Trans-thermoelectric device

US7838760B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Nextreme Thermal Solutions, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Rama Venkatasubramanian · Cary, US
• Kip D. Coonley · Durham, US
• Edward P. Siivola · Raleigh, US
• Michael Puchan · Clayton, US
• Randall G. Alley · Raleigh, US
• Pratima Addepalli · Saline, US
• Brooks O'Quinn · Mamers, US
• Thomas Colpitts · Durham, US
• Mary Napier · Carrboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 25, 2003
• Grant date: Nov 23, 2010
• Expiry date: Apr 26, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01L2924/0002
• WIPO field: Micro-structural and nano-technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A thermoelectric device having at least one unipolar couple element (22) including two legs (22a) of a same electrical conductivity type. A first-temperature stage (24) is connected to one of the two legs. A second-temperature stage (28) is connected across the legs of the at least one unipolar couple element. A third-temperature stage (30) is connected to the other of the two legs. Methods for cooling an object and for thermoelectric power conversion utilize the at least one unipolar couple element to respectively cool an object and produce electrical power.