Wayne A Phillips

US Patent:

6388185, May 14, 2002

Filed:

Nov 23, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/198069

Inventors:

Jean-Pierre Fleurial - Duarte CA
Margaret A. Ryan - Pasadena CA
Alex Borshchevsky - Santa Monica CA
Wayne Phillips - Sunland CA
Elizabeth A. Kolawa - Bradbury CA
G. Jeffrey Snyder - Altadena CA
Thierry Caillat - Pasadena CA
Thorsten Kascich - Köln, DE
Peter Mueller - Baar, CH

Assignee:

California Institute of Technology - Pasadena CA

International Classification:

H01L 3530

US Classification:

136205, 136203, 252 623 T

Abstract:

A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e. g. , of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e. g. , a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.

US Patent:

6787691, Sep 7, 2004

Filed:

May 14, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/146707

Inventors:

Jean-Pierre Fleurial - Duarte CA
Margaret A. Ryan - Pasadena CA
Alex Borshchevsky - Santa Monica CA
Wayne Phillips - Sunland CA
Elizabeth A. Kolawa - Bradbury CA
G. Jeffrey Snyder - Altadena CA
Thierry Caillat - Pasadena CA
Thorsten Kascich - Köln, DE
Peter Mueller - Baar, CH

Assignee:

California Institute of Technology - Pasadena CA

International Classification:

H01L 3528

US Classification:

136203, 136205, 1362361

Abstract:

A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e. g. , of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e. g. , a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.