Low power thermoelectric generator

US8269096B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventor

• Ingo Stark · Corvallis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 2008
• Grant date: Sep 18, 2012
• Expiry date: Nov 25, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N10/01

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.