Thermoelectric device
US9105808B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2321/0212
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermoelectric system includes a pair of substrates, a plurality of semiconductor elements, and first, second, and third terminals. The semiconductor elements are positioned between the opposing faces of the substrates, and the semiconductor elements include at least two groups of dissimilar semiconductor elements. The semiconductor elements are electrically coupled in series by conductor elements arranged so the two groups of dissimilar semiconductor elements are connected in an alternating pattern. The first, second and third terminals are connected to the conductor elements with the third terminal positioned between the first and second terminals. The electrically coupled semiconductor elements include first nodes and second nodes. The first and second nodes emit or absorb heat according to electric current flowing through the semiconductor elements, and impedance of the thermoelectric system is controlled by switching the switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.