Thermoelectric electrochemical conversion devices
US12433164B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2023 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N10/817
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention introduces a new hybrid thermal energy harvesting device that combines electrochemistry and semiconductors to achieve simultaneous high saturation thermo-voltage and high current density. This innovation demonstrates the synergistic effect of integrating semiconductors, commonly used in solid-state thermoelectrics for high current density, with ion-conducting polymer electrolytes, known for their high thermo-voltage. The device ensures constant high-power output from continuous or periodic heat sources. It directly converts heat into electricity for immediate use or stores electricity derived from low-grade temperature differentials and temperature ranges for later discharge. It exhibits characteristics resembling both photovoltaics and capacitors simultaneously.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.