Abstract: A method of forming a thermoelectric device may include forming a first electrically conductive trace, and bonding a thermoelectric element to the first electrically conductive trace. After bonding the thermoelectric element to the first electrically conductive trace, a metal post may be formed on the thermoelectric element so that the thermoelectric element is between the first electrically conductive trace and the metal post. After forming the metal post, the metal post may be bonded to a second electrically conductive trace so that the metal post is between the second electrically conductive trace and the thermoelectric element. Other related methods and structures are also discussed.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for electric power generation. A system includes a boiler for heating a fluid, the boiler directing a first portion of the heated fluid to a turbine for the generation of electric power and a second portion of the heated fluid to a thermoelectric (TE) generator, and a condenser connected to the turbine that condenses hot fluid emitted from the turbine and feeds the condensed fluid to the TE generator, the TE generator generating electric power from a difference in temperature of the second portion of the heated fluid and the condensed fluid from the turbine.

Abstract: Described herein are a thermo-electric generator module and a method for constructing the thermo-electric generator module. The thermo-electric generator module includes a plurality of thermo-electric plates on a surface of a heat absorption member; and a heat dissipation region that encases the heat absorption member. The thermo-electric module is connected in series with other thermo-electric generator modules to facilitate generation of electricity.

Abstract: Power is generated using a thermoelectric power generation unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit has at least one thermoelectric module disposed between a first heat sink arranged inside the thermoelectric power generation unit and a second heat sink arranged outside the thermoelectric power generation unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit is inserted into a ducting network carrying relatively hot air during some periods of time and relatively cold air during other periods of time so that the relatively hot and cold air flows through the thermoelectric power generation unit during the different periods of time. The thermoelectric power generation unit generates power when the ducting network carries either the relatively hot or cold air. Energy is stored at least partially based on the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes at least one thermoelectric generator which includes at least one cold-side heat exchanger, at least one hot-side heat exchanger, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one cold-side heat exchanger and in thermal communication with the at least one hot-side heat exchanger. The system further includes a combustible fluid, wherein the at least one cold-side heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat to the combustible fluid.

Abstract: A power generating system comprising a heat exchanger comprising an inlet, an outlet and a conduit extending along a length of the heat exchanger between the inlet and the outlet, and a plurality of thermally conductive fins provided within the conduit, a packing fraction of the fins increasing from a first packing fraction proximate the inlet to a second packing fraction proximate the outlet; and a plurality of thermoelectric power generators positioned along the length of the heat exchanger, each thermoelectric power generator comprising a hot side, a cold side and a thermoelectric element extending there between, wherein the hot sides of the thermoelectric power generators are in thermal contact with the plurality of fins such that the temperature of each hot side is substantially equal along the length of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric conversion material that can have a balance between flexibility and high thermoelectric conversion capacity, a thermoelectric conversion element using the material, and a device that uses waste heat of, for example, an electronic apparatus and a vehicle by using the element. Provided is a thermoelectric conversion element that includes a layer constituted by an organic material in which a fine particle of a carbon nanotube is dispersed and which has flexibility, preferably, a high glass transition temperature and low thermal conductivity, and in which a mass ratio of the carbon nanotube to the organic material is 50% by mass to 90% by mass, and a device in which the thermoelectric conversion element is installed to a heat release portion of an apparatus.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes a plurality of cold-side conduits extending parallel to one another along a first direction and configured to have a first working fluid flowing therethrough. Each cold-side conduit includes a cold-side tube and a plurality of cold-side shunts in thermal communication with the cold-side tube. The system further includes a plurality of hot-side conduits extending parallel to one another along a second direction and configured to have a second working fluid flowing therethrough. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each hot-side conduit includes a hot-side tube and a plurality of hot-side shunts in thermal communication with the hot-side tube. The system further includes a plurality of thermoelectric stacks. Each thermoelectric stack of the plurality of thermoelectric stacks extends along a third direction and is configured to have electrical current flow through the thermoelectric stack along the third direction.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an array of discrete solar cells with associated devices such as bypass diodes is formed over a single substrate. In one instance, a method of forming a solar-cell array with integrated bypass diodes comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate, a first cell comprising a SiGe p-n junction or SiGe p-i-n junction, one or more second cells each comprising a III-V semiconductor p-n junction or III-V semiconductor p-i-n junction; forming a bypass diode that is discrete and laterally separate from its associated solar cell and comprises an unremoved portion of the first cell, the formation comprising removing an unremoved portion of the one or more second cells thereover.

