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: The invention relates to a thermoelectric device, comprising a first circuit (1), called hot circuit, through which a first fluid can flow, and, a second circuit (2), called cold circuit, through which a second fluid can flow at a temperature lower than that of the first fluid, and elements (3, 3p, 3n), called thermoelectric elements, that can be used to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient. According to the invention, it comprises fins (6f, 6c) in a heat exchange relationship with said hot circuit (1) and/or said cold circuit (2), the thermoelectric elements (3, 3p, 3n) being in contact at least with said fins (6f, 6c), at least some of said fins (6f, 6c) being associated in pairs, a compressible material (11) being provided between the fins (6f, 6c) of one and the same pair.

Abstract: The invention concerns a thermoelectric module with multiple thermoelectric elements, which are arranged spaced apart from one another, two thermoelectric elements being respectively electrically connected by means of a conductor bridge, an electrical insulation being arranged at least in certain portions on a side of the conductor bridge that is facing away from the thermoelectric element and/or on a side of the conductor bridge that is facing the thermoelectric element, the electrical insulation being arranged on the surface of the conductor bridge, the electrical insulation and the conductor bridge being thermomechanically decoupled.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The exchanger has a thermoelectric generator which comprises a hot side and a cold side with a heating pipe arranged on one hot side of the thermoelectric generator, and with a cooling pipe arranged on one cold side of the thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator the heating pipe, and the cooling pipe are stacked in a stack direction on top of one another and form a pipe stack, in which the respective thermoelectric generator, heating pipe and cold pipe extend parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction of the pipe stack. An increased energetic efficiency is obtained. A heat transfer structure has a heat transfer capability favoring a heat transfer between the respective pipe and the respective media conducted therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating power in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation are described. A swirling flow of pressurized fluid is passed through a vortex tube to generate a temperature differential between first and second outlets of the vortex tube. The temperature differential is applied to a thermoelectric generator configured to convert the temperature differential into a voltage. The thermoelectric generator produces electrical power that is transmittable to down-hole tools within the wellbore such as an inflow control valve.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is provided. The thermoelectric device includes first and second electrodes, a first leg, a second leg, and a common electrode. The first leg is disposed on the first electrode and includes one or more first semiconductor pattern and one or more first barrier patterns. The second leg is disposed on the second electrode and includes one or more second semiconductor pattern and one or more second barrier patterns. The common electrode is disposed on the first leg and the second leg. Herein, the first barrier pattern has a lower thermal conductivity than the first semiconductor pattern, and the second barrier pattern has a lower thermal conductivity than the second semiconductor pattern. The first/second barrier pattern has a higher electric conductivity than the first/second semiconductor pattern. The first/second barrier pattern forms an ohmic contact with the first/second semiconductor pattern.

Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter is formed by a plenum divided into high and low pressure chambers by a partition and includes a stack of series-coupled alkali-metal thermoelectric cells that projects orthogonally from the partition into one of the chambers.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device and method based on creating a structure of nanoclusters in a composite metal and insulator material by co-depositing the metal and insulator material and irradiating the composite material to create nanoclusters of metal within the composite material. In one variation, the composite material may be continuously deposited and concurrently irradiated. A further variation based on a multilayer structure having alternate layers of metal/material mixture. The alternate layers have differing metal content. The layer structure is irradiated with ionizing radiation to produce nanoclusters in the layers. The differing metal content serves to quench the nanoclusters to isolate nanoclusters along the radiation track. The result is a thermoelectric device with a high figure of merit. In one embodiment, the multilayer structure is fabricated and then irradiated with high energy radiation penetrating the entire layer structure.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for applying periodic thermal management for converting heat into electricity using thermoelectric devices. One method comprises the use of a fluid that performs periodic heating and cooling cycles of thermoelectric devices during fluid evaporation and condensation. The systems, devices, and methods take advantage of the Seebeck effect as a material response between heat and electricity. One apparatus uses alternating pressures to drive fluid evaporation and condensation, thereby producing periodic heating and cooling of the thermoelectric modules. Ultimately, the thermoelectric generator apparatus and method provide improvements in conversion efficiency and reductions in parasitic loss over current solid-state systems.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric element and a casing to house the thermoelectric element, the casing including a first casing member and a second casing member to house the thermoelectric element so as to pressingly hold the thermoelectric element in between the first and second casing members, wherein a rib is formed around at least one of a surface of the first casing member and a surface of the second casing member, the surfaces pressingly holding the thermoelectric element therebetween while the first casing member and the second casing member house the thermoelectric element therein.

