Thermoelectric generator for use in exhaust line of internal combustion engine of motor vehicle, has operating element whose one part comprises extension part, where operating element rises with temperature and defined by gap

摘要

#CMT# #/CMT# The generator has a heat source pipe (20) with a heat output surface (24), a heat sink tube (30) and a thermoelectric module (10). The thermoelectric module is arranged between the heat output surface and the heat sink tube. A temperature dependent operating element (40) is oriented relative to the output surface with a gap (42) between the thermoelectric module and the output surface. A part of the operating element comprises an extension part extending from the output surface, where the operating element rises with temperature and defined by the gap and made from a shape memory alloy. #CMT# : #/CMT# An independent claim is also included for a method for overheating-protected operation of a thermoelectric generator. #CMT#USE : #/CMT# Thermoelectric generator for use in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. #CMT#ADVANTAGE : #/CMT# The generator protects the thermoelectric module from excessive temperatures and avoids damages to the generator, and has a simple and inexpensive structure. #CMT#DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : #/CMT# The drawing shows a cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric generator. 10 : Thermoelectric module 20 : Heat source pipe 24 : Heat output surface 30 : Heat sink tube 40 : Temperature dependent operating element 42 : Gap.