Abstract: The thermoelectric power generation element includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are disposed to oppose each other, and a laminate that is interposed between the first and second electrodes, where the laminate has a structure in which Bi2Te3 layers and metal layers containing Ni or Co are laminated alternately, a thickness ratio between the metal layer and the Bi2Te3 layer is in a range of metal layer:Bi2Te3 layer=20:1 to 0.5:1, lamination surfaces of the Bi2Te3 layers and the metal layers are inclined at an inclination angle ? of 10° to 60° with respect to a direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode oppose each other, and a temperature difference generated in a direction perpendicular to the direction in the element generates a potential difference between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A thermocouple includes a first thermocouple wire defining a distal end portion, and a second thermocouple wire defining a distal end portion. A hot junction is formed between the distal end portions of the first and second thermocouple wires. The hot junction defines a splice such that the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire are in direct contact at their distal end portions. A refractory coating is applied over the hot junction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric device using a bulk material of a nano type, a thermoelectric module having the thermoelectric device and a method of manufacturing thereof. According to the present invention, thin film of a nano thickness is formed on a bulk material formed as several nano types to be re-connected for prohibiting the phonon course.

Abstract: A means of providing solar powered electricity for day and nighttime use supported in part by power from the grid to allow a small generator to electrify the home or business with a small generator operating with much larger capacity. Excess solar energy is provided to the power company as needed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a thermo-electric generator having a hot side which absorbs heat from a heat source, a cold side which discharges heat to a heat sink, and electrical terminals for outputting electrical energy with an output voltage and an electric circuit with a maximum permissible input voltage, the inputs of which are connected to the electrical terminals of the thermo-electric generator. Such arrangements may be used, for example, in exhaust systems of motor vehicles for more efficient use of the energy.

Abstract: In one aspect, photovoltaic apparatus comprising electrical and thermal production capabilities are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus described herein comprises a conduit core comprising at least one radiation transmissive surface, a fluid disposed in the conduit core and a photoactive assembly at least partially surrounding the conduit core, the photoactive assembly comprising a radiation transmissive first electrode, at least one photosensitive layer electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second electrode electrically connected to the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost thermoelectric converter element having high productivity and excellent conversion efficiency. A thermoelectric converter element according to the present invention includes a substrate 4, a magnetic film 2 provided on the substrate 4 with a certain magnetization direction A and formed of a polycrystalline magnetically insulating material, and an electrode 3 provided on the magnetic film 2 with a material exhibiting a spin-orbit interaction. When a temperature gradient is applied to the magnetic film 2, a spin current is generated so as to flow from the magnetic film 2 toward the electrode 3. A current I is generated in a direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction A of the magnetic film 2 by the inverse spin Hall effect in the electrode 3.

Abstract: An auxiliary power supply unit of a data center includes a thermoelectric chip module and a direct current/alternating current (DC/AC) voltage converter connected to the thermoelectric chip module. The thermoelectric chip module includes a number of thermoelectric chips. At least one sidewall of each thermoelectric chip contacts a hot pipe of the data center. The thermoelectric chips generate a direct current (DC) voltage when a temperature difference between the sidewalls of each thermoelectric chip exists. The DC/AC voltage converter converts the DC voltage into an alternating current (DC) voltage to power an air treatment device of the data center.

Abstract: A Seebeck solar cell device is disclosed, combining both photovoltaic and thermoelectric techniques. The device may be formed using, for example, a conventional photovoltaic cell formed from a doped silicon wafer. The material used to form conductors to the front and rear regions of the cell are chosen for their thermoelectric characteristics, including the sign, or polarity, of their Seebeck coefficients. The distal portion of each conductor is insulated from the solar and waste heat and, in some embodiments, is also coupled to a cooling mechanism. Multiple such devices can be connected in series or parallel.

