Abstract: A thermoelectric material is disclosed. The thermoelectric material is represented by the following formula; (A1-aA?a)4-x(B1-bB?b)3-y. A is a Group XIII element and A? may be a Group XIII element, a Group XIV element, a rare earth element, a transition metal, or combinations thereof. A and A? are different from each other. B may be S, Se, Te and B? may be a Groups XIV, XV, XVI or combinations thereof. B and B? are different from each other. a is equal to or larger than 0 and less than 1. b is equal to or larger than 0 and less than 1. x is between ?1 and 1 and wherein y is between ?1 and 1.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion module, which can implement a high power generation capacity and high reliability of electric connection between thermoelectric conversion elements and meet various diameters and lengths of a tube as a heat source. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a straight-chain module unit. In the module unit, plural P-type elements and plural N-type elements, which are alternately arrayed, are electrically connected in series by a braided wire A and a braided wire B. The braided wire A connects one end surface of the P-type element and one end surface of the N-type element. The braided wire B connects the other end surface of the P-type element and the other end surface of the N-type element. The braided wire B is shorter than the braided wire A. The thermoelectric conversion module including only the module unit is spirally wound around a tube as a heat source.

Abstract: An electric generator based on a thermoelectric effect includes at least a heat source, a heat dissipator and a thermoelectric converter provided with at least two areas respectively in contact with the heat source and the heat dissipator. The heat source is the center of an exothermic chemical reaction, such as the catalytic combustion of hydrogen. The heat dissipator is the center of an endothermic chemical reaction, at least one product of which forms one of the reagents of the exothermic chemical reaction. Once it is formed by the heat dissipator, said product is then directed towards the input of the heat source in order to react there. The endothermic chemical reaction is more particularly a steam reforming reaction for methanol.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electrical power from a heat source utilizing both photonic and thermal conversion are disclosed. Specifically, power is generated by coupling photon converters to thermoelectric pairs in a way such that the thermoelectric pairs gain not only the charge carriers (holes and electrons) generated by the photons absorbed by the photon converters, but also the charge carriers generated by excess heat in the photon converters and an added thermal gradient generated by excess energy in the absorbed photons. Heat exchanger variations for such a system are also disclosed. Specifically, heat exchangers with and without photon emitters are disclosed and variants of refractive indices for heat exchanger systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for applying at least one layer, selected from diffusion barriers, further protective layers, adhesion promoters, solders and electrical contacts, onto thermoelectric materials, is characterized by the fact that the at least one layer is rolled or pressed onto the thermoelectric material at a temperature at which the thermoelectric material is flowable.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article having: a porous thermally insulating material, an electrically conductive coating on the thermally insulating material, and a thermoelectric coating on the electrically conductive coating. Also disclosed is a method of forming an article by: providing a porous thermally insulating material, coating an electrically conductive coating on the thermally insulating material, and coating a thermoelectric coating on the electrically conductive coating. The articles may be useful in thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a thermoelectric conversion unit having a case in which a flow path of an open structure is molded, a first substrate covering an open portion of the flow path, a second substrate arranged opposite the first substrate, and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. At a bottom surface of the flow path of the case, an introduction pipe and a discharge pipe are formed integrally with the case, and each of the introduction and discharge pipes extend in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device and methods thereof. The thermoelectric device includes nanowires, a contact layer, and a shunt. Each of the nanowires includes a first end and a second end. The contact layer electrically couples the nanowires through at least the first end of each of the nanowires. The shunt is electrically coupled to the contact layer. All of the nanowires are substantially parallel to each other. A first contact resistivity between the first end and the contact layer ranges from 10?13 ?-m2 to 10?7 ?-m2. A first work function between the first end and the contact layer is less than 0.8 electron volts. The contact layer is associated with a first thermal resistance ranging from 10?2 K/W to 1010 K/W.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator has a top plate disposed in spaced relation above a bottom plate. A series of foil segments are electrically and mechanically connected end-to-end to generate a foil assembly that is spirally wound and in thermal contact with the bottom and top plates. Each foil segment comprises a substrate having a series of spaced alternating n-type and p-type thermoelectric legs disposed in parallel arrangement on the front substrate surface. Each of the n-type and p-type legs is formed of a bismuth telluride-based thermoelectric material having a thickness of about 10-100 microns, a width of about 10-100 microns and a length of about 100-500 microns. The alternating n-type and p-type thermoelectric legs are electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel such that a temperature differential between the bottom and top plates results in the generation of power.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoelectric systems and methods for manufacturing thermoelectric systems. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric system include a flexible structure and at least one thermocouple unit integrated in or attached to the flexible structure, where each thermocouple unit comprises at least one thermocouple and at least one flexible radiator element thermally connected to a first end of the at least one thermocouple. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a flexible structure, forming at least one thermocouple unit comprising at least one thermocouple and at least one flexible radiator element thermally connected to a first end of the at least one thermocouple, and integrating the at least one thermocouple unit in or attaching the at least one thermocouple unit to the flexible structure.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes an insulative substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion material films disposed with a gap therebetween on a first surface of the insulative substrate and made of any one of an n-type thermoelectric conversion material and a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, a first electrode and a second electrode, formed away from each other on each of the thermoelectric conversion material films, a first thermal conduction member disposed on a side of the first surface of the insulative substrate and including a protruding portion in contact with the first, electrodes or the insulative substrate between the first electrodes, and a second thermal conduction member disposed on a side of a second surface of the insulative substrate and including a protruding portion in contact with the second surface of the insulative substrate at an area coinciding with the second electrodes.

Abstract: A method to increase the efficiency of a solar cell comprises applying one of a transparent pyroelectric film and a plurality of films in a stack on a front surface of the solar cell and applying one of an opaque pyroelectric film and plurality of films in a stack on another surface of the solar cell. An electromotive force is generated to bias the solar cell such that an open circuit voltage is created. The method also includes increasing a short circuit current through the pyroelectric film. A constant temporal temperate gradient is created in the pyroelectric film to increase the short circuit current with a temperature. The method also includes biasing a p-n junction of the solar cell with the electromotive force produced from the pyroelectric film.

Abstract: Processes for economical large scale commercial production of blocks of quantum well particles, platelets, or continuous sheets of material imparting minimal or essentially no parasitic substrate loss in quantum well devices such as thermo-electric generators in which the blocks are embodied involve roll to roll processing, i.e., deposition and crystallization of alternating layers of quantum well materials, on an elongate and continuous base layer of appreciable width. Blocks of quantum well materials having no attached base layer are produced on decomposable or release treated base layers.

Abstract: Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel. On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.

Abstract: First and second conductive members having different Seebeck coefficients are formed on an insulating substrate. The first and second conductive members are connected by ohmic contact, and the surfaces connected by ohmic contact are covered with a material sheet having a superior heat conductivity and an electric insulating property in the junction surface, such as an aluminum sheet formed with surfaces provided with electric insulating property by alumite treatment or the like. On the opposite side, bonding wires are connected with the first and second conductive members by ohmic contact. The bonding wires are insulated from one another, and used as output terminals of an integrated parallel Peltier Seebeck element chip. The thus produced integrated parallel Peltier Seebeck element chips are connected by one or more serial or parallel cables, to form energy conversion apparatus from electricity to heat and thermal energy transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A thermo-electric semiconductor device is provided. The thermo-electric semiconductor device includes: a first electrode layer; a spacer layer formed on the first electrode layer and having a plurality of pillars with a uniform height, the plurality of pillars thermally grown and protruded on a surface of the spacer layer; and a second electrode layer formed over the spacer layer in such a manner as to contact tops of the protruded pillars.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device, a method for fabricating a thermoelectric device and electrode materials applied to the thermoelectric device are provided according to the present invention. The present invention is characterized in arranging thermoelectric material power, interlayer materials and electrode materials in advance according to the structure of thermoelectric device; adopting one-step sintering method to make a process of forming bulked thermoelectric materials and a process of combining with electrodes on the devices to be completed simultaneously; and obtaining a ? shape thermoelectric device finally. Electrode materials related to the present invention comprise binary or ternary alloys or composite materials, which comprise at least a first metal selected from Cu, Ag, Al or Au, and a second metal selected from Mo, W, Zr, Ta, Cr, Nb, V or Ti.

Abstract: A thermo-electric energy converter converts thermal energy into electric energy and vice-versa. A three-dimensional micro-structure has micro-columns with different micro-column materials. The micro-column materials have different Seebeck-coefficients (thermopower). The diameters of said micro-columns which are arranged parallel to each other are from 0.1 ?m-200 ?m. The micro-columns have, respectively, an aspect ratio between 20-1000. Also, the micro-columns are coupled together as thermo-pairs for building a thermo-voltage. In order to produce the micro-structure, a template has a three-dimensional template structure with column-like template cavities, essentially inverse to the micro-structure micro-column material is inserted in the cavities thus producing micro-columns, and the template material is at least partially removed.

Abstract: The invention provides for a thermoelectric system comprising a substrate comprising a first complex oxide, wherein the substrate is optionally embedded with a second complex oxide. The thermoelectric system can be used for thermoelectric power generation or thermoelectric cooling.

Abstract: An example thermoelectric module generally includes a first laminate having a dielectric layer and an electrically conductive layer coupled to the dielectric layer, a second laminate having a dielectric layer and an electrically conductive layer coupled to the dielectric layer, and thermoelectric elements disposed generally between the first and second laminates. At least one of the dielectric layers is a polymeric dielectric layer. The electrically conductive layers of the first and second laminates are at least partially removed to form electrically conductive pads on the respective first and second laminates. The thermoelectric elements are coupled to the electrically conductive pads of the first and second laminates for electrically coupling the thermoelectric elements together.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes at least one first flow duct, at least one second flow duct, at least one first carrier layer associated with the at least one first flow duct and at least one second carrier layer associated with the at least one second flow duct, at least one intermediate space between the first carrier layer and the second carrier layer and a plurality of p and n-doped semiconductor elements disposed in the at least one intermediate space and electrically interconnected. A relative first thermal expansion of the first carrier layer and a relative second expansion of the second carrier layer are equal under operating conditions. Suitable materials are provided for the first and second carrier layers that promote the use of such thermoelectric devices in exhaust systems of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle having thermoelectric devices and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric device are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a thermoelectric conversion element includes preparing a dispersion liquid by mixing slurry containing ceramic particles with salts of at least two elements that constitute a thermoelectric conversion material, and then, precipitating the at least two elements that constitute the thermoelectric conversion material on the ceramic particles in the dispersion liquid; performing washing; performing heating treatment; and performing sintering. Contact between a solution with a pH lower than 1 among solutions of the salts and the slurry containing the ceramic particles is avoided, or the solution with the pH lower than 1 contacts the slurry containing the ceramic particles for a first time when the at least two elements that constitute the thermoelectric conversion material are precipitated.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes a first and a second substrates, plural thermoelectric elements, plural first and second metal electrodes, plural first and second solder layers, and spacers. The thermoelectric elements are disposed between the first and second substrates, and each pair includes a P-type and an N-type thermoelectric elements. An N-type thermoelectric element is electrically connected to the other P-type thermoelectric element of the adjacent pair of thermoelectric element by the second metal electrode. The first metal electrodes and the lower end surfaces of the P/N type thermoelectric elements are jointed by the first solder layers. The second metal electrodes and the upper end surfaces of the P/N type thermoelectric elements are jointed by the second solder layers. The spacers are positioned at one of the first and second solder layers. The melting point of the spacer is higher than the liquidus temperatures of the first and second solder layers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermoelectric device based on silicon nanowires including: a substrate; a silicon heat absorbing part absorbing heat, a silicon nanowire leg transferring heat, and a silicon heat releasing part releasing heat, which are formed on the substrate; and an insulating film with at least one or more holes, which is formed on the substrate including the silicon heat absorbing part, the silicon nanowire leg, and the silicon heat releasing part, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module has a thermoelectric conversion element and an electrode, which are metallurgically bonded together via a porous metal layer. The porous metal layer is made of nickel or silver and has a density ratio of 50 to 90%.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes: a substrate; a first nanowire of a first conductive type, which is formed on one side of the substrate; a second nanowire of a second conductive type, which is opposed to the first nanowire; a high temperature part commonly connected to one end of the first nanowire and one end of the second nanowire; low temperature parts connected to the other end of the first nanowire and the other end of the second nanowire, respectively; an insulation layer formed on the first nanowire and the second nanowire; a first metal layer formed on a portion of the insulation layer over the first nanowire, so as to control an electric potential of the first nanowire; and a second metal layer formed on a portion of the insulation layer over the second nanowire, so as to control an electric potential of the second nanowire.

