Microfabricated thermoelectric power-generation devices

US6388185B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · US

Inventors

• Jean-Pierre Fleurial · Duarte, US
• Margaret A. Ryan · Pasadena, US
• Alex Borshchevsky · Santa Monica, US
• Wayne G. Phillips · Burbank, US
• Elizabeth A. Kolawa · Bradbury, US
• G. Jeffrey Snyder · Altadena, US
• Thierry Caillat · Pasadena, US
• Thorsten Kascich · Recklinghausen, DE
• Peter Mueller · Zürich, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 23, 1998
• Grant date: May 14, 2002
• Expiry date: Nov 23, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N10/852

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 BiTe alloy-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.