Abstract: A solar power source is a multi-layer structure consisting of photovoltaic and quantum well thermoelectric modules in electrical contact with, but thermally insulating from, each other. The structure generates power when focused solar energy is directed at the photovoltaic module which generates power, heats up, and subsequently generates a thermal gradient in the thermoelectric module which generates additional power. The thermoelectric module may generate additional electrical energy using the Seebeck effect, or may cool the photovoltaic module using the Peltier effect.

Abstract: A generator of electric energy based on a thermoelectric effect includes a layer of thermoelectric material set between two pipes that guide two flows of fluid at temperatures different from one another. Each of the pipes has its wall in heat-conduction contact with respective side of the layer of thermoelectric material. Each pipe has a cavity of passage for the respective flow of fluid occupied by a porous material or divided by diaphragms into a plurality of sub-channels so as to obtain a large heat-exchange surface between each flow of fluid and the wall of the respective pipe and between said wall and the respective side of the layer of thermoelectric material.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter for converting quantities of heat into electric energy or electric energy into quantities of heat, or quantities of heat of certain temperatures into quantities of heat of certain other temperatures, includes at least two primary volumes connected to each other by at least one connecting element. Each primary volume includes one gas volume that is suited for receiving gas. One or both of the primary volumes include a liquid volume suited for receiving a liquid. The liquid can be coupled thermally to an external heat reservoir, an external source of heat, or an external heat sink. At least one volume-changing element is provided in at least one of the primary volumes for changing the size of the gas volume. A heat transfer element is provided in at least one of the primary volumes, wherein the proportion of the heat transfer element located in the liquid volume is variable.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion element having a lot of pn junction pairs per unit area and having a thermoelectric material chip which is hardly broken, and a producing method thereof. In the thermoelectric conversion element of the invention, plural substrates in each of which a film-shaped thermoelectric material is formed in a surface thereof are disposed. As a result, because the number of pn junction pairs per unit area is increased, a high output can be obtained. Because the thermoelectric material is formed into the film shape, reliability degradation caused by a breakage of the thermoelectric material can be prevented, even in the thermoelectric material having many pn junction pairs per unit area, namely, a sectional area is small.

Abstract: An energy source for supplying an autonomous electrical load system with electrical energy includes a thermogenerator device configured to generate a thermoelectric voltage to be fed to the electrical load system. The thermogenerator device is under the influence of a temperature difference between a warmer first thermal coupling device and a colder second thermal coupling device. The energy source further includes a microfluidic cooling device having a heat-absorption region, a heat-emission region, and a closed microfluidic circulation system configured to circulate a fluid between the heat-absorption region and the heat-emission region. The heat-absorption region has a thermally conductive connection to the second thermal coupling device.

Abstract: P-type semiconductor sheets and n-type semiconductor sheets formed by mixing a powder of semiconductor material, a binder resin, a plasticizer, and a surfactant are prepared. In addition, separator sheets formed by mixing a resin such as PMMA and a plasticizer are prepared. Through holes are formed in each of the separator sheets and then filled with a conductive material. Thereafter, the p-type semiconductor sheet, the separator sheet, the n-type semiconductor sheet and the separator sheet are stacked. The resultant laminated body is cut into a predetermined size and then subjected to a baking process.

Abstract: Growth of thermoelectric materials in the form of quantum well superlattices on three-dimensionally structured substrates provide the means to achieve high conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric module combined with inexpensiveness of fabrication and compatibility with large scale production. Thermoelectric devices utilizing thermoelectric materials in the form of quantum well semiconductor superlattices grown on three-dimensionally structured substrates provide improved thermoelectric characteristics that can be used for power generation, cooling and other applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric structural element (9) for generating thermoelectric power that is formed by at least two layers (1, 2) and two metallic electrical contacts (4, 5). The layers (1, 2) contain mixtures primarily of chalk and quartz sand, with the layers (1, 2) comprising different mixtures. Using different thicknesses of the metallic electrical contacts (4, 5) and the layers (1, 2), the thermoelectric structural element (9) can be produced, inter alia, as a facade panelling, masonry wall element or wallpaper. The invention also relates to a method for producing a thermoelectric structural element (9).

