Thermoelectric power generation utilizing convective heat flow
US6598405B2 · kind B2 · utility
183Cited by
16References
48Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P80/15
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved efficiency thermoelectric power generation system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array, and the thermoelectric array is used to generate electrical power. Thermal power is convected through the thermoelectric array or arrays toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Thermal power is applied to the array, creating a temperature gradient across the array. The thermoelectric system may also be combined with other power generation systems, forming a co-generation system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.