Abstract This disclosure describes an integrated thermoelectric generator/antenna. An antenna is formed of a sandwich of hot and cold thermoelectric elements, such as bismuth and tellurium. Power storage means are connected to the antenna to receive and store the power generated by the thermoelectric action between the elements. In addition, transmitting and receiving means are connected to the antenna so that the antenna transmits and receives signals. Further, a separate source of heat is connected to the ''''hot'''' thermoelectric element to provide an auxiliary source of heat for that element when the antenna is not receiving energy from a hot body. The invention described herein was made by an employee of the United States Government and may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
An integrated thermoelectric generator/antenna system comprising: an antenna formed as a sandwich of thermoelectric materials having the hot surface of said sandwich on one side of said antenna; electronic communication means for transmitting and receiving communication signals; power storage means for storing electric energy; coupling means for coupling said electronic communication means and said power storage means to said antenna; auxiliary heat source means for providing an auxiliary heat source for the hot surface of said thermoelectric sandwich; and selective means for selectively connecting said auxiliary heat to said hot surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
An integrated thermoelectric generator/antenna system comprising: an antenna formed as a sandwich of thermoelectric materials having the hot surface of said sandwich on one side of said antenna; electronic communication means for transmitting and receiving communication signals; power storage means for storing electric energy; coupling means for coupling said electronic communication means and said power storage means to said antenna; auxiliary heat source means for providing an auxiliary heat source for the hot surface of said thermoelectric sandwich; and selective means for selectively connecting said auxiliary heat to said hot surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
An integrated thermoelectric generator/antenna as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shape of said antenna is parabolic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
An integrated thermoelectric generator/antenna system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said auxiliary heat source comprises a radioactive isotope source and said selective means comprises a threshold sensitive relay valve connected so as to sense the power output generated across the thermoelectric junction formed by said thermoelectric materials.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An integrated thermoelectric generator/antenna system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said thermoelectric materials are bismuth and tellurium.