first and a second heat conductors. The first assembly includes a first and a second substrates, and several first thermoelectric material sets disposed between the first and second substrates. The first substrate has at least a first through hole. The second assembly includes a third and a fourth substrates, and several second thermoelectric material sets disposed between the third and fourth substrates. The fourth substrate has at least a second through hole. Each of the first and second thermoelectric material sets has a p-type and an n-type thermoelectric element. The first and second heat conductors respectively penetrate the first and second through holes. Two ends of the first heat conductor respectively connect the second and fourth substrates, while two ends of the second heat conductor respectively connect the first and third substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chun-Kai Liu, Ming-Ji Dai, Suh-Yun Feng, Li-Ling Liao
  • Patent number: 8658880
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: ZT3 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Biprodas Dutta, Ian L. Pegg, Sezhian Annamalai, Rudra P. Bhatta, Jugdersuren Battogtokh
  • Publication number: 20140048111
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for producing electrical current based on a temperature differential. The system comprises of at least one unit having a plurality of chips sandwiched between a higher temperature layer on one side and a lower temperature layer on an opposite side. Chips are preferably thermoelectric solid state chips that produce an electric current when there is a temperature differential created across the chips. There are a plurality of chips in each unit and the chips within each unit are electrically connected to one another in series. Preferably, there are a plurality of units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: THOMAS G. HINSPERGER, Michael A. Walter
  • Patent number: 8653356
    Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Minas Tanielian
  • Patent number: 8653357
    Abstract: A device and method wherein a thermo electric generator device is disposed between stacks of a multiple level device, or is provided on or under a die of a package and is conductively connected to the package. The thermo electric generator device is configured to generate a voltage by converting heat into electric power. The voltage which is generated by the thermo electric generator can be recycled back into the die itself, or to a higher-level unit in the system, even to a cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Zachary A. Prather, Steven E. Reder, Michael J. Berman
  • Patent number: 8648357
    Abstract: A radiation-emitting device includes a first active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes, and a second active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes. The first active semiconductor layer and the second active semiconductor layer are arranged in a manner stacked one above another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20140034102
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generating system is provided that includes at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes at least one first heat exchanger in thermal communication with at least a first portion of a first working fluid. The first portion of the first working fluid flows through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one first heat exchanger. The at least one thermoelectric assembly further includes at least one second heat exchanger in thermal communication with the plurality of thermoelectric elements and with a second working fluid flowing through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The second working fluid is cooler than the first working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: Marco Ranalli, Martin Adldinger, Douglas T. Crane
  • Publication number: 20140034103
    Abstract: The pending disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for generating power using a thermoelectric device. Such systems, methods, and devices may include one or more heat pipes containing a fluid. Moreover, each of the heat pipes may be coupled to the top surface of one or more thermoelectric modules. Also, a heat sink may be coupled to the top end of the one or more heat pipes. Further, a charging circuit may be coupled to the one or more thermoelectric modules. Moreover, the bottom surface of the one or more thermoelectric modules may be heated from an external heat source to a temperature higher than the temperature of the top surface of the one or more thermoelectric modules thereby generating voltage to be provided to the electric charging circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: STAMP TEG LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Kellie, Adam Lucas Millat, Yuri Jacques Kubo
  • Publication number: 20140034104
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated circuit system including a first active layer fabricated on a front side of a semiconductor die and a second pre-fabricated layer on a back side of the semiconductor die and having electrical components embodied therein, wherein the electrical components include at least one discrete passive component. The integrated circuit system also includes at least one electrical path coupling the first active layer and the second pre-fabricated layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. O'DONNELL, Santiago IRIARTE, Mark J. MURPHY, Colin G. LYDEN, Gary CASEY, Eoin Edward ENGLISH
  • Publication number: 20140020729
    Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes a p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material containing a metal as its main constituent, an n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material containing an oxide as its main constituent, and a composite oxide insulating material containing a composite oxide as its main constituent. The p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material are directly bonded in a region of a junction plane between the p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material, and the p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material are bonded to each other with the composite oxide insulating material interposed therebetween so as to define a pn conjunction pair in the other region of the junction plane. A perovskite-type oxide is used as the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8633371
    Abstract: A device and method for generating electricity. The device includes a heat source, a cold source, and a thermoelectric generating plate, having a first side and an opposed side. When heat is introduced to the heat source, heat flows across the thermoelectric generating plate and electricity is generated. In the present arrangement, because the hot and cold sources are in thermal communication with opposed sides of the thermoelectric generating plate, the thermal gradient or rate of heat flow across the thermoelectric generating plate is maximized. Thus, because the rate of heat flow is increased, the rate at which electricity is generated is also increased, and the size of the device is maintained, or minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward D. McCullough, James P. Huang