Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Bell, Lon E

Publications and source records attributed to Bell, Lon E.

3 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Thermoelectric power generator for variable thermal power source

Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2013

Thermoelectric power generator with intermediate loop

A thermoelectric power generator is disclosed for use to generate electrical power from heat, typically waste heat. An intermediate heat transfer loop forms a part of the system to permit added control and adjustability in the system. This allows the thermoelectric power generator to more effectively and efficiently generate power in the face of dynamically varying temperatures and heat flux conditions, such as where the heat source is the exhaust of an automobile, or any other heat source with dynamic temperature and heat flux conditions.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