THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: thermal-to-electrical energy conversion. SUBSTANCE: thermoelectric generator designed for recovering waste heat of nuclear reactors, internal-combustion engines, diesel engines, and other heat engines has heater unit, cooler unit, and thermopiles made in the form of modules assembled into integrated unit disposed between heater and cooler units. Heater unit may be made as hollow structure which enables mounting it on exhaust pipe of internal combustion or diesel engine, Proposed design and four-component material of thermal cells make it possible to develop space- saving generator easily disposed in ship hull at location point of exhaust pipe and in motor vehicle. Generator may be rated at output power of 10-30 kW and higher depending on engine rating and its efficiency may be as high as 10%. EFFECT: enhanced quality of cells assembled in modules due to higher power of modules and increased temperature of hot junction. 4 cl, 1 dwg