Electronic device featuring thermoelectric power generation

US6288321A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · US

Inventors

• Jean-Pierre Fleurial · Duarte, US
• N. Thomas Olson · Los Angeles, US
• Alexander Borshchevsky · Santa Monica, US
• Thierry Caillat · Pasadena, US
• Elizabeth A. Kolawa · Bradbury, US
• M. Amy Ryan · Pasadena, US
• Wayne M. Philips · Adelanto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 26, 1998
• Grant date: Sep 11, 2001
• Expiry date: Jan 26, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N10/17

Abstract

A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a Bi.sub.2 Te.sub.3 -based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.