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 generator utilizing a number of thermoelectric modules to produce electric power from waste heat when waste heat is available and from an alternate heat source when waste heat is not available. In both cases hot gasses are directed along several separate paths so that all of the modules are provided with approximately equal hot side temperatures. In a preferred embodiment the engine exhaust exits into an octagonally-shaped plenum into eight separate heat exchangers. Eight modules are mounted in each of the heat exchangers for a total of 64 modules. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include an auxiliary combustion burner-blower unit producing a hot exhaust that exits into the plenum to provide electric power when the truck is not operating. Valve features are provided to control the temperature and exhaust flow rate through the generator.

Abstract: A solar powered generator (100) has thermoelectric elements adjacent to and below solar cells. Concentrated sunlight is provided. A heat sink (104), which can be variable in temperature or efficiency, is in contact with the cold junction (108) of the thermoelectric device (103). The thermal resistivity is designed in relation to the energy flux, whereby the thermoelectric device (103) develops a gradient of several hundred Kelvin. Preferably the solar cell comprises a high band gap energy semi-conductor. The generator (100) maintains relatively consistent efficiency over a range of cold junction (108) temperatures. The heat sink (104) can be a hot water system. High efficiencies are achieved using nanocomposite thermoelectric materials. Evenly but thinly dispersing the thermoelectric segments in a matrix of highly insulating material reduces the amount of material required for the segments without sacrificing performance.

Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprises a bearing subassembly (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly (100). The housing (110) can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage (134) formed internally therein. The liquid cooling passage (134) would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly (120) to remove heat therefrom. A thermo-generator cavity (180) extends inward from an exterior surface of the housing (110), terminating at a cavity end wall (182). The cavity (180) is formed at a location identified having a higher temperature. A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) is inserted within the cavity (180) and thermally coupled to the end wall (182). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the end wall (182) and the ambient air to generated electric power.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are thermoelectric materials with high performance characteristics, and methods of use thereof Among the thermoelectric materials disclosed are those of the formula (Bi1?xSbx)2Te3. In some embodiments, the invention teaches that 0.5?x?0.9. In some embodiments, the invention further teaches doping with iodine (I), in order to decrease the hole carrier concentration of (Bi1?xSbx)2Te3 mixed crystal and improve zT.

Abstract: This patent incorporates several new hybrid thermoelectric element and thermoelectric device designs that utilize additional electronic materials to enhance the flow of charges in the thermoelectric elements without changing thermoelectric nature of the thermoelectric material used. The thermoelectric device efficiency is thereby increased and cost and size are lowered. Thermoelectric conversion devices using the new design criteria have demonstrated comparative higher performance than current commercially available standard design thermoelectric conversion devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric element, comprising an electrically conductive carrier layer, an active element, an electrically conductive top layer wherein the carrier layer and the top layer form the outgoing electrode, wherein, in addition, the active element has a p-n junction from an n-type semiconductor to a p-type semiconductor, and wherein the active element is arranged between the carrier layer and the top layer and is electrically conductively connected thereto, and wherein the n-type semiconductor is formed from the group of cyanoferrates. The invention also relates to an energy conversion element comprising a photovoltaic element and a thermoelectric element, wherein the photovoltaic element has an entry side for optical energy and a base surface opposite said entry side, wherein the thermoelectric element is arranged with its carrier layer in thermal contact on the base surface.

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: Silicon-based thermoelectric materials including isoelectronic impurities, thermoelectric devices based on such materials, and methods of making and using same are provided. According to one embodiment, a thermoelectric material includes silicon and one or more isoelectronic impurity atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon, tin, and lead disposed within the silicon in an amount sufficient to scatter thermal phonons propagating through the silicon and below a saturation limit of the one or more isoelectronic impurity atoms in the silicon. In one example, the thermoelectric material also includes germanium atoms disposed within the silicon in an amount sufficient to scatter thermal phonons propagating through the silicon and below a saturation limit of germanium in the silicon. Each of the one or more isoelectronic impurity atoms and the germanium atoms can independently substitute for a silicon atom or can be disposed within an interstice of the silicon.

Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly provides a bearing subassembly retained by a bearing housing. During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly. The bearing housing can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage which would be integrated within the bearing housing. The liquid cooling passage would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly to remove heat therefrom. A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) is thermally coupled to an exterior surface of the housing at a location identified for collecting heat generated during operation. The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) utilizes a temperature difference between the housing and the ambient air to generated electric power. The power can be used to operate electrically powered devices, such as condition sensors, communication devices, and the like.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an energy recovery and regeneration system includes at least one pyroelectric energy recovery module (ERM), a coolant line, a valve and an energy storage module. The at least one pyroelectric ERM generates a voltage in response to realizing a temperature change. The coolant line includes a first end in fluid communication with a coolant source to receive a coolant and a second end disposed adjacent the at least one pyroelectric ERM to deliver the coolant thereto. The valve is interposed between the coolant source and the at least one pyroelectric ERM. The valve modulates the coolant delivered to the at least one pyroelectric ERM to generate the temperate change. The energy storage module is in electrical communication with the pyroelectric ERM to store the voltage generated by the at least one pyroelectric ERM.

Abstract: Electrical power is produced by a first process component, a first heat pipe formed in part by a first cavity within the first process component, and a thermoelectric generator assembly. The thermoelectric generator assembly is thermally coupled on one side to a heat sink and on the other side to the first heat pipe. The first process component is in direct contact with a first process fluid and the first cavity is proximate the first process fluid. The thermoelectric generator assembly produces electrical power.

