Fuel flexible thermoelectric micro-generator with micro-turbine
US6987329B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF23C2900/03001
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A micro-generator for providing electrical energy to portable electronic devices and MEMS includes a micro-combustor, a micro-turbine connected to the exhaust outlet of the micro-combustor and a thermoelectric module consisting of a number of quantum well thermoelectric panels connected between spaced heat spreaders, one of which is mounted in thermal communication with the micro-combustor. Different types of hydrocarbon fuel may be supplied to the micro-combustor where it is burned within a combustion chamber. The entire system is controlled in real time by a micro-controller which is powered upon start up by an ultra capacitor and thereafter by the electric energy produced by the thermoelectric module and/or the micro-turbine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.