High power density thermoelectric systems
First Claim
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1. A thermoelectric system comprising:
- a first plurality of thermoelectric modules;
a plurality of first heat transfer devices and a plurality of second heat transfer devices, at least some of the first heat transfer devices sandwiched between at least two of the first plurality of thermoelectric modules, and at least some of the second heat transfer devices sandwiched between at least two of the first plurality of thermoelectric modules, so as to form at least one first stack of thermoelectric modules and heat transfer devices, wherein at least some of the first heat transfer devices project away from the at least one first stack in a first direction and at least some of the second heat transfer devices project away from the at least one first stack in a second direction different from the first direction;
a second plurality of thermoelectric modules; and
a plurality of third heat transfer devices, at least some of the third heat transfer devices sandwiched between at least two of the second plurality of thermoelectric modules, and at least some of the first heat transfer devices are sandwiched between at least two of the second plurality of thermoelectric modules, so as to form at least one second stack of thermoelectric modules and heat transfer devices, wherein at least some of the first heat transfer devices project away from the at least one second stack in a third direction and at least some of the third heat transfer devices project away from the at least one second stack in a fourth direction different from the third direction.
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Abstract
A number of compact, high-efficiency and high-power density thermoelectric systems utilizing the advantages of thermal isolation are described. Such configurations exhibit high system efficiency and power density. Some configurations exhibit a substantial reduction in the amount of thermoelectric material required.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A thermoelectric system comprising:
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a first plurality of thermoelectric modules; a plurality of first heat transfer devices and a plurality of second heat transfer devices, at least some of the first heat transfer devices sandwiched between at least two of the first plurality of thermoelectric modules, and at least some of the second heat transfer devices sandwiched between at least two of the first plurality of thermoelectric modules, so as to form at least one first stack of thermoelectric modules and heat transfer devices, wherein at least some of the first heat transfer devices project away from the at least one first stack in a first direction and at least some of the second heat transfer devices project away from the at least one first stack in a second direction different from the first direction; a second plurality of thermoelectric modules; and a plurality of third heat transfer devices, at least some of the third heat transfer devices sandwiched between at least two of the second plurality of thermoelectric modules, and at least some of the first heat transfer devices are sandwiched between at least two of the second plurality of thermoelectric modules, so as to form at least one second stack of thermoelectric modules and heat transfer devices, wherein at least some of the first heat transfer devices project away from the at least one second stack in a third direction and at least some of the third heat transfer devices project away from the at least one second stack in a fourth direction different from the third direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A thermoelectric system comprising:
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a first plurality of thermoelectric modules; and a plurality of first heat transfer devices and a plurality of second heat transfer devices, at least some of the first heat transfer devices comprising a first portion, a second portion, and an electrical insulation positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion sandwiched between at least two of the first plurality of thermoelectric modules, and at least some of the second heat transfer devices sandwiched between at least two of the first plurality of thermoelectric modules, so as to form at least one stack of thermoelectric modules with alternating first and second heat transfer devices, wherein at least some of the first heat transfer devices and at least some of the second heat transfer devices project away from the at least one stack. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification