High efficiency thermoelectric generation

US9306143B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GENTHERM INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Marco Ranalli · Augsburg, DE
• Martin Adldinger · Holzheim, DE
• Douglas T. Crane · Pasadena, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 30, 2013
• Grant date: Apr 5, 2016
• Expiry date: Oct 27, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/12
• WIPO field: Environmental technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A thermoelectric power generating system is provided that includes at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes at least one first heat exchanger in thermal communication with at least a first portion of a first working fluid. The first portion of the first working fluid flows through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one first heat exchanger. The at least one thermoelectric assembly further includes at least one second heat exchanger in thermal communication with the plurality of thermoelectric elements and with a second working fluid flowing through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The second working fluid is cooler than the first working fluid. The thermoelectric power generating system further includes at least one heat exchanger portion configured to have at least some of the first portion of the first working fluid flow through the at least one heat exchanger portion after having flowed through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one heat exchanger portion is configure…