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoelectric device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, a first electrolyte composition capable of transporting cations, a second electrolyte composition capable of transporting anions and a connector comprising mobile cations and mobile anions, wherein the first electrolyte composition is connected to said first electrode by being in ionic contact and the second electrolyte composition is connected to said second electrode by being in ionic contact and said connector is in ionic contact with said first and said second electrolyte composition, such that an applied temperature difference over said electrolyte compositions or an applied voltage over said electrodes facilitate transport of ions to and/or from said electrodes via said electrolyte compositions. There is also provided a method for generating electric current and a method for generating a temperature difference.

Abstract: A system includes at least one thermoelectric generator configured to generate electricity in response to a temperature difference across at least a portion of the at least one thermoelectric generator. The system further includes at least one fluid conduit in thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric generator. The at least one fluid conduit is configured to have at least one working fluid flow through the at least one fluid conduit. The system further includes at least one device configured to direct the at least one working fluid through the at least one fluid conduit. The at least one device is powered by at least a portion of the electricity generated by the at least one thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and conducting composition capable of conducting ions, wherein the first and second electrodes are ionically coupled via said conducting composition such that an applied temperature difference over said conducting composition or an applied voltage over said electrodes facilitate transport of ions to and/or from said electrodes via said conducting composition, and wherein said conducting composition capable of conducting ions comprises a polymeric electrolyte. There is also provided a method for generating electric current and a method for generating a temperature difference.

Abstract: Embodiments of a thin-film heterostructure thermoelectric material and methods of fabrication thereof are disclosed. In general, the thermoelectric material is formed in a Group IIa and IV-VI materials system. The thermoelectric material includes an epitaxial heterostructure and exhibits high heat pumping and figure-of-merit performance in terms of Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity over broad temperature ranges through appropriate engineering and judicious optimization of the epitaxial heterostructure.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including: a thermoelectric matrix; and a plurality of metal nanoparticles disposed in the thermoelectric matrix, wherein a difference between a work function of thermoelectric matrix and a work function of a metal particle of the metal nanoparticles is about ?1.0 electron volt to about 1.0 electron volt.

Abstract: In a power electronics system of a next generation vehicle, a power module is provided including a thermoelectric device which is provided in a thermally conductive path between a power device and a cooling plate such that the thermoelectric device creates useful electric power from the waste heat of the power device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a thermogenerator (10) comprising a plurality of thermocouples formed of p-type thermoelements (12) and n-type thermoelements (14). A wafer (18), provided with a plurality of holes (20a, 20b) is covered in thermoelectric material powder (22, 24). Pressure (P) is applied to the powder (22, 24) so that it penetrates into the holes (20a, 20b) while heating so as to form a plurality of p-type and n-type thermoelements (12, 14) contained in the wafer (18). The wafer (18) is thinned, the thinned wafer thus forming a matrix (16) in which the thermoelements (12, 14) are contained. While preserving the matrix (16) the p-type thermoelements are connected so as to form thermocouples and the n-type thermoelements are connected so as to form thermocouples, thereby obtaining a thermogenerator (10).

Abstract: An integrated circuit with an embedded heat exchanger for coupling heat to an embedded thermoelectric device from a thermal source that is electrically isolated from a thermoelectric device. A method for forming an integrated circuit with an embedded heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electricity is provided, where the system includes at least one energy transmission element, such as at least one heat pipe or at least one thermosyphon, and at least one thermoelectric assembly extending around a portion of the at least one energy transmission element.

Abstract: An integrated micro-scale power converter converts hydrocarbon fuel into electricity. The integrated micro-scale power converter includes a micromachined combustor adapted to convert hydrocarbon fuel into thermal energy and a micromachined 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.

