Abstract: A transverse thermoelectric device includes a superlattice body, electrically conductive first and second contacts, and first and second thermal contacts. The superlattice body extends between opposite first and second ends along a first direction and between opposite first and second sides along a different, second direction. The superlattice body includes alternating first and second layers of crystalline materials oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. The electrically conductive first contact is coupled with the first end of the superlattice and the electrically conductive second contact is coupled with the second end of the superlattice. The first thermal contact is thermally coupled to the first side of the superlattice and the second thermal contact is thermally coupled to the second side of the superlattice. A Seebeck tensor of the superlattice body is ambipolar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing Peltier modules, each of which comprises several Peltier elements that are arranged between at least two substrates. The substrates are made of an electrically insulating material at least on the sides facing the Peltier elements while being provided with contact areas on said surfaces. The contact areas, to which the Peltier elements are connected by means of terminal sure during the production process, are formed by metallic areas.

Abstract: A thermoelectric composition comprises a material represented by the general formula (AgaX1?a)1±x(SnbPb1?b)mM?1?yQ2+m wherein X is Na, K, or a combination of Na and K in any proportion; M? is a trivalent element selected from the group consisting of Sb, Bi, lanthanide elements, and combinations thereof; Q is a chalcogenide element selected from the group consisting of S, Te, Se, and combinations thereof; a and b are independently >0 and ?1; x and y are independently >0 and <1; and 2?m?30. The compositions exhibit a figure of merit ZT of up to about 1.4 or higher, and are useful as p-type semiconductors in thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: An annular semiconductor element for producing a thermoelectric module includes at least one groove extending in a radial direction from an internal circumferential face to an external circumferential face. An annular insulation material insulates n-doped and p-doped semiconductor elements and is accordingly disposed on a lateral face of the semiconductor elements. The insulation material has a slit which extends in the radial direction and divides the insulation material. A thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric module are also provided.

Abstract: A portable device for supplying with power of at least one portable electrical load or gadget (70), wherein the device (10) is adapted to be manually heated and comprises at least one thermoelectric element (20) having one hot or warm side (21) and one cold side (22), a container (30) attached to the cold side (22) and adapted for holding or keeping a cooling medium or fluid (90) therein, a power converter (60) and a set of cables (65) coming out of the thermoelectric element (20) and connected to the electrical load (70) via the power converter (60).

Abstract: A thermoelectric material has a Heusler alloy type crystal structure and is based on an Fe2VAl basic structure having a total number of valence electrons of 24 per chemical formula. The thermoelectric material has a structure expressed by General Formula Fe2V1?ZAl1+Z, where 0.03?z?0.12, or General Formula Fe2V1?ZAl1+Z, where ?0.12?z??0.03, by controlling its chemical compositional ratio. The former acts as a p-type material and has a Seebeck coefficient whose absolute value reaches a peak at a temperature of 400 K or higher; and the latter acts as an n-type material and has a Seebeck coefficient whose absolute value reaches a peak at a temperature of 310 K or higher.

Abstract: A heterogeneous laminate including: graphene; and a thermoelectric inorganic compound disposed on the graphene.

