18420437. THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE simplified abstract (Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.)

THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE

Organization Name

Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.

Inventor(s)

Masaki Fujikane of Osaka (JP)

Naoki Tambo of Kyoto (JP)

Kunihiko Nakamura of Osaka (JP)

Kouhei Takahashi of Osaka (JP)

Yasuyuki Naito of Osaka (JP)

THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18420437 titled 'THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a thermoelectric conversion element that includes a p-type thermoelectric converter, an n-type thermoelectric converter, and three electrodes. The converters have phononic crystal layers with regularly arranged through holes.

• The thermoelectric conversion element includes a p-type and n-type thermoelectric converter, each with a phononic crystal layer.
• The converters are electrically connected to electrodes at each end.
• The phononic crystal layers have regularly arranged through holes in a specific direction.

Potential Applications

The technology could be used in energy harvesting devices, waste heat recovery systems, and portable power generation solutions.

Problems Solved

This technology can improve the efficiency of thermoelectric conversion by utilizing phononic crystal structures to enhance heat transfer and electrical conductivity.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include increased energy efficiency, improved power generation capabilities, and enhanced thermal management in various applications.

Potential Commercial Applications

The thermoelectric conversion element could be utilized in automotive systems, wearable technology, and IoT devices for efficient energy harvesting and power generation.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art is the use of phononic crystals in thermoelectric materials to enhance their performance and efficiency.

How does this technology compare to traditional thermoelectric converters in terms of efficiency and performance?

This article does not provide a direct comparison between this technology and traditional thermoelectric converters in terms of efficiency and performance. Further research or testing may be needed to determine the advantages of this innovation over existing solutions.

What are the potential limitations or challenges in implementing this technology on a larger scale for commercial applications?

The article does not address the potential limitations or challenges in implementing this technology on a larger scale for commercial applications. Factors such as cost, scalability, and manufacturing processes may need to be considered before widespread adoption of this innovation.

Original Abstract Submitted

A thermoelectric conversion element includes a p-type thermoelectric converter, an n-type thermoelectric converter, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. One end of the p-type converter is electrically connected to one end of the n-type converter. The other end of the p-type converter is electrically connected to the second electrode, and the other end of the n-type converter is electrically connected to the third electrode. The p-type converter includes a first phononic crystal layer having a first phononic crystal structure including regularly arranged first through holes. The n-type converter includes a second phononic crystal layer having a second phononic crystal structure including regularly arranged second through holes. The through direction of the first through holes is a direction extending between the ends of the p-type converter. The through direction of the second through holes is a direction extending between the ends of the n-type converter.