Abstract: A structure and method for at least one array of nanowires partially embedded in a matrix includes nanowires and one or more fill materials located between the nanowires. Each of the nanowires including a first segment associated with a first end, a second segment associated with a second end, and a third segment between the first segment and the second segment. The nanowires are substantially parallel to each other and are fixed in position relative to each other by the one or more fill materials. The third segment is substantially surrounded by the one or more fill materials. The first segment protrudes from the one or more fill materials.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material includes powders having a surface coated with an inorganic material. The thermoelectric material includes a thermoelectric semiconductor powder and a coating layer on an outer surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor powders.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric device including: thermoelectric sheets made of a thermoelectric semiconductor and laminated in multi-layers; and a metal sheet interposed between the thermoelectric sheets, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module including an insulating sealing part formed on portions of a thermoelectric module part or the entirety thereof, the thermoelectric module part including thermoelectric elements, electrodes, and substrates, and a method of sealing the thermoelectric module using a parylene coating method. When the thermoelectric module is coated with parylene, which is a new material having insulation, the parylene is penetrated between the thermoelectric elements to form an insulating separator. The insulating separator efficiently prevents corrosion due to water adsorption, thereby making it possible to improve reliability of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A method for fabricating thermoelectric device is provided. The method comprises placing a first electrode in a die, forming a first interlayer on an upper surface of the first electrode; positioning a separating plate on an upper surface of the first interlayer to divide an inner space of the die into a plurality of cells, and depositing a first thermoelectric material on the first interlayer within a first fraction of the cells, and depositing a second thermoelectric material on the first interlayer within a second fraction of the cells, sintering the die contents, and removing the separating plate after sintering to obtain a ? shaped thermoelectric device.

Abstract: An example method for making thermoelectric modules generally includes coupling a first wafer and a second wafer together, processing the first and second wafers to produce a first thermoelectric element and a second thermoelectric element where the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element are coupled together, coupling the first thermoelectric element to a first conductor, coupling the second thermoelectric element to a second conductor, separating the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element, coupling the first thermoelectric element to a third conductor whereby the first thermoelectric element, the first conductor, and the third conductor form at least part of a thermoelectric module, and coupling the second thermoelectric element to a fourth conductor whereby the second thermoelectric element, the second conductor, and the fourth conductor form at least part of another thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator assembly includes a thermoelectric generator with hot and cold junction flanges. The hot junction flange includes an adapter shaped for thermally coupling to a process vessel. The thermoelectric generator producing a thermoelectric power output. A heat sink thermally couples to ambient air and has a heat sink flange. A heat pipe assembly includes fluid in a circulation chamber. The circulation chamber has an evaporator flange mounted to the cold junction flange and a condenser flange mounted to the heat sink flange. At least a portion of the fluid transports heat from the evaporator flange to the condenser flange. When a heat pipe assembly on a cold junction flange is used with many of the types of heat flows that are available in process industries, more efficient thermoelectric power generation can be provided in the process industries.

Abstract: An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.

