Thermo-electric power generation using porous metal blocks having a plurality of thermocouples connected in series
US5726380A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N10/17
Abstract
A thermo-electric power generating element has the structure that two kinds of metal sheets, or foils, which form a thermocouple combination are laminated together and alternately connected at one end and the other end so as to form a plurality of thermocouples connected in series. When hot junctions are held at a high temperature, a temperature gap along the thermal flux is generated in the sheets, or foils. Electromotive force at every thermocouple derived from the temperature gap is summed up to a voltage level effective for outputting electric power through takeoff leads. This power generator is useful for converting waste heat to electric power. When the thermocouple pile is made from corrugated sheets, or foils, electric power is outputted with high efficiency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.