US5411599A
Expired / Lapsed
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Thermoelectric device utilizing nanoporous material
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1994-04-12
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Granted: 1995-05-02
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Expires: 2014-04-12
Abstract
Abstract A nanoporous semiconductor material and fabrication technique for use as thermoelectric elements. Starting precursors are mixed in solution so as to thoroughly dissolve in solution which is then reduced. A second phase may be added in solution to provide nanoinclusions which may be subsequently removed. A nanoporous semiconductor is formed whereby lattice thermal conductivity is greatly reduced, due to enhanced phonon scattering on the order of 10 W/cm·°K. The nanoporous semiconductor material may be used as the n- and p- legs in a Peltier couple utilized for a thermoelectric cooler, a cryogenic cooler, thermoelectric power generator, or a thermoelectric heat pump.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart B. Horn
- 👤 Elizabeth H. Nelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 07:20
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10N; H10N10/00; H10N10/01; H10N10/80; H10N10/85; H10N10/851; H10N10/852; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S257/00; Y10S257/93
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
39 words
In a thermoelectric device, a semiconductor utilized as the n- and p- legs of a peltier couple, comprising: a nanoporous structure whereby lattice thermal conductivity is greatly reduced, due to enhanced phonon scattering on the order of 10 W/cm·°K.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
39 words
In a thermoelectric device, a semiconductor utilized as the n- and p- legs of a peltier couple, comprising: a nanoporous structure whereby lattice thermal conductivity is greatly reduced, due to enhanced phonon scattering on the order of 10 W/cm·°K.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The semiconductor of claim 1 wherein contact ends of said structure is fabricated as a solid.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-05-01 | 1998-10-31 | 1999-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-05-01 | 2002-10-31 | 2003-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-05-01 | 2006-10-31 | 2007-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |