Energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric power generation utilizing convective heat flow
First Claim
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1. A thermoelectric power generator system comprising:
- A plurality of thermoelectric elements forming at least one thermoelectric array with at least one first side and at least one second side exhibiting a temperature gradient between them during operation, wherein at least a portion of the at least one thermoelectric array is configured to permit generally steady-state convective heat transport toward at least one side of at least a portion of the thermoelectric array.
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Abstract
An improved efficiency thermoelectric power generation system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array, and the thermoelectric array is used to generate electrical power. Thermal power is convected through the thermoelectric array or arrays toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Thermal power is applied to the array, creating a temperature gradient across the array. The thermoelectric system may also be combined with other power generation systems, forming a co-generation system.
60 Citations
48 Claims
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1. A thermoelectric power generator system comprising:
A plurality of thermoelectric elements forming at least one thermoelectric array with at least one first side and at least one second side exhibiting a temperature gradient between them during operation, wherein at least a portion of the at least one thermoelectric array is configured to permit generally steady-state convective heat transport toward at least one side of at least a portion of the thermoelectric array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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38. A method of improving efficiency in a thermoelectric power generation system having a plurality of thermoelectric elements forming at least one thermoelectric array having at least one first side and at least one second side exhibiting at least one temperature gradient between them during operation of the thermoelectric power generation system through the introduction of heat to the system, the method comprising the steps of:
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actively convecting thermal power through at least a portion of the array in a generally steady-state manner; and
generating power from the at least one thermoelectric array.
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Specification