Solar thermoelectric power generation system, and process for making same
OwnerMing Liang Shiao, Gregory F. Jacobs +1inventors
InventorsMing Liang Shiao, Gregory F. Jacobs, Joseph C. Gombarick, JR.
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Abstract
A solar thermoelectric power generation system includes roofing products such as shingles with solar heat reflective areas and roofing products with solar heat absorptive areas. Thermoelectric power generating elements are provided in thermal contact with the solar heat reflective areas and the solar heat absorptive areas.
Claims26
A solar thermoelectric power generation system, the system comprising:
- (a) a roofing shingle including at least one solar heat reflective area;
- (b) a roofing shingle including at least one solar heat absorptive area;
- (c) at least one thermoelectric power generating element in thermal contact with the at least one solar heat reflective area and the at least one solar heat absorptive area.
A roofing product for use in a solar thermoelectric power generating system, the roofing shingle comprising:
- (a) at least one solar heat reflective area;
- (b) at least one solar heat absorptive area;
- (c) at least one thermoelectric power generating element in thermal contact with the at least one solar heat reflective area and the at least one solar heat absorptive area.
A method of generating electric power, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a roofing product including at least one solar heat reflective area;
- (b) providing a roofing product including at least one solar heat absorptive area;
- (c) providing at least one thermoelectric element in thermal contact with the at least one solar heat reflective area and the at least one solar heat absorptive area;
- (d) exposing the roofing products to solar radiation;
- and
- (e) drawing electric current from the at least one thermoelectric element.
A process for making a solar thermoelectric power generating system, the process comprising:
- (a) providing a roofing product including at least one solar heat reflective area;
- (b) providing a roofing product including at least one solar heat absorptive area;
- (c) providing at least one thermoelectric element in thermal contact with the at least one solar heat reflective area and the at least one solar heat absorptive area;
- and
- (d) installing the roofing products on a roof.
A roofing product for use in a solar thermoelectric power generating system, the roofing product comprising:
- (a) a first one solar heat reflective area having a first average solar reflectivity, the first area being at least 5 mm2;
- and
- (b) a second solar heat reflective area having a second average solar reflectivity, the second area being at least 5 mm2;
- wherein the difference between the first solar heat reflectivity and the second solar heat reflectivity is at least five percent.
A solar thermoelectric power generation system, the system comprising:
- (a) an overlay for a roofing product, the overlay including:
- at least one solar heat reflective area;
- and
- at least one solar heat absorptive area;
- and
- (b) at least one thermoelectric power generating element in thermal contact with the at least one solar heat reflective area and the at least one solar heat absorptive area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.