Thermoelectric generator unit and thermoelectric generator system

US9941457B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD. · JP

Inventors

• Hideo Kusada · Osaka, JP
• Tsutomu Kanno · Kyoto, JP
• Akihiro Sakai · Nara, JP
• Kohei Takahashi · Osaka, JP
• Hiromasa Tamaki · Osaka, JP
• Yuka Yamada · Nara, JP

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 18, 2015
• Grant date: Apr 10, 2018
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N19/101

Abstract

An exemplary thermoelectric generator unit according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of tubular thermoelectric generators. Each generator generates electromotive force in an axial direction based on a difference in temperature between its inner and outer peripheral surfaces. The unit further includes a container housing the generators inside and a plurality of electrically conductive members providing electrical interconnection among the generators. The container has fluid inlet and outlet ports through which a fluid flows inside the container, and a plurality of openings into which the respective generators are inserted. In one implementation, the unit includes a baffle, which is provided between the fluid inlet port and the generators and changes the flow direction of the fluid that has flowed into the container through the fluid inlet port.