Patent ID: 8684114

Claim:
A thermoelectrically powered vehicle comprising: a. a thermoelectric device having n-type and p-type Seebeck components that includes: i. a plurality of coupons soldered in registry in a circle and separated by a single insulator, each coupon comprising a metallic hot fin an adjacent p-type semiconductor, on the opposite side from the p-type semiconductor of said hot fin an n-type semiconductor and consistently adjacent to either said n-type or p-type semiconductor a metallic cold fin the components of said coupons being soldered together in the region of contact; ii. a means for heating said hot fins; iii. a make-before-brake high frequency switching means placed across said insulator to remove electrical energy generated from said circle of coupons when heat is applied to said hot fins; and iv. a means for holding said plurality of coupons in compression; and b. at least one electric motor for powering operation of said vehicle, said electric motor being: i. coupled to said closed circuit thermoelectric device; and ii. energized for driving the vehicle by electrical energy removed from said circle of coupons.