Abstract: A semiconductor element includes at least a thermoelectric material and a first frame part which are force-lockingly connected to one another, with the frame part forming a diffusion barrier for the thermoelectric material and an electrical conductor. A method for producing the semiconductor element as well as a thermoelectric module having at least two semiconductor elements, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermoelectric device and a fabricating method thereof. The thermoelectric device includes: a substrate; a heat absorbing part, a leg, and a heat radiating part formed on the substrate; and a heat radiating material formed between the substrate and the heat radiating part to radiate heat transferred from the heat radiating part.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoelectric module and a tubular thermoelectric module include at least an inner tube, an outer tube and an interspace therebetween. At least a plurality of rings each formed by a plurality of n-doped and p-doped semiconductor elements disposed alternately in a circumferential direction are disposed in succession in an axial direction of the thermoelectric module in the interspace. On an inner side or an outer side of the semiconductor elements of one ring, electrically conductive first connections run only in the circumferential direction and, on an opposite outer side or inner side, at least one electrically conductive second connection electrically conductively connects an n-doped to a p-doped semiconductor element of an adjacent ring and runs at least in the axial direction of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module which has a P-type thermoelectric conversion material and an N-type thermoelectric conversion material electrically connected to each other. The P-type thermoelectric conversion material and the N-type thermoelectric conversion material are joined with insulating material particles (ceramic spherical particles) interposed therebetween, so as not to be electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric generator are described. The thermoelectric generator, having a housing in which at least one heat source tube, at least one heat sink tube, and at least one generator element are between the heat source tube and the heat sink tube. A pretension mounting device is in the housing and provides an elastic force via which the tubes are pretensioned relative to one another and which compresses the tubes and the generator element in-between. An inner side of the housing of the pretension mounting device forms a support for the pretension mounting device, which is acted upon by a counterforce to the elastic force of the pretension mounting device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes a laminated body including a plurality of thermoelectric components laminated therein. Each of the thermoelectric components includes an insulating layer, and a thermoelectric conversion element section in which a plurality of p-type thermoelectric conversion material layers and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric conversion material layers are arranged on the insulating layer in a series connection. A step eliminating insulating material layer is arranged to eliminate a step between the thermoelectric conversion element section and a vicinity thereof, in a region between the insulating layers adjacent to each other in a laminating direction, around the p-type thermoelectric conversion material layers and n-type thermoelectric conversion material layers constituting the thermoelectric conversion element section. The thermoelectric conversion element section has a serpentine shape.

Abstract: An nanoantenna comprising a resonant structure element is tuned to capture energy, for example heat or light, radiated at a resonant frequency and to transfer structure to convert the captured energy to electrical energy. A co-planar strip can be used to provide impedance matching between the resonant structure element and the transfer structure. An array of nanoantennae form a nanoantenna array to provide electrical energy output from a plurality of nanoantennae. The nanoantenna array can be coupled to a device or apparatus as a power source.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices with interface materials and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. A thermoelectric device can include at least one shunt, at least one thermoelectric element in thermal and electrical communication with the at least one shunt, and at least one interface material between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element. The at least one interface material can comprise a plurality of regions comprising a core material with each region separated from one another and surrounded by a shell material. The interface material can be configured to undergo deformation under (i) a normal load between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element or (ii) a shear load between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element. The deformation can reduce interface stress between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A near-field energy conversion method, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near-field” gap between juxtaposed infrared radiation receiver and emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure for maintaining uniform gap separation. Thermally resistant gap spacers are also used to maintain uniform gap separation. Means are provided for cooling a receiver substrate structure and for conducting heat to an emitter substrate structure. The gap may also be evacuated for more effective operation.

Abstract: In a thermoelectric conversion module, each of a p-type element and an n-type element is configured by aligning a plurality of particles in series and connecting the particles to each other. Around a connection part in which the particles are connected to each other, a protrusion is protruded. The protrusion has a shape of continuously extending around the entire periphery of the connection part. The protrusion may be partly interrupted, but in such a case, a circumferential length of one interrupted portion is less than one half of the periphery of the connection part.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) in an exhaust system of an engine is provided. The method includes determining the temperature of the heated side of the TEG, determining exhaust gas flow rate through the TEG, and determining the exhaust gas temperature through the TEG. A rate of change in temperature of the heated side of the TEG is predicted based on the determined temperature, the determined exhaust gas flow rate, and the determined exhaust gas temperature through the TEG. Using the predicted rate of change of temperature of the heated side, exhaust gas flow rate through the TEG is calculated that will result in a maximum temperature of the heated side of the TEG less than a predetermined critical temperature given the predicted rate of change in temperature of the heated side of the TEG. A corresponding apparatus is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a thermoelectric module and a method of manufacturing the same. The thermoelectric module includes: a thermoelectric laminate in which a plurality of N-type thermoelectric sheets made of an N-type thermoelectric material and a plurality of P-type thermoelectric sheets made of a P-type thermoelectric material are alternately disposed in a vertical direction and each of insulating sheets is provided between the N-type thermoelectric sheets and the P-type thermoelectric sheets; metal electrodes provided on left and right ends of the thermoelectric laminate; and substrates provided on outer side surfaces of the metal electrodes.

Abstract: A process for forming a thermoelectric component having optimum properties is provided. The process includes providing a plurality of core-shell nanoparticles, the nanoparticles having a core made from silica, metals, semiconductors, insulators, ceramics, carbon, polymers, combinations thereof, and the like, and a shell containing bismuth telluride. After the core-shell nanoparticles have been provided, the nanoparticles are subjected to a sintering process. The result of the sintering provides a bismuth telluride thermoelectric component having a combined electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient squared of greater than 30,000 ?V2S/mK2 at 150° C.

