rexresearch,comJON SCHROEDER
Thermoelectric Generator
Thermoelectric Generator
US5597976
Thermoelectric Generator and Magnetic Energy Storage Unit...
Thermoelectric Generator and Magnetic Energy Storage Unit...
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NasaAstroPhysDataSys
A Novel High Energy-Density Electric Storage Device for Electric Weapons
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A Novel High Energy-Density Electric Storage Device for Electric Weapons
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Final Report, 26 Feb. - 25 Aug. 1992 Trymer Co., Leander, TX.
Three different energy storage variants were developed and tested during Phase 1. Each was based on the close-coupled, thermopile storage principle. First, direct current was stored in a
thermopile ring, which was open-switched into a dummy load to measure the energy release. In the second variant, alternating magnetic energy was stored in a split ring. Energy storage was
caused by pumping alternating current in the thermopile circuit, connected as an LC oscillator.
Both methods were found to store energy and each delivered pulse power, resulting in a twentyto-one pulse-power advantage between energy released from the store and energy available from
the power supply at the input. Power was drawn from these systems in a millisecond, making use of a specially developed, sequentially opening switch that takes full advantage of the MOSFET's nanosecond hyper-operating speed, the intermediate switching speed of a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), and a slower speed electro-mechanical switch. Further work with modifications of these two storage methods led then to the development of an inductor-to-inductor (L(sup 2)) electromagnetic storage system. This new type storage device seems to out perform the first two methods by roughly two orders of magnitude in storage capacity. During flux pump experiments, we also found that the L(sup 2) prototype system could be tuned to operate efficiently at certain particular frequencies depending on the value of capacitor chosen, placed across the two conductors, to tune in steps between 50 Hz and 50 MHz, possibly operating efficiently in the GHz range.
Automotive Thermoelectric
Generator Design Issues
Francis Stabler
Francis Stabler
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Missile Defense Agency Technology Applications Program -- Fall 1995
Heading south of the border, the Trymer Company (Leander, TX) is marketing a silent, compact power generator to remote areas of developing countries such as the Caribbean and South America, where utility hook-up is impractical. Using technology developed for the BMDO SBIR program, this device ---- which costs $500 and is the size and shape of a bundt cake pan----can produce enough electricity to power a refrigerator and light a small home (5 kilowatts AC). The solid-state device taps heat produced by propane, wood, coal, or even solar energy to make electricity. And, unlike conventional gasoline generators, it can automatically switch on and off as needed.
"We find that we can sell all the generators we've planned in the Dominican Republic, alone," comments Jon Schroeder, Trymer's president. But, in addition to the markets found in developing countries, Mr. Schroeder notes that the device has other domestic uses. "In the U.S., we see the motor-home and camper industry as a large market. This industry begs for a generator that is quiet, vibration-free, small, and self contained." He also cites applications for the construction industry, where there is a need for rugged, trouble-free, low-maintenance generators.
Trymer's patented product generates electric current via the thermoelectric effect. It is similar in function to superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems, but it does not require liquid helium cryocooling. Instead, it operates on the same principle as the thermopile----a century-old method for measuring minute changes in temperature or generating thermoelectric current