Fireplace insert thermally generating electrical power useful for operating a circulating fan

Abstract

A fireplace appliance for warming room air without line electrical connection has a high efficiency thermoelectric generator having a heat-rejecting surface connected to a heat sink. The generator has a heat-receiving surface facing the site where a fireplace flame is to be located. In one embodiment the generator provides power to operate a fan that forces air through an air duct. The air duct has an inlet port receiving a flow of room air, and an outlet port. The heat sink is placed in the air duct where airflow generated by the fan moves across and cools the heat sink. The air heated by the heat sink flows to the room through the outlet port. One suitable material for the thermoelectric generator is a Bi—Te semiconductor. A number of options are shown that allow fan operation to commence properly while the appliance begins a cold start.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.