Thermoelectric power generation systems
AssigneeBsst LLC
InventorLon E. Bell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved thermoelectric power generation system utilizes rotary thermoelectric configurations to improve and increase thermal power throughput. These systems are further enhanced by the use of hetrostructure thermoelectric materials, very thin plated materials, and deposited thermoelectric materials, which operate at substantially higher power densities than typical of the previous bulk materials. Several configurations are disclosed.
Claims43
A thermoelectric power generator comprising:
- at least one rotary thermoelectric assembly having at least one thermoelectric module, wherein said at least one rotary thermoelectric assembly accepts at least one working fluid and converts heat from said working fluid into electricity.
A method of generating power with at least one thermoelectric assembly having at least one thermoelectric module, said method comprising the steps of:
- rotating the at least one thermoelectric assembly;
- passing at least one first working fluid through and/or past a first side of the at least one thermoelectric assembly to create a temperature gradient across the at least one thermoelectric module to generate electricity;
- and
- communicating the electricity from the at least one thermoelectric module.
A thermoelectric power generation system comprising:
- a source of at least one hotter working fluid;
- a source of at least one cooler working fluid;
- at least one rotary thermoelectric assembly having at least one thermoelectric module, wherein said rotary thermoelectric assembly accepts the at least one hotter working fluid and converts heat from the hotter working fluid into electricity;
- an exhaust for said at least one hotter and said at least one cooler working fluids;
- and
- at least one electrical communication system to transfer said electricity from said rotary thermoelectric assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.