Abstract: A thermoelectric generator panel and heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger, in a preferred form, is comprised of a water compartment or chamber, fixed relative to the normally cool side of a solar panel, comprised of a substantial plurality of substrate strips, each strip carrying a plurality of thermocouples, printed in series, and in metallic inks, along one side of the respective strips. Terminal tabs are provided on opposed ends of each strip of thermocouples which are electrically interconnected, in parallel, and a voltage regulator, connected between the panel strips and a pump, serves to energize the pump when the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage level, to circulate water from any suitable source, such as ground water, through the water chamber to enhance the cooling of the normally cool side of the thermocouple panel.

Abstract: A thermal converter is constructed with thermoelectric element composed of a honeycomb structural body having a large number of parallel channels extending therethrough and separated by thin walls, a part of the channels forming a region for flowing a high temperature fluid and the other part of the channels forming a region for flowing a low temperature fluid. A honeycomb structural body to constitute P type thermoelectric element and a honeycomb structural body to constitute N type thermoelectric element are preferably alternately arranged in a plurality of numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for directly converting heat to electricity within an array of thermoelements and heat pipes. The thermoelectric generator contains two conduits for two fluid streams, and a plurality of thermal bridges connecting points in both fluid streams, placing them in an overall counterflow heat exchange relationship. Each thermal bridge comprises at least one heat exchange surface with the first fluid stream, at least one heat exchange surface with the second fluid stream and at least one heat pipe, delivering heat to and/or from the thermoelectric element. The rapid heat delivery capability of the heat pipes, in combination with the counterflow heat exchange relationship between the two fluid streams within the generator, are responsible for the simultaneous considerable improvement of efficiency and power density of the generator.

Abstract: A device for detecting the temperature in electric arc and like heat radiation producing furnaces comprises a thermally conductive, refractory tip disposed on an annular support which is mounted in the interior of a double-walled, liquid-cooled tube disposed within the tubular casing and extending along its axis. A thermocouple with a heat sensitive element adjacent the thermally conductive, refractory tip is introduced and received in the guide tube.

Abstract: An electric power generator of the type employing a nuclear heat source or the like and a thermoelectric converter is described wherein a transparent thermal insulating medium is provided inside an encapsulating enclosure to thermally insulate the heat source and thermoelectric generator. The heat source, the thermoelectric converter, and the enclosure are provided with facing surfaces which are heat-reflective to a substantial degree to inhibit radiation of heat through the medium of the encapsulating enclosure. Multiple reflective foils may be spaced within the medium as necessary to inhibit natural convection of heat and/or further inhibit radiation.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator comprising a thermoelectric module, means for burning fuel and supplying heat to the module, a cooling system including a hollow radiator filled with cooling liquid and a cooling jacket embracing the module and connected to the radiator by inlet and an outlet pipes, the jacket being inclined towards the inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe having at least one ascending portion, whereby a pressure differential is established that is required for the liquid circulation in the cooling system.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power system particularly adaptable for use in outer space in which a nuclear reactor heats a working fluid, which in turn supplies heat to a plurality of thermoelectric generators spaced about a ring-shaped support. A first heat pipe is employed to couple heat between the hot fluid and hot junction of the thermoelectric element of each generator, and a second heat pipe couples heat away from the cold junction of each thermoelectric element. Each of the second heat pipes are elongated flexible units adapted to be folded upon launch of the system of a space vehicle and thereafter extended in space to provide a substantial area of radiation of heat to be discharged.