Generation of electricity in a fireplace using thermoelectric module

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a use of a thermoelectric module in conjunction with a fireplace or stove to generate electricity to run certain features or peripheral devices related to the stove or fireplace. The thermoelectrical module may be positioned between interior and exterior walls of the stove or fireplace outside and protected from the fire generated in the combustion chamber of the stove or fireplace. Power generated by the thermoelectric module may be used for various purposes such as powering a blower, a control unit such as a microprocessor, lights, back-up systems, ignition systems, and flame control devices. Furthermore, the power generated by the thermoelectric module may be saved in a power storage device such as a rechargeable battery or capacitor for a later use by various devices associated with fireplace or stove.

1 . A method of generating power in a fireplace using a thermoelectric system that includes a thermoelectric module, the fireplace including a combustion chamber enclosure having inner and outer surfaces and an outer enclosure surrounding the combustion chamber enclosure, the method comprising the steps of: 
 positioning the thermoelectric module adjacent to the outer surface of the combustion chamber enclosure between the combustion chamber enclosure and the outer enclosure;    heating the combustion chamber enclosure;    transferring heat from the combustion chamber enclosure to the thermoelectric module; and    generating power in the thermoelectric module from the transferred heat.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric system further includes an energy storage device, and the method further comprises storing power from the generating step in the energy storage device.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric system further includes a cooling device, and the method further comprises powering the cooling device with power from the generating step.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the thermoelectric module includes a first side secured to the outer surface of the combustion chamber enclosure and a second side configured as a heat sink, and the method further comprises moving coolant across the heat sink with the cooling device.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the positioning step includes positioning the thermoelectric module adjacent to a vertically extending wall of the combustion chamber enclosure.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising drawing cool air from under a bottom side of the combustion chamber enclosure and moving the drawn air across the thermoelectric module.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further including positioning a portion of the thermoelectric module outside of the outer enclosure.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising drawing air through a first fireplace vent, moving the drawn air across the thermoelectric module to cool a portion of the thermoelectric module, and exhausting the drawn air through a second fireplace vent.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric system further includes a control unit, and the method further comprises controlling distribution of power in the thermoelectric system with the control unit.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the controlling step includes powering a blower.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the controlling step includes storing power in an energy storage device.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the controlling step includes powering a pilot flame system.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the controlling step includes opening and closing a main flame valve of the fireplace.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the controlling step includes powering an electric light.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the controlling step includes powering a filtration system.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the controlling step includes powering a touch switch.  
   
   
       17 . A thermoelectric system configured to generate power in a fireplace, the fireplace including a combustion chamber enclosure and an outer enclosure, the thermoelectric system comprising: 
 a thermoelectric module positioned adjacent to the combustion chamber enclosure and positioned between the combustion chamber enclosure and the outer enclosure;    whereby the thermoelectric module generates power from heat provided in the combustion chamber enclosure.    
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a cooling device configured to create a temperature gradient in the thermoelectric module.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the cooling device is a blower.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a control system configure to control power distribution in the system.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a power storage device configured to store power generated by the thermoelectric module.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the power storage device is a rechargeable battery.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the power storage device include a capacitor and a battery.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the thermoelectric module includes a heat sink.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the thermoelectric module includes at least two thermoelectric plates.  
   
   
       26 . A thermoelectric fireplace, comprising: 
 a combustion chamber enclosure having an inner surface defining a combustion chamber and an outer surface;    an outer enclosure surrounding a portion of the combustion chamber enclosure; and    a thermoelectric module positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the combustion chamber enclosure and positioned between the outer surface of the combustion chamber enclosure and the outer enclosure;    whereby heat generated in the combustion chamber is used by the thermoelectric module to generate power.    
   
   
       27 . The fireplace of  claim 26 , wherein the combustion chamber enclosure includes top, bottom, rear, first side and second side panels, and the thermoelectric module is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of at least one of the panels of the combustion chamber enclosure.  
   
   
       28 . The fireplace of  claim 26 , further comprising an ignition system operable using power at least partially provided by the thermoelectric module.  
   
   
       29 . The fireplace of  claim 26 , wherein the thermoelectric module produces at least 5V DC voltage.  
   
   
       30 . A thermoelectric fireplace, comprising: 
 a compression molded combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber; and    a thermoelectric module positioned adjacent to the combustion chamber enclosure, whereby heat generated in the combustion chamber is used by the thermoelectric module to generate power.    
   
   
       31 . The fireplace of  claim 30 , wherein combustion chamber enclosure comprises an inorganic fiber and a binder.  
   
   
       32 . The fireplace of  claim 31 , wherein the combustion chamber enclosure includes an inner surface defining the combustion chamber and an outer surface, and the thermoelectric module is positioned adjacent to the outer surface.  
   
   
       33 . A thermoelectric fireplace, comprising: 
 a combustion chamber enclosure;    an outer enclosure surrounding a portion of the combustion chamber enclosure; and    a thermoelectric module positioned between the combustion chamber enclosure and the outer enclosure; and    a heat source positioned between the combustion chamber enclosure and the outer enclosure;    whereby heat generated by the heat source is used by the thermoelectric module to generate power.