Thermoelectric energy harvesting system

摘要

An apparatus comprising a structure and an energy harvesting device. The structure is configured to have a first portion and a second. The energy harvesting device is formed as part of the structure. The energy harvesting device is configured to generate an electrical current when a difference in temperature occurs between the first portion and the second portion.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a tube configured to allow a flow of fluid through the tube, the fluid being hotter than an exterior temperature outside of the tube; a structure comprising a first portion integral with a second portion, wherein the first portion is attached to a first exterior surface of the tube and also conforms to a shape of the tube, wherein the second portion forms a bend angle relative to the first portion at an intersection of the first portion and the second portion in order that the second portion extends radially outwardly from the first exterior surface of the tube; and a thermopile attached to the structure, wherein a first part of the thermopile is formed on the first portion and a second part of the thermopile is formed on the second portion, wherein the thermopile comprises a plurality of thermal couples connected in series, wherein a first plurality of junctions of the plurality of thermal couples is on the first portion, and wherein a second plurality of junctions of the plurality of thermal couples is on the second portion.