Abstract: Method of wireless communication between a first device and a second device, in which, the first device and the second device comprising respectively a first thermoelectric generator and a second thermoelectric generator, the two thermoelectric generators being in thermal coupling, a first signal is generated within the first device, the first thermoelectric generator is electrically powered as a function of the first signal so as to create a first thermal gradient in the said first generator and a second thermal gradient in the second generator, and a second signal is generated within the second device on the basis of the electrical energy produced by the second thermoelectric generator in response to the said second thermal gradient.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a bottom housing, a heat-generating component placed on the bottom housing, and a thermoelectric cell module placed on the bottom housing and corresponding to the heat-generating component. The thermoelectric cell module includes a first thermoelectric sheet sensing a temperature of the heat-generating component, a second thermoelectric sheet sensing a temperature of the bottom housing, and a conductive member electrically connecting the first thermoelectric sheet and the second thermoelectric sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the same. The thermoelectric module includes a substrate, a bottom electrode and a thermoelectric semiconductor. The thermoelectric module further includes an insulating layer integrally formed on a whole exposed surface of the bottom electrode, a portion of exposed surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor and a portion of exposed surface of the substrate; a contact hole provided in the insulating layer to expose a portion of a top surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor; and a top electrode to electrically connect at least two thermoelectric semiconductors by being formed on a surface of at least two thermoelectric semiconductors exposed by the contact hole and a portion of a top surface of the insulating layer.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thin-film thermoelectric elements. Each thin-film thermoelectric element is a Seebeck-Peltier device. The thin-film thermoelectric elements are electrically coupled in parallel with each other. The thermoelectric device may be fabricated using conventional semiconductor processing technologies and may be a thin-film type device.

Abstract: A pipe-shaped thermoelectric power generating device includes an internal through-hole along the axis direction of the pipe-shaped thermoelectric power generation device; a plurality of first cup-shaped components each made of metal; a plurality of second cup-shaped components each made of thermoelectric material; a first electrode; a second electrode. The plurality of first cup-shaped components and the plurality of second cup-shaped components are arranged alternately and repeatedly along the axis direction. The first electrode and the second electrode are provided respectively at one end and at the other end of the pipe-shaped thermoelectric power generation device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric component is provided. The method comprises the following steps: producing a plurality of first layers of a first thermoelectric material, and producing a plurality of second layers of a second thermoelectric material, such that the first layers are arranged in alternation with the second layers. Producing the first and/or the second thermoelectric layers each comprises producing at least one first initial layer and at least one second initial layer.

Abstract: Provided is a high temperature thermoelectric converting module including a plurality of p type thermoelectric elements; a plurality of n type thermoelectric elements; a plurality of electrodes; and a lead line. The plurality of p type thermoelectric elements, the plurality of n type thermoelectric elements, and the plurality of electrodes are electrically serially connected to each other, a pair of connecting lines that connects the lead line to one of the plurality of electrodes to output to the outside is further included, at least one electrode which is disposed at the high temperature side and the plurality of p type and n type thermoelectric elements are bonded with an intermediate layer therebetween. The plurality of p type and n type thermoelectric elements contain silicon as a component and the intermediate layer is formed as a layer containing aluminum and silicon and components other than silicon of the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter made of a thermoelectric conversion material is provided in which metal or alloy particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm are dispersed, wherein at least a part of the metal or alloy particles are dispersed at a distance not more than the mean free path of the phonon of the thermoelectric conversion material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting waste thermal energy from a pyrometallurgical vessel (1) and converting that energy to direct electrical current, the method including deriving and controlling a primary fluid flow (103) from a primary heat exchanger (10) associated with the pyrometallurgical vessel (1), providing a secondary heat exchanger (12) physically displaced from the pyrometallurgical vessel (1) which exchanges heat between the primary fluid flow (103) from the primary heat exchanger (10) and a secondary fluid flow (104). The secondary heat exchanger (12) has at least one thermoelectric or magneto-thermoelectric device having two operationally-opposed sides, the operationally-opposed sides being in thermal communication with the primary and secondary fluid flows (103,104) respectively. A temperature difference is maintained between the two operationally-opposed sides of the thermoelectric or magneto-thermoelectric device and electrical energy is generated from the temperature differential.

