BACK PACK PORTABLE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR
Abstract
The development of a light-weight, portable thermoelectric generator is described. One of the basic features of the design is the direct connection of the heat exchangers to the thermoelectric elements. This reduced the cold side temperature drops to a negligible amount. A second basic design feature is the use of forced convective cooling. This type of cooling is necessary to handle the high heat fluxes that a unit of this type must utilize if weight is to be kept to a minimum. Another basic feature is the high packing factor or small spacing between thermocouples which is used. This was done so that the lowest contact resistance could be obtained for a given thermal flux. Another important feature is the interchangeability of gasoline and propane burners. The actual specific power of the generator is 7.5 w/lb. Tests indicated that thermocouples can be constructed that will operate in air with hot junction temperatures of 450 deg C for 1000 hrs or longer, making possible the construction of unsealed thermoelectric generators for military portable power source applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0273656
Entities
People
- D. A. Forejt
- J. C. Kastovich
- W. C. Moreland
Organizations
- Westinghouse Electric Corporation