Solar thermoelectric conversion
US8168879B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/40
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods utilizing solar-electrical generators are discussed. Solar-electrical generators are disclosed having a radiation-capture structure and one or more thermoelectric converters. Heat produced in a capture structure via impingement of solar radiation can maintain a portion of a thermoelectric converter at a high temperature, while the use of a low temperature at another portion allows electricity generation. Thus, unlike photovoltaic cells which are generally primarily concerned with optical radiation management, solar thermoelectrics converters are generally concerned with a variety of mechanisms for heat management. Generators can include any number of features including selective radiation surfaces, low emissivity surfaces, flat panel configurations, evacuated environments, and other concepts that can act to provide thermal concentration. Designs utilizing one or more optical concentrators are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.