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.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for converting thermal energy of a fluid, e.g., exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, into electrical power, has a flow channel for conveying a hot fluid, and at least one thermoelectric module for generating electrical power is thermally connected to the flow channel. The flow channel is manufactured from a ceramic material. Thermal expansion effects of the flow channel is reduced by the ceramic material of the flow channel so that the design complexity for converting thermal energy into electrical power is reduced.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The thermoelectric device includes a middle substrate, electrodes, N-type thermopiles, and P-type thermopiles, in which the N-type thermopile and the P-type thermopile are electrically connected to each other by the electrodes in series. The thermoelectric device includes further includes an upper substrate bonded to an upper surface of the middle substrate and a lower substrate bonded to a lower surface of the substrate, such that a temperature difference is provided between opposite sides of each of the N-type thermopiles and the P-type thermopiles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates, where each nanoplate comprises a rhombohedral crystal of Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, or Sb2Te3 that is sulfur doped. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a microwave activated method of preparation of the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to bulk assemblies or fused films of the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates and their preparation from the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates such that the bulk assembly or fused film can be employed in a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A device and method for using a field-responsive material that changes temperature when subjected to a respective field in combination with a thermal to electrical energy converter to accomplish the generation of electrical energy. The field-responsive material, such as an electrocaloric or magnetocaloric material, changes temperature when subjected to a change in a respective electric or magnetic field. The changing field applied to the field-responsive material causes a temperature change in the field-responsive material to heat or cool the field-responsive material. A thermal to electrical energy converter is in thermal contact with the field-responsive material, such that temperature changes in the field-responsive material in turn changes the temperature of the thermal to electrical energy converter, which the converter then converts into electrical energy.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a thermoelectric module, thermoelectric legs which are electrically contact-connected in series are coated so as to be covered with an electrically insulating solid material.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module having a plurality of p-n-couples, every two adjacent p-n-legs forming one p-n-couple. The p-n-legs are each manufactured from conductive materials. The p-n-legs of the plurality of p-n-couples are separated in an alternating sequence by an electrically insulating gap which creates a meandering current flow.

Abstract: n-type and p-type thermoelectric materials having high figures of merit are herein disclosed. The n-type and p-type thermoelectric materials are used to generate and harvest energy in thermoelectric power generator and storage modules comprising at least one n-type thermoelectric element coupled to at least one p-type thermoelectric element.

Abstract: The inventors demonstrate herein that homogeneous Ag-doped PbTe/Ag2Te composites exhibit high thermoelectric performance (˜50% over La-doped composites) associated with an inherent temperature induced gradient in the doping concentration caused by the temperature-dependent solubility of Ag in the PbTe matrix. This method provides a new mechanism to achieve a higher thermoelectric efficiency afforded by a given material system, and is generally applicable to other thermoelectric materials.

Abstract: In a thermoelectric generator (30) a layer (48) of a phase change material is introduced between a pipe (32), which conducts an offgas, and at least one thermoelectric module (40). This phase change material layer stores excess heat QE at excessively high offgas temperatures and thus protects the thermoelectric modules (40) and at the same time keeps the thermoelectric generator (30) at a constant temperature level, thus improving the efficiency thereof.

Abstract: Method and system for generating electrical energy from a volume of water.

Abstract: A device employing a consistent gap between two facing surfaces, the device comprising: a first electrode facing a second electrode, wherein an attracting force distribution attracts the first electrode to the second electrode; a power source coupled to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and a magnetic field source integral or proximal to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to generate an electric current distribution when power is supplied from the power source, such that the current in the presence of a magnetic field counters the attracting force distribution to establish an equilibrium separation between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an asymmetric thermoelectric module, which includes a plurality of first-type thermoelectric semiconductor elements, a plurality of second-type thermoelectric semiconductor elements, a plurality of pairs of assistant layers having different melting points and disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first-type and second-type thermoelectric semiconductor elements, and a pair of substrates.

Abstract: A method for making a thermoelectric microstructure includes: forming an insulating substrate; forming, on the substrate, a first assembly of conductor or semiconductor elements extending in parallel and in a first direction from first to second connection areas, and having a first Seebeck coefficient; forming, on the substrate, a second assembly of conductor or semiconductor elements electrically insulated from the first assembly and extending in parallel and in a second direction other than the first one, from the first to second connection areas, and having a second Seebeck coefficient other than the first one; providing, in the first and second connection areas, electric connection elements, each of which electrically connects at least one element of first and second assemblies; two conductor or semiconductor elements of a single assembly are separated in a predetermined direction by a predetermined average distance in the connection areas.

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.