Thermally cascaded thermoelectric generator
Abstract
Abstract A THERMALL CASCADED THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR IS DISCLOSED. THE GNENERATOR INCLUDES A FIRST STAGE CONTAINING HIGHTEMPERATURE THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENTS AND A SECOND STAGE CONTAINING LOWER TEMPERATURE THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENTS. THE STAGES ARE CONNECTED IN THERMAL SERIES BY MEANS OF AN ELONGATED HEAT TRANSFER PIPE CONTAINING A LIQUID METAL AND A WICK. A PORTION OF THE HEAT RADIATED TO THE FIRST STAGE FROM A HIGH-TEMPERATURE RADIOISOTOPE SOURCE IS CONVERTED TO ELECTRICITY. THE HEAT REJECTED BY THE FIRST STAGE IS CONDUCTED TO THE HEAT PIPE AND ABSORBED BY THE LIQUID METAL AS LATENT HEAT OF VAPORIZATION. THE VAPOR RISED TO THE SECOND STAGE AND CONDENSES TO GIVE UP LATENT HEAT OF CONDENSATION WHICH IS TRANSFERRED TO THE SECOND STAGE AND IS CONVERTED TO ELECTRICITY THEREIN. THE CONDENSED LIQUID RETURNS ON THE WICK TO THE VICINITY OF THE FIRST STAGE.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Flaherty
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-30 | 1975-11-29 | 1976-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-30 | 1979-11-29 | 1980-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-30 | 1983-11-29 | 1984-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |