Thermoelectric generator

Patent · Tue Mar 29 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:5114520

Shakun, W; Bearden, J H; Henderson, D R

A thermoelectric generator unit is described comprising: a hot side heat exchanger including a plate having extruded retention posts projecting from one surface of the plate, and fins adapted for contact with a heating source. The fins are positioned between two of the retention posts. Retention rods are inserted between the retention posts and the base of the fins to retain the fin in thermal contact with the plate surface upon insertion of the retention rod between the engaging surface of the post and the corresponding fin. Thermoelectric semi-conductor modules are in thermal contact with the opposite side of the hot side heat exchanger plate from the contact with the fins. The modules are arranged in a grid pattern so that heat flow is directed into each of the modules from the hot side heat exchanger. The modules are connected electrically so as to combine their electrical output; and a cold side heat exchanger is in thermal contact with the modules acting as a heat sink on the opposite side of the module from the hot side heat exchanger plate so as to produce a thermal gradient across the modules.

• Assignee: Omnimax Energy Corp., Philadelphia, PA
• Patent Number(s): US 4734139
• OSTI ID: 5114520
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300301* -- Thermoelectric Generators-- Design & Development
COOLING
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
FINS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEATERS
HEATING
MODULAR STRUCTURES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PLATES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS