Abstract: An integrated combustor-thermoelectric generator and method for producing electrical power and/or for operating a pneumatic or electric device. The apparatus includes a burner tube, a tubular heat exchanger extending along and around the burner tube, a plurality of thermoelectric generators disposed along sides of the heat exchanger, and a heat sink on an opposite side of the thermoelectric generators from the burner and heat exchanger. The thermoelectric generators can be paired with an electric valve or a DC air compressor for operating a pneumatic device by directing heated gases from the combustor through the heat exchanger to thermoelectric couples and/or modules for powering the air compressor. The thermoelectric generator and DC compressor can be installed to a natural gas source at a well pad for operating a pneumatic device at the well pad.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes a heat-receiving plate having a heat-receiving surface for receiving flame and high-temperature combustion gas, a thermoelectric generation module disposed at a surface of the heat-receiving plate opposite the heat-receiving surface, a cooling plate disposed at a side of the thermoelectric generation module opposite the heat-receiving plate, a cover disposed to cover the heat-receiving surface and including a heat inlet for introducing the flame and the high-temperature combustion gas and a heat outlet for discharging the temperature-reduced combustion gas introduced through the heat inlet, a heat diffuser provided on the heat-receiving surface at a position corresponding to the heat inlet and configured to diffuse the combustion gas introduced through the heat inlet along the heat-receiving surface, and a heat absorber provided on the heat-receiving surface to surround the heat diffuser and configured to absorb the heat of the high-temperature combustion gas diffused by th

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric half-cell which utilises the metallization for obtaining both the electric and thermal contact required to form a functional thermoelectric cell.

Abstract: A solar generator can include a photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator with a cathode to receive solar radiation. The photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator can include an anode that in conjunction with the cathode generates a first current and waste heat from the solar radiation. A thermoelectric generator can be thermally coupled to the anode and can convert the waste heat from the anode into a second current. A circuit can connect to the photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator and to the thermoelectric generator and can combine the first and the second currents into an output current.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes a module main body having a length direction and a height direction which is perpendicular to the length direction. The module main body include a row of alternating first and second thermoelectric conversion elements each of which is elongated in the height direction and has upper and lower surfaces. First and second electrodes are connected to respective ones of the plurality of first and second thermoelectric conversion elements. An insulator covers both the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second thermoelectric conversion elements. A lower heat transfer plates is provided on the lower part of the insulator 13 and an upper heat transfer plate is provided on the upper part of the insulator.

Abstract: A dehumidifier unit for dehumidifying air in a container includes a Peltier element which is configured as a single-stage Peltier element and thermally connected to a cold side and to a warm side of the dehumidifier unit. The cold side is configured condense moisture of the air during operation of the dehumidifier unit. The Peltier element is clamped between the warm side and the cold side by a helical spring and a spring pin. A gland-type seal can be disposed on a side of the warm side in facing relation to the Peltier element. The gland-type seal includes a rubber bush which is received in a recess on the warm side and defined by an inner diameter which surrounds the clamping pin.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes a hot side heat exchanger, a cold side heat exchanger, a plurality of n-type semiconductor legs arranged between the hot side heat exchanger and the cold side heat exchanger, and a plurality of p-type semiconductor legs arranged between the hot side heat exchanger and the cold side heat exchanger and alternating electrically in series with the plurality of n-type semiconductor legs. At least one of the plurality of n-type semiconductor legs and the plurality of p-type semiconductor legs is formed of an alloy having a half-Heusler structure and comprising Si and Sn with molar fractions of x Sn and 1?x Si, and x is less than 1.

Abstract: A pressure release mechanism for a battery pack is constituted by a circular opening section and a gap adjustment plate. The gap adjustment plate is fixed to a wall through a pair of fixtures mutually opposed against each other via the opening section. When gas is generated due to an internal short-circuiting of any one or more of cells or so forth, the battery pack performs an elastic deformation trying to expand by itself. A gap is developed in association with a bending deformation of a wall surrounding the opening section in a direction orthogonal to the pair of fixtures. A high pressure gas in an inside of the pack casing is discharged externally via the gap.

