Optimized, Low DeltaT Thermoelectric Energy Harvesters For Small Natural Convection Heat Sinks

Cost effective thermoelectric solutions for harvesting energy from small temperature differences require the integration and optimization of a number of thermal and electrical characteristics. For practical thermoelectric energy harvesting applications, small natural convection heat sinks are desired to maximize the available net power, minimize size, reduce cost and maximize system reliability. Thermal matching of the thermoelectric generator to the heat sink is essential for achieving maximum power output from the thermoelectric device. Numerous thermoelectric designs, each with different number TE element dimensions and number of thermocouples can meet the thermal matching criteria. The latest low threshold voltage step-up circuits enable the use of small, cost effective, low couple count thermoelectric devices which can be matched electrically enabling operation with small temperature differences. The latest developments and test data for small, low cost, low deltaT (less than 5°C from source to ambient) thermoelectric energy harvesters will be discussed.

Jim Bierschenk joined Marlow Industries, Inc. in January 1987. He is a Sr. member of the technical staff and leader of the company's corporate Product and Process R&D group. Bierschenk has more than 23 years of experience designing thermoelectric coolers and thermoelectric cooling systems and more than 14 years of engineering management experience. Bierschenk also holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, 1984. His design and management experience encompasses all markets served by Marlow, including industrial, telecom, defense, space, medical and consumer. He has extensive experience in qualifying new thermoelectric materials, devices and processes and transitioning them from R&D to production. Due to his qualified understanding of thermoelectric theory and operation, Bierschenk also developed the internal design software currently being used for TEC design at Marlow. He is also the recipient of five U.S. patents related to thermoelectric coolers.

Marlow Industries, Inc. in Dallas, Texas is clearly recognized as the largest Thermoelectric module company in the world with regard to revenue and volume production considering provision of Power Generation, Cooling and Heating modules and assemblies for Defense, Space, Industrial/Commercial, Medical and Telecom customers and industries. Follow Us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/#!/Marlow_Ind