REUSABLE POWER GENERATION FROM THERMAL ENERGY USING THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS (TEGS)

Abstract

This invention presents a system that generates reusable power from temperature differences using Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs). Utilizing the Seebeck effect, TEG modules convert heat gradients from various sources into electrical energy, supporting applications in automotive exhaust recovery, industrial waste heat capture, and remote off-grid power. The scalable design enhances energy efficiency, sustainability, and contributes to green energy solutions across multiple industries.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, focusing on a system that generates reusable power from temperature differentials using Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs). Designed for applications across vehicles, industrial processes, and remote locations, this system offers a sustainable method for converting waste heat into electrical energy, reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy solutions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) have emerged as a valuable technology for harvesting energy from temperature differences, converting it directly into electricity. Traditional power sources often waste thermal energy due to inefficiencies in heat management. In vehicles, industrial machinery, and environmental monitoring applications, significant thermal energy is lost, which could otherwise be repurposed. Conventional power generation and energy harvesting methods face challenges such as limited scalability, high costs, and dependency on fuel sources. This invention addresses these challenges by utilizing TEGs, which capitalize on the Seebeck effect to convert temperature gradients into electrical energy, providing a reliable power source with minimal environmental impact. By converting waste heat from various sources into usable electricity, the invention offers an efficient and eco-friendly approach to energy reuse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention presents a power generation system that utilizes Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) to convert temperature gradients into electrical energy. TEGs operate based on the Seebeck effect, generating voltage when exposed to a differential in temperature across conductive materials. This system uses TEG modules composed of p-type and n-type materials, with optimized configurations to maximize energy output from high-temperature sources. Applications range from waste heat recovery in vehicles and industrial equipment to off-grid power for remote environmental sensors and wearable devices. The system's design ensures a sustainable energy supply, enhances power efficiency, and contributes to reducing carbon footprints across industries.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) system introduced here harnesses temperature differentials to generate electrical energy, utilizing the Seebeck effect for efficient energy conversion. TEG modules consist of p-type and n-type thermoelectric materials, commonly made from compounds such as bismuth telluride or lead telluride, selected for their high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity properties. When a temperature gradient is applied across the TEG module, the Seebeck effect induces a voltage difference, generating a current flow.
This system is designed to exploit temperature differentials in various environments. Heat sources, such as vehicle exhaust systems, industrial machinery, or even human body heat, create a thermal gradient across the TEG module. The hot side of the module interfaces with these heat sources, while a cooling system on the cold side maintains the temperature differential required for effective operation. The cooling system may utilize air or liquid cooling to ensure efficient heat dissipation, thus optimizing the TEG's power generation capabilities.
For automotive applications, TEG modules are integrated into vehicle exhaust systems to capture waste heat and convert it into electricity, which can then be used to power auxiliary systems or recharge the vehicle's battery. This improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by recycling thermal energy that would otherwise be lost. In industrial processes, TEGs are positioned near heat-generating machinery, such as boilers or kilns, where they harness excess heat to contribute to the facility's energy needs, enhancing overall energy efficiency and sustainability.
In portable applications, TEGs provide off-grid power by capturing ambient heat from natural or artificial sources. This is especially useful in remote environmental monitoring, where maintaining power sources is challenging. TEGs can power sensors or electronic devices in these locations, reducing the dependency on batteries and minimizing maintenance.
The TEG system is scalable and adaptable to a range of environmental conditions, with modular configurations that allow for customized installation depending on heat source intensity and required energy output. The system's design optimizes power conversion, sustainability, and durability, making it suitable for applications in green technology and energy efficiency, while addressing global demands for renewable power sources.
, Claims:1. A Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) system comprising thermoelectric modules designed to generate electrical energy from temperature differentials based on the Seebeck effect.
2. The TEG system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric modules consist of p-type and n-type materials, selected for high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity.
3. The TEG system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the hot side of the TEG module is interfaced with heat sources, including vehicle exhaust systems, industrial machinery, and ambient heat sources for remote applications.
4. The TEG system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a cooling system is applied to the cold side of the TEG module, utilizing air or liquid cooling methods to maintain the temperature differential.
5. The TEG system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it is integrated into vehicle exhaust systems to capture waste heat, generating electrical energy for powering auxiliary systems or recharging the vehicle battery.
6. The TEG system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric modules are positioned near industrial machinery to recover waste heat, contributing to the facility's energy needs and improving energy efficiency.
7. A method of generating electrical energy as claimed in Claim 1, involving capturing thermal gradients across thermoelectric modules to produce electricity for various applications.
8. The TEG system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it provides off-grid power in remote environments, powering sensors and electronic devices through waste heat recovery.

9. The TEG system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the design is scalable, allowing for modular configurations based on specific heat sources and energy output requirements.

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