Dual path thermoelectric energy harvester

US9478723B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Nicholas F. Fowler · Corvallis, US
• Marcus Ward · Salem, US
• Paul H. McClelland · Monmouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2011
• Grant date: Oct 25, 2016
• Expiry date: Jun 10, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N10/13

Abstract

A thermoelectric energy harvester comprises a cyclic energy input terminal supplying heat energy in a first part of the cycle to a thermal storage reservoir through a low thermal resistance generator. During a second part of the cycle, the thermal storage reservoir returns stored heat energy to the environment through an independent thermal circuit and a higher thermal resistance thermoelectric generator.