| abstract |
This invention provides a new thermoelectric device and related method of fabrication with a relatively high conversion efficiency. One application, a thermoelectrically propelled vehicle, utilizes thermoelectric generators that generate electricity according to the Seebeck principle. The thermoelectric generation utilizes at least two parallel layers of alternating 'n' and 'p'-type elements, having hot and cold junctions connecting adjacent elements, that form series electrical connections within each layer. Each layer is thermally coupled in parallel with the other layers and is doped with a varying amount of cobalt, such that each layer realizes a different optimal thermoelectric temperature range. The layers cascade a temperature differential over the entire device, such that the thermoelectric device has a high conversion efficiency. The vehicle's thermoelectric generators use a graphite-based heat battery and a heat sink to provide a ΔT which may be made to exceed 2000 °F. A plurality of solar collectors are employed to collect and concentrate sunlight for heating of the graphite-based heat battery. Deceleration energy is fed back to the heat battery. |