THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR (VERSIONS) Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: conversion of heat energy released in fuel combustion into electrical energy. SUBSTANCE: thermoelectric generator operates on liquid or gaseous fuel and has catalytic fuel combustion chamber. The latter has catalyst and thermoelectric converters. Thermoelectric converters are assembled of plurality of thermal cells inserted between two ceramic or metal plates. Catalytic combustion chamber is formed by at least one thermoelectric converter. Catalyst is applied either to high-temperature surface of thermoelectric converter or to three-dimensional structure disposed on high-temperature surface of thermoelectric converter that fills up inner space of combustion chamber. Catalytic fuel combustion is effected on thermoelectric converter surface or in close proximity of this surface. Optimal compositions of catalytic materials as well as fuel-air ratio are selected so that temperature within catalytic combustion chamber is maintained between 105 and 600 C. EFFECT: compact design, ability of direct heat-to-power conversion. 10 cl, 3 dwg