Abstract: An electronic system includes an electronic system cabinet housing at least one electronic system component and a power generation system. The power generation system includes a cooling system having a cooling medium that generates a cooling energy. The power generation system further includes a thermoelectric conversion element having a first side and a second side. The first side is in a heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic system component and the second side is in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling medium. Heat energy generated by the at least one electronic system component raises a temperature of the first side and the cooling energy generated by the cooling medium lowers a temperature of the second side to establish a temperature difference. The thermoelectric conversion element produces an electro-motive force based on the temperature difference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for converting thermal energy to electrical energy, comprising at least one thermoelectric module (19) which has an outer surface having a hot side (20) for contacting a heat source and having a cold side (22) for contacting a heat sink, wherein the hot side of the thermoelectric module is thermally conductively connected to a heat source, in particular an exhaust channel (11) of a combustion engine. The device further comprises a cooling channel (25) through which a cooling fluid can flow and which is thermally conductively connected to the cold side of the thermoelectric module. The cooling channel has at least one opening to the cold side of the thermoelectric module and is sealed in a fluid-tight manner around the opening with respect to the hot side of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: Provided are a thermoelectric device and a thermoelectric module having larger conversion efficiency than conventional ones. A thermoelectric device of the present invention includes a Heusler alloy material, and a pair of electrodes that takes out electromotive force according to a temperature gradient caused in the Heusler alloy material. Further, the dimensions of the Heusler alloy material are defined such that the conversion efficiency of the module is maximized according to an environment having a temperature difference, under which the Heusler alloy material is used.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device provided according to one aspect of the present invention includes a support member having a shape corresponding to a waste heat environment having a curved surface, and a thermoelectric material formed on a surface of the support member so that it surrounds the support member, wherein the support member is formed of a material having a low thermal conductivity, which is not the thermoelectric material, so as to keep a temperature difference between both ends of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric generator module with a hot zone and a cold zone including at least a first metal-ceramic substrate, which has a first ceramic layer and at least one structured first metallization applied to the first ceramic layer and is assigned to the hot zone, and at least a second metal-ceramic substrate, which has a second ceramic layer and at least one structured second metallization applied to the second ceramic layer and is assigned to the cold zone, and also a number of thermoelectric generator components located between the first and second structured metallizations of the metal-ceramic substrates. The first metal-ceramic substrate, assigned to the hot zone, has at least one layer of steel or high-grade steel, wherein the first ceramic layer is arranged between the first structured metallization and the at least one layer of steel or high-grade steel. The invention also relates to an associated metal-ceramic substrate and to a method for producing it.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a thermoelectric device which can be prevented from being destroyed by thermal stresses, and a thermoelectric module using a plurality of such thermoelectric devices. The thermoelectric device in accordance with the present invention comprises an element for transforming energy between thermal energy and electric energy and a pair of electrodes connected to both end parts of the element, while the element is provided with a stress alleviating part for alleviating a stress caused by a temperature difference between the both end parts. Therefore, when generating electricity by using the thermoelectric device, the stress alleviating part can alleviate the stress caused by the temperature difference between both end parts of the element and restrain the element from being destroyed by the thermal stress.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermoelectric device is provided with thermoelectric elements and formed of a material capable of exhibiting the thermoelectric effect and a first electrode located at end portions of the thermoelectric elements. The first electrode includes an electrode member, a soaking member having electrical conductivity, located between the electrode member and the thermoelectric elements, and including facing portions facing the thermoelectric elements and folded portions folded back at peripheral edges of the facing portions so as to lie on the opposite side to the thermoelectric elements, and an elastic member located on the opposite side of the facing portions to the thermoelectric elements, at least a part of the peripheral edge of the elastic member being held between the folded portions and the facing portions of the soaking member.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator has a heat conducting body that exchanges heat with the environment according to environmental temperature changes, a heat storing body, and a thermoelectric conversion unit and thermal resistance body arranged between the heat conducting body and the heat storing body. One end of the thermal resistance body and one end of the thermoelectric conversion unit are in contact with each other. The other end of the thermal resistance body is in contact with the heat conducting body, and the other end of the thermoelectric conversion unit is in contact with the heat storing body. The surface of the heat storing body is covered by a covering layer having certain heat insulation properties. The temperature difference generated between the heat conducting body and the heat storing body is utilized to extract electric energy from the thermoelectric conversion unit.

Abstract: A method and device produce thermoelectric power and thermoelectric modules. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric module comprises N-type carbon nanotube film and P-type carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: An assembly is formed of a plurality of tubes (1, 2) for circulating a fluid. The tubes (1, 2) extend parallel to one another. The assembly is further formed of a plurality of thermoelectric elements (3) making it possible to create an electric current from a temperature gradient applied between two contact surfaces (4a, 4b) thereof. The thermoelectric elements (3) are distributed over the tubes (1, 2) with which the thermoelectric elements (3) are in contact via one (4b) of their contact surfaces. The assembly is designed so as to enable the installation of tubes for circulating another fluid, with the tubes being intended to be in contact with the thermoelectric elements (3) via the other (4a) contact surface thereof and extending in a direction that is a secant relative to the direction of extension of the tubes (1, 2). A thermoelectric device is equipped with a stack of assemblies.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes at least one first heat exchange member. The first heat exchange member includes a conductive body having top and bottom surfaces joined by side surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces include a thin film of active material deposited thereon. The active material includes one of P-type and N-type thermoelectric materials positioned oppositely on the top and bottom surfaces. The thin film of active material includes an anti-diffusion coating deposited thereon. The anti-diffusion coating includes a joining layer deposited thereon. The conductive body of the first heat exchange member includes heat transfer passages formed therein receiving a heat transfer liquid. At least one second heat exchange member includes a conductive body having top and bottom surfaces joined by side surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces including a joining layer deposited thereon. The conductive body of the second member includes heat transfer surfaces formed therein receiving a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for collecting current by using a liquefied or gaseous working fluid present inside an electric power generator system. Through the method, a porous structure like a metal felt capable of infusing the liquefied working fluid is inserted and connected to the cell, and then the working fluid present around the cell is naturally infused, so that current is collected. For this purpose, a current collector is provided, which is located between adjacent thermal to electric power generation cells among a plurality of the thermal to electric power generation cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal to electric power generator comprising: a plurality of thermal to electric power generation cells; a case in which the plurality of the thermal to electric power generation cells are placed; a condensing unit which is disposed on an upper portion of the case and collects and condenses a working fluid which has passed through the plurality of the thermal to electric power generation cells; an evaporator which is disposed on a lower portion of the case, converts the working fluid into vapor by transferring heat to the working fluid; a heat exchanger which is placed on a surface other than an upper surface of the outside of the case contacting with the condensing unit; a circulator which connects the condensing unit and the evaporator; and a joiner which joins the evaporator to the plurality of the thermal to electric power generation cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust manifold (15) for an exhaust system (5) of a combustion engine (1), in particular of a motor vehicle, with an exhaust channel (16) for conducting exhaust gas, which comprises an inlet side (17) that can be connected to the combustion engine (1) and an outlet side (19) that can be connected to the exhaust system (5), and with at least one coolant channel (20) for conducting coolant, which is arranged on the outside of the exhaust channel (16) and can be connected to a cooling circuit (6). In order to reduce the thermal load on the exhaust manifold (15), at least one thermoelectric converter (22) can be provided, which on the one hand is coupled to the exhaust channel (16) and on the other hand to the coolant channel (20) in a heat-transferring manner.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator module for a wearable thermoelectric generator assembly may include a top heat coupling plate and a bottom heat coupling plate each having a head formed on an outer surface of the heat coupling plate and thermally conductive strips formed on an inner surface. At least one thermoelectric foil may be interposed between the top and bottom heat coupling plate. A perimeter band may circumscribe the perimeter edges of the top and bottom heat coupling plate and encapsulate the thermoelectric foil. The head of at least one of the top and bottom heat coupling plate may protrude beyond upper and/or lower surfaces of the perimeter band.

Abstract: An efficiency-enhanced, three-terminal, bi-junction thermoelectric device driven by independently-adjustable parameters of temperature and voltage.

Abstract: A heat engine system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is operable on a road surface, includes a collector configured for collecting an air layer disposed adjacent the road surface. The heat engine system also includes a heat engine configured for converting thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between the air layer and an ambient air surrounding the vehicle to another form of energy. The air layer has a first temperature, and the ambient air has a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. In addition, the heat engine system includes a guide configured for transferring the air layer from the collector to the heat engine. A vehicle includes a body defining an interior compartment and having an underside surface spaced opposite the road surface, and the heat engine system.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a plurality of pn stacks, each formed by stacking a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer one on top of the other, and a mode switching unit which effects switching to a photovoltaic power generation mode or a thermal power generation mode by connecting the plurality of pn stacks with each other. The mode switching unit effects switching to the photovoltaic power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other and the n-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other between the plurality of pn stacks. The mode switching unit effects switching to the thermal power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer 11b in series between different ones of the pn stacks.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material in a wire structure or quasi-one-dimensional structure is fabricated simply and with good reproducibility. In one mode of the present invention, a thermoelectric conversion structure 100 is provided, having a SrTiO3 substrate 10 having a (210) plane substrate surface and having a concave-convex structure including (100) plane terrace portions 12, 14 and step portions 16 extending along the in-plane [001] axis of the substrate surface, and a thermoelectric conversion material 22 formed on the surface of at least a portion of the concave-convex structure.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes a substrate, a non-magnetic metal layer, an insulated ferromagnetic layer, and a metallic ferromagnetic layer. The insulated ferromagnetic layer is provided between the substrate and the non-magnetic metal layer. Magnetization of the insulated ferromagnetic layer is fixed in one direction. The metallic ferromagnetic layer is provided between the insulated ferromagnetic layer and the non-magnetic metal layer.

