Low power thermoelectric generator
US7629531B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N10/01
Abstract
A thermoelectric generator has a top plate disposed in spaced relation above a bottom plate. A series of foil segments are electrically and mechanically connected end-to-end to generate a foil assembly that is spirally wound and in thermal contact with the bottom and top plates. Each foil segment comprises a substrate having a series of spaced alternating n-type and p-type thermoelectric legs disposed in parallel arrangement on the front substrate surface. Each of the n-type and p-type legs is formed of a bismuth telluride-based thermoelectric material having a thickness of about 10-100 microns, a width of about 10-100 microns and a length of about 100-500 microns. The alternating n-type and p-type thermoelectric legs are electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel such that a temperature differential between the bottom and top plates results in the generation of power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.