18525950. THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL simplified abstract (Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.)

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THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL

Organization Name

Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.

Inventor(s)

FUYUKI Ando of Osaka (JP)

HIROMASA Tamaki of Osaka (JP)

THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18525950 titled 'THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL

Simplified Explanation

The thermoelectric conversion material described in the patent application consists of Ge, Te, and Sb, with a first region having a higher Sb content compared to a second region. The first region includes a dispersed phase.

  • Explanation of the patent/innovation:
   - The thermoelectric conversion material is composed of specific elements in varying concentrations across different regions.
   - The higher Sb content in the first region contributes to the material's thermoelectric properties.
   - The presence of a dispersed phase in the first region enhances the material's performance in converting heat into electricity.
  • Potential applications of this technology:
   - Thermoelectric generators for waste heat recovery in industrial processes.
   - Power generation in remote locations or space missions where traditional power sources are not feasible.
  • Problems solved by this technology:
   - Efficient conversion of waste heat into electricity.
   - Enhanced performance of thermoelectric materials for various applications.
  • Benefits of this technology:
   - Increased energy efficiency.
   - Reduced environmental impact by utilizing waste heat.
   - Improved reliability and durability in thermoelectric applications.
  • Potential commercial applications of this technology:
   - Energy harvesting devices for IoT sensors.
   - Portable power generators for outdoor activities.
  • Possible prior art:
   - Prior research on thermoelectric materials with similar compositions and structures.
   - Studies on the impact of Sb content on the thermoelectric properties of materials.

Questions:

1. What specific applications can benefit the most from the improved thermoelectric conversion material described in the patent application?

Answer: The specific applications that can benefit the most include waste heat recovery systems in industries and power generation in remote or space-constrained environments.

2. How does the dispersed phase in the first region of the thermoelectric conversion material contribute to its overall performance?

Answer: The dispersed phase in the first region enhances the material's thermoelectric properties by improving electron transport and reducing thermal conductivity, leading to increased efficiency in converting heat into electricity.


Original Abstract Submitted

A thermoelectric conversion material according to the present disclosure includes Ge, Te, and Sb. The thermoelectric conversion material includes a first region and a second region. The content of Sb in the first region in terms of number density of atoms is higher than the content of Sb in the second region in terms of number density of atoms. The first region includes a dispersed phase.