Abstract:
Devices and methods are provided for transformation of thermal energy directly into electrical energy. A fluid having particles adapted to accept and emit electrons is accommodated in a container. At the container, a cathode is configured to emit electrons, wherein the particles of the fluid accept electrons emitted by the cathode, and an anode is configured to accept electrons, wherein the particles of the fluid emit electrons accepted by the anode. Further, a heat transfer unit is configured to exchange heat with the fluid so that the particles of the fluid are accelerated, and an electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field so that negatively charged particles of the fluid are driven in a direction towards the cathode, while positively charged particles are driven towards the anode. In such an arrangement, kinetic energy can be transformed directly into electrical energy.
Abstract:
An improved method and apparatus for thermal-to-electric conversion involving relatively hot and cold juxtaposed surfaces separated by a small vacuum gap wherein the cold surface provides an array of single charge carrier converter elements along the surface and the hot surface transfers excitation energy to the opposing cold surface across the gap through Coulomb electrostatic coupling interaction.
Abstract:
An improved method and apparatus for thermal-to-electric conversion involving relatively hot and cold juxtaposed surfaces separated by a small vacuum gap wherein the cold surface provides an array of single charge carrier converter elements along the surface and the hot surface transfers excitation energy to the opposing cold surface across the gap through Coulomb electrostatic coupling interaction.
Abstract:
A thermoelectronic energy conversion device (100) comprises an electron emitter (10), which is adapted for a temperature-dependent release of electrons (1), an electron collector (20), which is adapted for a collection of the electrons (1), wherein the electron collector (20) and the electron emitter (10) are spaced from each other by a gap (2), and a gate electrode (30), which is arranged between the electron emitter (10) and the electron collector (20), wherein the gate electrode (30) is adapted for subjecting the electrons (1) in the gap (2) to an electrical potential, wherein the gate electrode (30) comprises at least one membrane-shaped, electrically conductive or semiconductive electrode layer (31), which is at least partially transparent for the electrons (1). The electrode layer (31) is e. g. graphene or a similar two-dimensional material. Furthermore, a power source device including at least one energy conversion device and a method of converting energy using the thermoelectronic energy converter device (100) are described.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for improved thermal isolation for thermoelectric devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device includes a first substrate having a first conductive pad, a second substrate having a second conductive pad, and a gap formed between the first and second conductive pads. At least one of the first and second substrates includes at least one opening positioned adjacent to an outer peripheral edge of the conductive pad. The opening may comprise a trench disposed partially or entirely around the outer peripheral edge of the conductive pad. In operation, the opening inhibits heat transfer between the first and second substrates.