Quantum well thermoelectric power source
US7400050B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
Abstract
A quantum well thermoelectric module providing very high conversion of heat energy in to electrical energy. In prefered embodiments the module provides electric power for monitoring, measuring or detecting any of a variety of things (such as temperature, smoke, other pollution, flow, fluid level and vibration) and a transmitter for transmitting information measured or detected. In a preferred embodiment wireless monitor systems are utilized to monitor conditions at various locations aboard a ship and to wirelessly transmit information about those conditions to a central location. Preferably, a finned unit is provided to efficiently transfer heat from a module surface to the environment. A preferred quantum well choice is p type B9C/B4C and n-type Si/SiGe legs. Another preferred choice is n-doped Si/SiGe for the n-legs and p-doped Si/SiGe for the p-legs. At higher temperatures the preferred quantum well legs are alternating layers of silicon and silicon carbide for the n-legs and for the p-legs alternating layers of different stoichiometric forms of B-C.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.