Abstract: To produce a temperature difference in the thermoelectric conversion module, a tabular member of the cooling side arranged side of the thermoelectric conversion module is fitted in a uniform pressed condition on the thermoelectric conversion module. In the airtight container in which the flow tube penetrates the housing and the thermoelectric conversion module is arranged in the reduced pressure space between the housing and the flow tube, a tabular member of the cooling side of the housing corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion module is formed by the thin plate that is flexible, and the thermoelectric conversion module is sandwiched between the thin plate and the flow tube. The thin plate contacts the thermoelectric conversion module in a pressed condition by reducing pressure in the reduced pressure space, and the thin plate deforms by following the shape of the thermoelectric conversion module and fits due to its flexibility.

Abstract: A power generator includes layered-polymer piezoelectric element that is arranged on an object to be a heat source and a vibration source, and that generates electric power according to vibration transmitted from the object; a first heat conductor containing a flexible material that is arranged on the object, and that conducts heat from the object. The power generator includes a second heat conductor that is arranged on the first heat conductor and the layered-polymer piezoelectric element, and that conducts heat from the first heat conductor. Furthermore, the power generator includes a thermoelectric element that is arranged on the second heat conductor so as to be layered on the second heat conductor on the layered-polymer piezoelectric element, and that generates electric power according to inner temperature difference between temperature on a heat absorbing side obtained by the second heat conductor and temperature on a heat releasing side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable electric generator comprising a heating plate and cooling means between which there is arranged at least one thermoelectric plate where the electric current generated between the heating plate and the cooling means when the plate is at a temperature greater than that of the cooling means is collected, a potential difference being established as a result.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter is formed by a plenum divided into high and low pressure chambers by a partition and includes a stack of series-coupled alkali-metal thermoelectric cells that projects orthogonally from the partition into one of the chambers.

Abstract: A tubular thermoelectric device wherein conductive substrates and completion elements serve a multiple role of structural support, thermal conductance and electrical conductance. Improved system thermoelectric performance accrues from the minimization of the number of interfaces between dissimilar materials, leading to a reduction in system thermal parasitics and system electrical parasitics. By engineering the shape and orientation of substrates and completion elements, improvements in heat transfer to heat reservoirs is accomplished and improved electrical conductivity is accomplished.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling thermally a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a first heat exchanger configured to guide exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine past an opening defined by the first heat exchanger, and a heat sink configured to couple thermally the TEG to the exhaust gas and fluidicly seal the opening. The assembly is configured so the heat sink is directly exposed to the exhaust gas so that heat is efficiently transferred from the exhaust gas to the TEG.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling thermally a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust manifold forms a first heat exchanger configured to couple thermally heat from exhaust gas to an outer surface of the first heat exchanger. The outer surface is preferably formed of stainless steel. A first dielectric layer is formed by firing a thick-film dielectric material onto the stainless steel of the first heat exchanger. A first conductor layer is formed by firing a conductive thick-film onto the first dielectric layer. A first paste layer of silver (Ag) based sintering paste is interposed between the first conductor layer and a first contact of the TEG. The first contact is sintered to the first conductor layer when the assembly is suitably arranged and suitably heated.