Thermoelectric power generation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermoelectric-based power generation system designed to be clamped onto the outer wall of a steam pipe or other heating pipe. The system can include a number of assemblies mounted on the sides of a pipe. Each assembly can include a hot block, an array of thermoelectric modules, and a cold block system. The hot block can create a thermal channel to the hot plates of the modules. The cold block can include a heat pipe onto which fins are attached.

1 . An apparatus for thermoelectrically generating power from a heat source, the apparatus comprising:
 a first layer comprising a first heat transfer element, wherein a first surface of the first heat transfer element is configured to conform to at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat source;   a second layer comprising at least one thermoelectric module, wherein the thermoelectric module generates an electrical signal in response to a temperature difference over the thickness of the at least one thermoelectric module; and   a third layer comprising a second heat transfer element, wherein the second heat transfer element comprises a mounting block and a heat exchanging element, and wherein the heat exchanging element is configured to exchange heat between the second heat transfer element and the surrounding atmosphere.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source comprises a fluid transportation pipe. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanging element comprises a plurality of fins. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fins are rectangular. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the heat exchanging element further comprises at least one heat pipe extending from the mounting block. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of fins are distributed on the heat pipe. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one heat pipe extends at a shallow angle from the mounting block. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second surface of the first heat transfer element substantially opposite the first surface of the first heat transfer element, wherein the second surface of the first heat transfer element is substantially flat. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first surface of the first heat transfer element comprises at least one groove. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first heat transfer element comprises a substantially similar material to the outer surface of the heat source. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one thermoelectric module is configured to power an electrical device associated with the heat source. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the electrical device is selected from the group consisting of a control device, a measurement device, a safety device, and an alarm. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a detachable device. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one regulating battery coupled to the at least one thermoelectric module. 
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for thermoelectrically generating power from a heat source, the apparatus comprising:
 at least one thermoelectric power generation assembly for attachment to a heat source, the at least one assembly comprising:
 a first layer comprising a first heat transfer element, wherein a first surface of the first heat transfer element is configured to conform to at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat source; 
 a second layer comprising at least one thermoelectric module, wherein the thermoelectric module generates an electrical signal in response to a temperature difference over the thickness of the thermoelectric module; and 
 a third layer comprising a second heat transfer element, wherein the second heat transfer element comprises a mounting block and a heat exchanging element, and wherein the heat exchanging element is configured to exchange heat between the second heat transfer element and the surrounding atmosphere. 
   
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the apparatus comprises at least two thermoelectric power generation assemblies. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a mounting element. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the mounting element is configured to releasably couple the at least two thermoelectric power generation assemblies to the heat source. 
   
   
       19 . A method of thermoelectrically powering an electrical device, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing at least one thermoelectric power generation apparatus comprising:
 a first layer comprising a first heat transfer element, wherein a first surface of the first heat transfer element is configured to conform to at least a portion of an outer surface of a heat source; 
 a second layer comprising at least one thermoelectric module; and 
 a third layer comprising a second heat transfer element, wherein the second heat transfer element comprises a mounting block and a heat exchanging element, and wherein the heat exchanging element is configured to exchange heat between the second heat transfer element and the surrounding atmosphere; 
   releasably mounting the thermoelectric power generation apparatus to the outer surface of the heat source;   coupling the thermoelectric power generation apparatus to an electrical device; and   providing power to the electrical device, wherein the electrical power is generated in response to a temperature difference over the thermoelectric power generation apparatus.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , further providing at least two thermoelectric power generation apparatus. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the at least two thermoelectric power generation apparatus are coupled together by a mounting element. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the mounting element is configured to releasably couple the at least two thermoelectric power generation assemblies to the heat source.