THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY SYSTEM USING INTERMITTENT GAS PILOT FOR POWER MANAGEMENT
The disclosure presents a thermoelectric energy system leveraging an intermittent gas pilot light for power management in gas-powered devices. The system generates electrical power via a thermoelectric device with a hot side absorbing heat from a pilot flame and a cold side linked to a heat sink, creating a temperature differential for power generation. The system may include multiple thermopiles, connected in series for higher voltage, efficiently powering devices like valve actuators, powered anodes, and Wi-Fi transceivers. The system includes a gas burner platform configured for intermittent heat production, which includes a pilot flame. The thermoelectric device converts the heat from the flame into electrical power, which is stored for later use. Advanced materials like bismuth telluride enhance power generation. A controller manages system operations, ensuring adequate power storage and enabling remote monitoring and control. The system offers a reliable, efficient power solution for diverse industrial and residential applications.
1 . A system comprising:
a gas burner platform,
a thermoelectric device, and
one or more electronic devices,
wherein the gas burner platform is configured to produce a flame,
wherein the thermoelectric device comprises a hot side and a cold side,
wherein the thermoelectric device is configured to generate electrical power through a temperature difference between the hot side and the cold side,
wherein the hot side of the thermoelectric device is configured to absorb heat produced by the flame,
wherein the cold side of the thermoelectric device is coupled to a heat sink, and
wherein the one or more electronic devices receive the electrical power only from power generated by the thermoelectric device.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric device includes two or more thermopiles.
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the two or more thermopiles are connected in series.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric device includes one or more of bismuth telluride, lead telluride, silicon-germanium, skutterudites, half-heulser alloys, or tin selenide.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the gas burner platform is coupled to a hot water heater.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more electronic devices include a valve actuator.
7 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more electronic devices include a powered anode.
8 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more electronic devices include a radio transceiver.
9 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more electronic devices include a battery.
10 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the gas burner platform is configured to produce the heat intermittently to heat water in the hot water heater.
11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the battery is configured to store the electrical power produced when the heat is being produced.
12 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the battery is configured to power one or more other electronic devices when the heat is not being produced.
13 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more electronic devices include a camera.
14 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more electronic devices include a controller.
15 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more electronic devices includes a computer and an access point device.
16 . A system comprising:
a gas burner platform,
a thermoelectric device, and
one or more electronic devices,
wherein the gas burner platform is configured to produce heat,
wherein the thermoelectric device comprises a hot side and a cold side,
wherein the thermoelectric device is configured to generate electrical power through a temperature difference between the hot side and the cold side, and
wherein the one or more electronic devices receive the electrical power from power generated by the thermoelectric device.
17 . The system of claim 16 , wherein the hot side of the thermoelectric device is configured to absorb the heat produced by the gas burner platform.
18 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the cold side of the thermoelectric device is coupled to a heat sink.
19 . The system of claim 16 , wherein the thermoelectric device includes two or more thermopiles, wherein the two or more thermopiles are connected in series.
20 . The system of claim 16 , wherein the thermoelectric device includes one or more of bismuth telluride, lead telluride, silicon-germanium, skutterudites, half-heulser alloys, or tin selenide.