Thermoelectric generator for exhaust systems and contact member for a thermoelectric generator

US9954157B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Gerd Gaiser · Reutlingen, DE
• Fabian Frobenius · Stuttgart, DE
• Matthias Hense · Winnenden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 8, 2017
• Grant date: Apr 24, 2018
• Expiry date: Jun 8, 2037

Classification

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

Abstract

A thermoelectric generator includes a first channel for passing a warm fluid along a direction of flow, a second channel for passing a cold fluid, a plurality of thermocouple elements disposed along the direction of flow between the first and second channels, a first member includes portions disposed between the elements and the first channel and associated with the individual elements for providing a heat coupling between the associated element and the first channel, and a second member including portions disposed between the elements and the second channel and associated with the individual elements for providing a heat coupling between the associated element and the second channel. The sum of the thermal resistances of those portions that are associated with a first element positioned upstream of a second element is bigger than the sum of the thermal resistances of those portions that are associated with the second element.