Abstract: A device for coupling to a heat source, the device includes thermoelectric elements and a coupling magnet. The thermoelectric elements harvest heat to generate electric current. The coupling magnet provides a coupling force between the thermoelectric elements and the heat source. The coupling magnet regulates thermal flow between the thermoelectric elements and the heat source as a function of temperature of the coupling magnet. The device acts to protect the thermoelectric elements and other associated components from heat damage that might otherwise occur if the heat source generates too much heat.

Abstract: The present application provides a coated anode material and a method of preparing the same. The coated anode material has a core-shell structure, wherein the core-shell structure includes an inert core and a shell coated on the inert core, the shell comprises an anode active material, and the inert core comprises a non-active material. In the coated anode material, the anode active material of the shell is distributed over the non-active material of the inert core, and the coated anode material can overcome the volume change problem of silicon particles during lithium insertion/deinsertion to a certain extent and obtain a better cycle performance and rate performance.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module has a plurality of cold side substrates, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, a plurality of second electrodes, X-axis connectors, and Y-axis connectors. The second electrodes are disposed on the cold side substrates six at a time. Between adjacent cold side substrates, two of X-axis connectors as inter-substrate connectors or Y-axis connectors are disposed. One of the plurality of inter-substrate connectors is connected from one of the first electrodes positioned on one of the cold side substrates to one of the second electrodes positioned on another one of the cold side substrates. The other inter-substrate connector is connected from the other one of the first electrodes on the another one of the cold side substrates to the second electrode on the one cold side substrate.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device for transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink includes at least one thermoelectric leg pair having a first leg including an n-type semiconductor material and a second leg including a p-type semiconductor material. The first leg and the second leg are electrically coupled in series. A resistive element electrically couples the first leg and the second leg between the heat source and the heat sink.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion apparatus includes a substrate, and a power generation part formed on the substrate for generating a thermoelectric power. The power generation part includes a magnetic layer with magnetization and an electrode layer including a material exhibiting a spin-orbit interaction and formed on the magnetic layer. The substrate and the power generation part have flexibility, respectively. The thermoelectric conversion apparatus further includes a cover layer having flexibility and formed on the substrate so as to cover at least the power generation part. The magnetic layer includes magnetic layer pieces separated in a layer direction with a gap portion interposed between the magnetic layer pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for protecting a wireless power receiver from excessive temperature caused by charging are provided. The apparatus includes a power receiver configured to receive wireless power in an alternate current (AC) form from a wireless power transmitter; a temperature measurement unit configured to measure a temperature of a point in the wireless power receiver during reception of the wireless power; and a controller configured to decrease a charging power corresponding to the wireless power, if a temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit exceeds a preset temperature, and to provide the charging power to a battery, if the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit is lower than the preset temperature.

Abstract: A method of production of core/shell type nanoparticles includes the following steps: a first step of applying a first power to cause the generation of the plasma so as to selectively cause the precipitation of a first metal so as to form nanoparticles as cores and a second step of applying a second power which is larger than the first power to cause the generation of the plasma so as to cause the precipitation of a second metal which has a smaller oxidation reduction potential than the first metal on the core surface so as to form shells which are comprised of the second metal which cover the cores which are comprised of the first metal.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a nanocomposite thermoelectric material having a plurality of nanoparticle inclusions. The process includes determining a material composition to be investigated for the nanocomposite thermoelectric material, the material composition including a conductive bulk material and a nanoparticle material. In addition, a range of surface roughness values for the insulating nanoparticle material that can be obtained using current state of the art manufacturing techniques is determined. Thereafter, a plurality of Seebeck coefficients, electrical resistivity values, thermal conductivity values and figure of merit values as a function of the range of nanoparticle material surface roughness values is calculated. Based on these calculated values, a nanocomposite thermoelectric material composition or ranges of compositions is/are selected and manufactured.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation apparatus includes a heat transfer module configured to be attached to an exhaust manifold or an exhaust pipe; a thermoelectric module configured to be supplied with heat from the heat transfer module; and a cooling module configured to absorb heat from the thermoelectric module. Thus, it is possible to implement a thermoelectric power generation system in the vehicle without changing a shape of an exhaust system and a shape of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module extends in a longitudinal direction and includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed within the outer tube and an interspace between the tubes. At least one first strip-shaped structure and one second strip-shaped structure are provided. The first strip-shaped structure extends from a first connection on the inner tube and the second strip-shaped structure extends from a second connection on the outer tube in opposite directions in at least one circumferential direction or in the longitudinal direction and at least partly form an overlap at least in the circumferential direction or in the longitudinal direction. At least one pair of semiconductor elements is disposed in the region of the overlap. A method for producing a thermoelectric module and a thermoelectric generator are also provided.

Abstract: In an exhaust train for an internal combustion engine having an integrated thermoelectric generator, the exhaust train has at least one duct, through which exhaust gas flows and in which at least one thermoelectric module is arranged in such a way that the hot side of the thermoelectric module is in direct contact with the exhaust gas, while the cold side of the thermoelectric module is cooled by means of a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module has a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2, a plurality of second electrodes 4, and connectors 42. The plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2 are n-type elements, connected in series. The connector 42 is formed as a single unit with the second electrodes 4 and separate from the first electrodes 3. A receptor 33 that accepts the tip of the connector 42 is provided to each of the first electrodes 3. Six element rows 6 of five thermoelectric conversion elements 2 aligned along the X axis are arrayed along the Y axis. The receptors 33 are configured to accept connectors 42 of the same shape whether electrically connecting the thermoelectric conversion elements 2 within the element rows 6 or electrically connecting between adjacent element rows 6. The first electrodes 3 and second electrodes 4 are all the same shape.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, for an exhaust gas system (5) of an internal combustion engine (1), includes a thermoelectric module (13), converting thermal energy into electrical energy, having a hot side (17) and a cold side (18). A cooling pipe (15), for a cooling fluid, is arranged on the cold side (18) and a heating pipe (16) for a heating fluid, is arranged on the hot side (17). The cooling pipe (15) and the heating pipe (16) are stacked with the thermoelectric module (13) in a stacking direction (19) and form a stack (20). The heat transfer within the stack (20) is improved with at least one of the pipes (15, 16) being curved toward the thermoelectric module (13) at an outer pipe face (26) and with the thermoelectric module (13) curved toward the pipe (15, 16) at an outer module face (27) facing the particular pipe (15, 16).

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes a cold side, a hot side and thermoelectric elements disposed between the two sides. At least one heat conducting layer is disposed between the thermoelectric elements and at least the cold side or the hot side and the heat conducting layer can be compressed. A method for producing a thermoelectric module having at least one heat conducting layer is also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to thermoelectric power generation. According to certain embodiments, a stack of silicon-micromachined chips can be connected to form a cylindrical heat exchanger that enables a large, uniform temperature difference across a radially-oriented thermopile. Each layer in the stack can comprise two thermally-isolated concentric silicon rings connected by a polyimide membrane that supports patterned thermoelectric thin films. The polyimide membrane can be formed by selectively etching away the supporting silicon, resulting in thermally-isolated inner and outer rings. In operation, hot gas can flow through a finned central channel, and an external cross flow can enhance heat transfer to ambient to keep the outer surfaces cool. The resulting temperature gradient across the thermopile generates a voltage potential across the open ends due to the Seebeck effect.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator apparatus of a vehicle may include a high temperature member, through which exhaust gas passes, a low temperature member, which maintains a temperature lower than a temperature of the high temperature member, and which includes a first coolant pipe holder supporting one of coolant pipes, a heat transfer plate which extends from the first pipe holder and may be located opposite to a corresponding high-temperature member, and a second coolant pipe holder formed on the other side of the heat transfer plate and supporting another of the coolant pipes, and a thermoelectric module disposed between the high temperature member and the low temperature member.