Abstract: A thermionic or thermotunneling converter consisting of two electrodes maintained at a desired distance from one another by means of spacers in which the electrodes comprise silicon coated with a hard material, or comprise a ceramic or other refractory material. The spacers are formed by oxidizing one electrode, protecting certain oxidized areas and removing the remainder of the oxidized layer. The protected oxidized areas remain as spacers. These spacers have the effect of maintaining the electrodes at a desired distance without the need for active elements, thus greatly reducing costs.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material of the p-type having the stoichiometric formula Zn4Sb3, wherein part of the Zn atoms optionally being substituted by one or more elements selected from the group comprising Sn, Mg, Pb and the transition metals in a total amount of 20 mol % or less in relation to the Zn atoms is provided by a process involving zone-melting of a an arrangement comprising an interphase between a “stoichiometric” material having the desired composition and a “non-stoichiometric” material having a composition deviating from the desired composition. The thermoelectric materials obtained exhibit excellent figure of merits.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device may include a thermoelectric element including a layer of a thermoelectric material and having opposing first and second surfaces. A first metal pad may be provided on the first surface of the thermoelectric element, and a second metal pad may be provided on the second surface of the thermoelectric element. In addition, the first and second metal pads may be off-set in a direction parallel with respect to the first and second surfaces of the thermoelectric element. Related methods are also discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for converting thermal energy into electrical energy with at least one thermocouple, which thermocouple comprises two thermoelectric branches (A, B) electrically connected in series, and the thermocouple has a first passage surface (F1) and a second passage surface (F) for the heat flow (Q) and for the electrical current (7, 7?). In this connection, the value of the first passage surface (F1) is less than 5% of the value of the second passage surface (F).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a strap configured to be coupled to a container. The strap includes a plurality of plates arranged to allow the strap to flex. The system also includes a thermoelectric device coupled to the strap. The strap is configured to transfer heat between the thermoelectric device and the container. The system includes a thermal interface situated between the thermoelectric device and the strap.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes a pair of substrates, electrodes formed on the facing surfaces of a pair of the electrodes, a thermoelectric element disposed between the electrodes, and a joining layer that joins the electrodes and the thermoelectric element, in which the thickness of the joining layer is 30 ?m or more, and is formed by sintering paste including metal particles smaller than 100 nm.

Abstract: A device for exhaust gas heat utilization in internal combustion engines of motor vehicles has an outer housing through which exhaust gas can flow and at least one thermoelectric generator module received in the outer housing. The at least one thermoelectric generator module is fastened onto a wavelike carrier wall. The invention further relates to an exhaust gas module having such a device, and to a method of manufacturing this device.

Abstract: The thermal interface material including a thermally conductive metal a thermally conductive metal having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a diffusion barrier plate coupled to the first surface of the thermally conductive metal and the second surface of the thermally conductive metal, and a thermal resistance reducing layer coupled to the diffusion barrier plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating electricity. The apparatus includes one or more first components configured to extract heat from at least a first fluid flow at a first temperature to one or more devices configured to convert thermal energy to electric energy. The first fluid flow is in a first direction. Additionally, the apparatus includes one or more second components configured to transfer heat from the one or more devices to at least a second fluid flow at a second temperature. The second temperature is lower than the first temperature, and the second fluid flow is in a second direction. Each first part of the first fluid flow corresponds to a first shortest distance to the one or more devices, and the first shortest distance is less than half the square root of the total free flow area for a corresponding first cross-section of the first fluid flow.

Abstract: A system which can efficiently control the temperature of the battery module, and also can easily control the temperature in the intense environment by actively adapting the exterior environment. The system for controlling temperature of a secondary battery module includes a housing receiving a plurality of unit batteries. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. A heat transfer member is in contact with the unit batteries. The heat transfer member has a portion exposed to a heat transfer medium duct formed inside the housing, and a temperature controller is mounted in the heat transfer member to control temperature of the unit batteries.

Abstract: Disclosed herein include nanocomposites with improved thermoelectric performance. Also disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing and methods of using such nanocomposites.

Abstract: A thermoelectric structure including a thermoelectric material having a thickness less than 50 nm and a semi-insulating material in electrical contact with the thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material and the semi-insulating materials have an equilibrium Fermi level, across a junction between the thermoelectric material and the semi-insulating material, which exists in a conduction band or a valence band of the thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric structure is for thermoelectric cooling and thermoelectric power generation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a thermoelectric composite sandwich structure with an integrated honeycomb core and method for making. The thermoelectric composite sandwich structure comprises two prepreg composite face sheets and an integrated honeycomb core assembled between the face sheets. The honeycomb core comprises a plurality of core elements bonded together with a core adhesive. Each core element has a first side substantially coated with a negative Seebeck coefficient conductive material having a plurality of first spaced gaps, and each core element further has a second side substantially coated with a positive Seebeck coefficient conductive material having a plurality of second spaced gaps. The honeycomb core further comprises a plurality of electrical connections for connecting in series the first side to the second side. A temperature gradient across the honeycomb core generates power.