Thermoelectric power generation device
AssigneeCooper Union for the Advancement of Science
InventorsRobert Dell, Chih-Shing Wei, George Sidebotham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a thermoelectric-based power generation system designed to be clamped onto the outer wall of a steam pipe or other heating pipe. The system can include a number of assemblies mounted on the sides of a pipe. Each assembly can include a hot block, an array of thermoelectric modules, and a cold block system. The hot block can create a thermal channel to the hot plates of the modules. The cold block can include a heat pipe onto which fins are attached.
Claims35
An apparatus for thermoelectrically generating power from a heat source, the apparatus comprising:
- a first layer comprising a first heat transfer element, wherein a first surface of the first heat transfer element is configured to conform to at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat source;
- a second layer comprising at least one thermoelectric module, wherein the thermoelectric module generates an electrical signal in response to a temperature difference over the thickness of the at least one thermoelectric module;
- and
- a third layer comprising a second heat transfer element, wherein the second heat transfer element comprises a mounting block and a heat exchanging element, and wherein the heat exchanging element is configured to exchange heat between the second heat transfer element and the surrounding atmosphere.
An apparatus for thermoelectrically generating power from a heat source, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one thermoelectric power generation assembly for attachment to a heat source, the at least one assembly comprising:
- a first layer comprising a first heat transfer element, wherein a first surface of the first heat transfer element is configured to conform to at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat source;
- a second layer comprising at least one thermoelectric module, wherein the thermoelectric module generates an electrical signal in response to a temperature difference over the thickness of the thermoelectric module;
- and
- a third layer comprising a second heat transfer element, wherein the second heat transfer element comprises a mounting block and a heat exchanging element, and
- wherein the heat exchanging element is configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer element and the surrounding atmosphere.
A method of thermoelectrically powering an electrical device, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one thermoelectric power generation apparatus comprising:
- a first layer comprising a first heat transfer element, wherein a first surface of the first heat transfer element is configured to conform to at least a portion of an outer surface of a heat source;
- a second layer comprising at least one thermoelectric module;
- and
- a third layer comprising a second heat transfer element, wherein the second heat transfer element comprises a mounting block and a heat exchanging element, and wherein the heat exchanging element is configured to exchange heat between the second heat transfer element and the surrounding atmosphere;
- releasably mounting the thermoelectric power generation apparatus to the outer surface of the heat source;
- coupling the thermoelectric power generation apparatus to an electrical device;
- and
- providing power to the electrical device, wherein the electrical power is generated in response to a temperature difference over the thermoelectric power generation apparatus.
An apparatus for thermoelectrically generating power from a temperature differential between at least a portion of a fluid transportation system and a surrounding atmosphere, the apparatus comprising:
- a mounting element;
- at least one thermoelectric module coupled to the mounting element, wherein the at least one thermoelectric module generates electrical power in response to a temperature difference over a thickness of the thermoelectric module;
- and
- a heat exchanging element, wherein the heat exchanging element is configured to exchange heat between the apparatus and the surrounding atmosphere.
A method of thermoelectrically powering an electrical device, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one thermoelectric power generation apparatus comprising:
- a mounting element;
- at least one thermoelectric module coupled to the mounting element;
- and
- a heat exchanging element;
- releasably mounting the thermoelectric power generation apparatus to the outer surface of a fluid transportation system;
- coupling the thermoelectric power generation apparatus to an electrical device;
- and
- providing power to the electrical device, wherein the electrical power is generated by the at least one thermoelectric module in response to a temperature difference between an outer surface of the fluid transportation system and a surrounding atmosphere.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.