Patent ID: 7608777
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: F01P,F02G,H01L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A thermoelectric power generation system comprising: a thermoelectric generator having thermoelectrics with at least one cold side and at least one hot side configured to generate electrical power when a temperature gradient is present between said at least one cold side and said at least one hot side; an intermediate heat transfer loop in thermal communication with said at least one hot side and in thermal communication with at least one main heat source, the at least one main heat source having a first working fluid flowing through the at least one main heat source, the intermediate heat transfer loop having a second working fluid flowing through the intermediate heat transfer loop and in thermal communication with said at least one hot side, wherein the intermediate heat transfer loop and the at least one main heat source are not in fluid communication with one another; and a controller in communication with flow control devices in said intermediate heat transfer loop, the controller adapted to control the heat flow in the intermediate heat transfer loop in response to changes in heat originating from the at least one main heat source.