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.

Abstract: A thermoelectric effects materials based energy transduction device, for selectively providing conversions between electrical and thermal energies having interleaved n-type conductivity material layers having thermoelectric effects properties and a first plurality of p-type conductivity material layers each having thermoelectric effects properties. There is a first plurality of passageway structures each being thermally conductive and each having passageways therethrough extending between two sides thereof with such a passageway structure from this first plurality thereof positioned between members of each overlapped pair of succeeding layers.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module which has at least one thermoelectric element for converting energy between thermal energy and electrical energy. The at least one thermoelectric element has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The thermoelectric module further has a first electrode, the first electrode having at least a first region which is arranged directly on the first surface and a second electrode, the second electrode having at least a second region which is arranged directly on the second surface. At least one of the first region and the second region has a metal alloy which exhibits an Invar effect.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements that each include a diffusion barrier. The diffusion barrier includes a refractory metal. The thermoelectric device also includes a plurality of conductors coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric elements. The plurality of conductors include aluminum. In addition, the thermoelectric device includes at least one plate coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric elements using a braze. The braze includes aluminum.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed to use thermoelectric generating (TEG) devices to generate electricity from heat generated by a power cable. An apparatus includes multiple thermoelectric generating (TEG) devices. Each of the TEG devices has a first surface configured to be positioned in thermal communication with an outer surface of the power cable and a second surface configured to be positioned proximate to an ambient environment around the power cable. The apparatus also includes a set of terminals electrically coupled to the TEG devices. When a temperature differential exists between the first surface and the second surface, the TEG devices convert heat into electricity presented at the set of terminals.

Abstract: A method for forming a thermoelectric element for use in a thermoelectric device comprises forming a mask adjacent to a substrate. The mask can include three-dimensional structures phase-separated in a polymer matrix. The three-dimensional structures can be removed to provide a plurality of holes in the polymer matrix. The plurality of holes can expose portions of the substrate. A layer of a metallic material can be deposited adjacent to the mask and exposed portions of the substrate. The mask can then be removed. The metallic material is then exposed to an oxidizing agent and an etchant to form holes or wires in the substrate.

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: A thermoelectric conversion device includes a first board, a second board, which is arranged to face the first board, and thermoelectric elements. One end of each thermoelectric element is joined to a first electrode layer on the first board, and the other end is joined to a second electrode layer on the second board. The thermoelectric conversion device includes reinforcing members. One end of each reinforcing members joined to the first insulating plate, and the other end is joined a second insulating plate. In the thermoelectric conversion device, the coefficient of linear expansion of the reinforcing members is greater than the coefficient of linear expansion of the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device (100) includes a pair of spaced apart oppositely doped structures (110, 120) connecting between a common electrode (140) at a first end and different ones of a pair (150) of separate electrodes (150a, 150b) at a second end of the structures. Each oppositely doped structure includes a first material (112, 122) of a respectively doped semiconductor bounded by a second material (114, 124, 116, 126). Boundaries (111, 121) between the respective first and second materials are parallel to a charge carrier conduction path between the common electrode and the separate electrodes. The respectively doped semiconductor has a thickness configured to be less than a phonon scattering length.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting engine heat energy to electricity using a thermoelectric conversion device are provided herein. One example system may include an engine heat source, a thermoelectric conversion device for converting heat into electricity, and a heat pipe. The heat pipe is positioned so that when the temperature of the engine exhaust is too high, the excess heat may be transferred away from the thermoelectric conversion device to the heat sink via the heat pipe.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module includes the steps of providing a first inner surface of a first substrate with plural first electrodes and a first positioning portion, wherein the first positioning portion is located at a predetermined position to the first electrodes without overlapping with the first electrodes, providing a second inner surface of a second substrate with plural second electrodes and a second positioning portion, wherein the second positioning portion is located at a predetermined position to the second electrodes without overlapping with the second electrodes, providing the first electrodes with plural thermoelectric conversion elements, positioning a spacer to the first substrate with a third positioning portion of the spacer on the first positioning portion, and providing the thermoelectric conversion elements with the second electrodes by positioning the second substrate to the spacer with the second positioning portion on a fourth positioning portion of t

Abstract: A process for making a composite material and the composite materials having thermoelectric properties.

