Thermoelectric energy harvesting device and method of harvesting environmental energy

US10720561B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• STMicroelectronics SA

Inventors

• Giuseppe Antonio Maria Nastasi · Mascalucia, IT
• Roberta Giuffrida · Catania, IT
• Agatino Minotti · Trecastagni, IT
• Giuseppe Catania · Messina, IT
• Salvatore Leonardi · Trecastagni, IT

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 30, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 21, 2020
• Expiry date: Aug 28, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N10/85

Abstract

A thermoelectric energy harvesting device including a first thermal-coupling interface, a second thermal-coupling interface, and a membrane. The membrane arranged between the first thermal-coupling interface and the second thermal-coupling interface and connected to the first thermal-coupling interface by a supporting frame. A thermal bridge between the second thermal-coupling interface and a thermal-coupling portion of the membrane. A thermoelectric converter on the membrane configured to supply an electrical quantity as a function of a temperature difference between the thermal-coupling portion of the membrane and the supporting frame.