Abstract: To improve the mass productivity of thermoelectric conversion modules. A thermoelectric conversion module 1 is equipped with a pair of substrates 11 and 12, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2, each having one end portion electrically connected to a first electrode 3 which is arranged on the substrate 11 and the other end portion electrically connected to a second electrode 4 which is arranged on the substrate 12, and a connection section 5 which electrically connects the first electrode 3 electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 2 to the second electrode 4 electrically connected to an adjacent one of the thermoelectric conversion elements 2. The connection section 5 is separate from at least one of the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4.

Abstract: A thread has an extent and at least partly includes a thermoelectric material. A method for producing a component for a thermoelectric module includes at least providing at least one thread having an extent, providing a tubular receptacle having an outer circumferential surface and winding the at least one thread around the tubular receptacle in such a way that at least one annular component for a thermoelectric module is formed on the outer circumferential surface. A tubular thermoelectric module is also provided.

Abstract: Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines.

Abstract: An exemplary thermoelectric generator disclosed herein includes: a first electrode and a second electrode opposing each other; and a stacked body having a first end face and a second end face. The stacked body is structured so that first layers made of a first material and second layers made of a second material are alternately stacked, the first material containing a metal and particles having a lower thermal conductivity than that of the metal, the particles being dispersed in the metal, and the second material having a higher Seebeck coefficient and a lower thermal conductivity than those of the first material. Planes of stacking between the first layers and the second layers are inclined with respect to a direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode oppose each other.

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 method for converting heat to electric energy is described which involves thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes. The material is heated by extracting thermal energy from a gas to condense the gas into a liquid and transferring the thermal energy to the electrically polarizable material. An apparatus is also described which includes an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes and a heat exchanger for heating the material in thermal communication with a heat source, wherein the heat source is a condenser. An apparatus is also described which comprises a chamber, one or more conduits inside the chamber for conveying a cooling fluid and an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes on an outer surface of the conduit. A gas introduced into the chamber condenses on the conduits and thermal energy is thereby transferred from the gas to the electrically polarizable material.

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

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion 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: The invention relates to a thermoelectric device comprising: a plurality of elements (4), called thermoelectric elements, allowing an electrical current to be produced from a temperature gradient between two of their faces (3a, 3b), called contact faces; electrically conductive tracks (20); and a solder joint between said contact faces (3a, 3b) and the electrically conductive tracks. According to the invention, said solder comprises an alloy based on aluminum and silicon. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such a device, using solid-state soldering.

Abstract: A self-powered boiler comprising a burner that burns a fuel to produce a hot combustion product that is used to heat a fluid and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) system comprising a first side in thermal communication with the hot combustion product and a second side in thermal communication with a lower temperature region of the boiler, and a plurality of thermoelectric converters disposed therebetween for generating electric power, wherein the electric power generated by the TEG system is equal to or greater than a total electric power consumed by the boiler under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material is provided, in which only a desired crystal is selectively precipitated. An MxV2O5 crystal is selectively precipitated in vanadium-based glass, wherein M is one metal element selected from the group consisting of iron, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, tungsten, molybdenum, manganese, nickel, copper, silver, an alkali metal and an alkaline earth metal, and 0<x<1.

Abstract: An exhaust gas manifold having thermoelectric devices in the exhaust manifold of a stirling engine is disclosed.

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: A heat recycling system for recycling heat from an electronic device includes a pipe with an inside tube and an outside tube coiled around the inside tube. The inside tube is connected to a first airduct to receive heated air from the electronic device. The outside tube is to receive cooling air from outside. A number of thermoelectric modules are formed in walls of the inside tube. A first end of each thermoelectric module is inserted into the outside tube, and a second end of each thermoelectric module is inserted into the inside tube. Therefore, the number of thermoelectric modules may generate current.