Abstract: Systems for producing electrical energy from heat are disclosed. The system may include a carbon-nanotube based pathway along which heat from a source can be directed. An array of thermoelectric elements for generating electrical energy may be situated about a surface of the pathway to enhance the generation of electrical energy. A carbon nanotube-based, heat-dissipating member may be in thermal communication with the array of thermoelectric elements and operative to create a heat differential between the thermoelectric elements and the pathway by dissipating heat from the thermoelectric elements. The heat differential may allow the thermoelectric elements to generate the electrical energy. Methods for producing electrical energy are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) for synthesizing cobaltites, in particular Ca3Co4O9. The invention also relates to a thermoelectric material comprising Ca3Co4O9 as obtained from a LDH precursor.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoelectric systems, devices and methods for generating energy and, providing cooling and heating. Non-ceramic thermoelectric technology is employed. In the invention, non-ceramic substrates are used to replace the ceramic layers which are typically utilized in conventional thermoelectric structures. The non-ceramic substrates can be selected from metals and metal-containing materials known in the art which have a surface modification, such as but not limited to, a coating or a surface restructuring. The incorporation of non-ceramic substrates allows several other components which are associated with the use of ceramic layers in conventional thermoelectric structures to be eliminated from the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: An electric power generation device equipped with an apparatus which vibrates and generates heat includes a thermoelectric power generation module and a piezoelectric power generation module which are formed integrally. The thermoelectric power generation module has a first surface combining thermally and mechanically with the apparatus's outer surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and generates electric power from temperature differences between the first surface and the second surface caused by the apparatus's generating heat. The piezoelectric power generation module has a fixed end combining mechanically with the apparatus's outer surface and a movable end opposite to the fixed end, and generates electric power from displacement of the movable end to the fixed end caused by the apparatus's vibrating.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module (10) has a plurality of series-connected thermoelectric elements which are arranged between a first module housing plate defining a high-temperature side and a second module housing plate defining a low-temperature side, wherein laterally beside the thermoelectric elements and towards the end faces of the module housing plates at least one elastic compensating element is provided, which exerts a lateral holding force on the thermoelectric elements and extends from one inner side of the opposed module housing plates to the other. Such thermoelectric module (10) is contained in a thermoelectric generator unit (100), with a generator housing (102) in which at least one elastic compensating element (20) and at least one thermoelectric module (10) are accommodated, wherein the generator housing (102) exerts a pretension on the thermoelectric module (10) via the elastic compensating element (20).

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a structure and an energy harvesting device. The structure is configured to have a first portion and a second. The energy harvesting device is formed as part of the structure. The energy harvesting device is configured to generate an electrical current when a difference in temperature occurs between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method of improving the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of a high-efficiency thermoelectric material is disclosed. The method includes the addition of fullerene (C60) clusters between the crystal grains of the material. It has been found that the lattice thermal conductivity (?L) of a thermoelectric material decreases with increasing fullerene concentration, due to enhanced phonon-large defect scattering. The resulting power factor (S2/?) decrease of the material is offset by the lattice thermal conductivity reduction, leading to enhanced ZT values at temperatures of between 350 degrees K and 700 degrees K.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided that can be used for cooling, heating, and power generation. A first region of the semiconductor structure has a first length and comprises a first semiconductor material doped at a first concentration with a first dopant. A second region is disposed adjacent to the first region so as to define a first interface, has a second length which is longer than the first length, and comprises a second semiconductor material doped at a second concentration with a second dopant. At least one of the first material, second material, first concentration, second concentration, first length, second length, first dopant, and second dopant is selected to create, at the first interface, a forward electrical potential step having a barrier height dependent at least in part on an average temperature (T) of the semiconductor structure, e.g., a range of approximately 3-10 ?BT, where ?B is the Boltzmann constant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reclaiming energy in smelting systems by utilizing residual heat of a system component and/or a warm product (1). In order to be able to reclaim energy in a technically simple manner at a good level of efficiency, according to the invention, a heat flow (dQ/dt) is allowed to flow from a system component and/or warm product (1) having a first temperature level (T1) to a location having a second, lower temperature level (T2), wherein a thermocouple (2) is disposed in the area between the two temperature levels (T1, T2), by means of which electrical energy is obtained directly, utilizing the heat flow (dQ/dt). The invention further relates to a smelting system.