Thermal electric generator

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to thermal electric generators. More particularly, it relates to a thermal electric generator (TEG) that has significantly increased efficiency over the known prior art devices.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the structure of the thermal electric generator according to an embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one application of the thermal electric generator according to an embodiment of the invention;

#The thermal electric generator (TEG) 10 of the present invention enables heat from solar radiation, or any other convection or conduction source to be converted into useful electric output power. The TEG will work over a wide temperature range, at a high efficiency, and for a low material cost.

#The TEG 10 can generate electric current from direct thermal conduction or convection, for example, when in direct contact with a warm surface or fluid, or an open flame, or from radiant energy, or literally any source of direct or indirect heat energy. The TEG will absorb and convert most of this heat to electric energy. The present invention is based on the operable principle that one side of the cell or group of cells (array) is warmer/cooler than the other. In other words, a temperature difference (T) exists across the thermal to electric generating cell(s). The TEG of the present invention responds to wider radiant energy bandwidth than photovoltaic cells, e.g., from infrared to extreme ultraviolet, and therefore can also operate across a wide range of temperature differentials.

#The TEG 10 of the present invention includes a high efficiency multi-layer semiconductor material adapted to enable heat, over a wide temperature range, to be converted into useful power. This is not a simple solar panel. “Heat” as referred to herein can be from solar radiation, other radiation or any other convection or conduction source. One important aspect of the present invention is that the thermal electric generator (TEG) not only works in a “solar” environment, but is more particularly adapted to recover energy from heat generated by electronic components, circuits, rotating mechanical equipment, furnaces, etc. This energy comes in the form of released electrons, thus, the invention is based on the concept of fluctuation voltages and the conversion of the same into useful energy, which translates into an increased calculated efficiency of over 50%.