Thermoelectric apparatus
AssigneeSumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
InventorsMiguel Angel Carrasco-Orozco, Simon King
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Thermoelectric apparatus comprising a thermoelectric generator (101), a thermally conductive heat spreader (105) and a thermally conductive heat transfer element (103). In use, the TEG is disposed on a surface of a heated object (10), e.g. a boiler, pipe or electrical equipment. Heat is drawn away from the cold side of the TEG by the thermally conductive heat transfer element. Thermal insulation (107, 109) may be provided between the TEG and the thermally conductive heat spreader and/or over the heat spreader. The apparatus may be provided in kit form for assembly on a surface which is heated when in use.
Claims21
Thermoelectric apparatus comprising:
- a thermoelectric generator having first surface configured to contact a heated surface and an opposing second surface;
- a thermally conductive heat spreader;
- and
- a thermally conductive heat transfer element having a proximal end in thermal contact with the second surface of the thermoelectric generator and a distal end in thermal contact with the thermally conductive heat spreader,
- wherein the thermally conductive heat spreader is spaced apart from the thermoelectric generator and wherein the thermally conductive heat spreader has a surface area larger than a surface area of the distal end of the thermally conductive heat transfer element, and wherein the distance between the thermoelectric generator and the heat spreader is at least 0.5 cm.
A kit for assembly of a thermoelectric apparatus comprising:
- a thermoelectric generator having first surface configured to contact a heated surface and an opposing second surface;
- a thermally conductive heat transfer element having a proximal end configured to contact the second surface of the thermoelectric generator and to draw heat from the second surface of the thermoelectric generator to the distal end;
- and
- a thermally conductive heat spreader configured to contact the distal end of the thermally conductive heat transfer element, the thermally conductive heat spreader having a surface area larger than a surface area of the distal end of the thermally conductive heat transfer element, wherein the kit is configured such that a distance between the thermoelectric generator and the heat spreader upon assembly of the kit is at least 0.5 cm.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.