Abstract: An exhaust gas routing device for an internal-combustion engine having a thermoelectric generator is fluidically connected with an exhaust gas line and a pipe guiding a coolant. The generator has a plurality of thermoelectric yoke pairs which are arranged between a first surface heated by the exhaust gas and a second surface cooled by the coolant. The exhaust gas routing device has a device guiding the exhaust gas along the first surface at a flow velocity that increases in the flow direction of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes an interrupted inner circumferential surface, an axis and an outer circumferential surface. A plurality of semiconductor elements having thermoelectric material are disposed in direction of the axis and between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface and are electrically alternately connected to each other. At least some of the semiconductor elements include at least one inner frame part or an outer frame part and at least the inner frame parts form the interrupted inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface also forms a cold side of the thermoelectric module and a dimensionally unstable sheath is provided at least at the interrupted inner circumferential surface. A vehicle having a plurality of thermoelectric modules is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for the heat transfer between a tubular body suitable for conducting a fluid and a contact body that is in contact with said tubular body, wherein the contact body comprises a contact side facing the tubular body, with which the contact body is in contact with an outside of the tubular body facing the contact body, wherein in a tensioned state of the arrangement a preload force presses the contact body against the tubular body in a preload direction.

Abstract: A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation apparatus includes a thermoelectric device having a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a first thermal energy storage unit operatively coupled to the first surface of the thermoelectric device setting the first surface at a first temperature. The thermoelectric power generation apparatus also includes a second thermal energy storage unit having a second temperature, the second thermal energy unit for setting the second surface of the thermoelectric device at an operative temperature in response to a temperature difference between the first temperature of the first surface and the second temperature of the second thermal energy storage unit. The thermoelectric device generates power in response to a temperature differential between the first temperature of the first surface and the operative temperature of the second surface.

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: Thermoelectric elements of a thermoelectric transducer are p-doped and n-doped and are arranged alternately, connected electrically to one another and are formed essentially in the shape of a ring.

Abstract: A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device.

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 may include a high temperature member having an exhaust pipe, and a ring-shaped first heat transfer plate equipped with a first flange installed on an external wall of the exhaust pipe and formed along a longitudinal direction of the exhaust pipe, a low temperature member having a first coolant pipe enclosing an external wall of the exhaust pipe, and a ring-shaped second heat transfer plate installed inside the first coolant pipe, and on which a second flange extends along a longitudinal direction of the first coolant pipe, and ring-shaped thermoelectric modules, which may be formed by joining a P-shaped semiconductor and an N-shaped semiconductor.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator apparatus may include a high temperature member having an exhaust pipe, a ring-shaped first heat transfer plate surrounding the exhaust pipe, and a plurality of first heat exchange pins radially extending outwards from the first heat transfer plate in a predetermined degree, a low temperature member having an internal casing surrounding the exhaust pipe, an external casing surrounding the internal casing with a predetermined gap, a ring-shaped second heat transfer plate contacting with an internal wall of the internal casing, and a plurality of second heat exchange pins radially extending inwards from the second heat transfer plate in a predetermined angle, and a plurality of thermoelectric modules being in contact with the first heat exchange pins and the second heat exchange pins so as to generate electricity using a thermoelectric phenomenon caused by a temperature gap between the first heat exchange pins and the second heat exchange pins.

Abstract: An exhaust system for generating power includes a conduit in communication with a first atmosphere having a first temperature and through which said first atmosphere can flow, the conduit having an inner surface exposed to said first atmosphere and an exterior surface exposed to a second atmosphere having a second temperature external to the conduit; a thermoelectric power generating assembly mounted to the exterior surface of the conduit, said power generating assembly responsive to a temperature difference between the first and second atmospheres for providing electrical power.