Miniature thermoelectric power generator
US9214618B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N10/17
Abstract
The subject invention pertains to thermoelectric power generation. According to certain embodiments, a stack of silicon-micromachined chips can be connected to form a cylindrical heat exchanger that enables a large, uniform temperature difference across a radially-oriented thermopile. Each layer in the stack can comprise two thermally-isolated concentric silicon rings connected by a polyimide membrane that supports patterned thermoelectric thin films. The polyimide membrane can be formed by selectively etching away the supporting silicon, resulting in thermally-isolated inner and outer rings. In operation, hot gas can flow through a finned central channel, and an external cross flow can enhance heat transfer to ambient to keep the outer surfaces cool. The resulting temperature gradient across the thermopile generates a voltage potential across the open ends due to the Seebeck effect. When connected to a load, current flows, and electrical power is supplied by the generated voltage potential caused by the temperature gradient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.