Gas fraction extractor utilizing direct thermoelectric converters

Abstract

A direct thermoelectric converter includes a condensing surface. The condensing surface conducts heat to a silicon matrix to cool the condensing surface to a temperature to precipitate a gas fraction from a flow of gas. The matrix includes a first layer of low recombination material fused to a first layer of high recombination material at a first n-type junction, the first layer high recombination material fused to a second layer of low recombination material at a p-type junction, the second layer of low recombination material fused to a second layer of high recombination material at a second n-type junction. Each of a positive and a negative terminal are affixed conductively to the silicon matrix thereby to supply a current of electrons at a supply voltage. A controller senses the current of electrons and selectively connects the direct thermoelectric converter to a load in response to the supply of electrons.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application entitled “Gas Fraction Extractor Utilizing Direct Thermoelectric Converters”, having application Ser. No. 61 / 568,645, filed Dec. 8, 2011 and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Extraction of selected portions from gas mixtures becomes cost-effective if cost of extraction can be reduced sufficiently. A prime example is water in the atmosphere, particularly valuable in regions where it is not readily available in liquid form. Direct Thermoelectric Converters (DTEC) can implement cost-effective extraction. The theory and construction of DTEC is described in provisional application entitled “Useful Electrical Power from Thermally Generated Carrier Pairs”, having application Ser. No. 61 / 381,984, filed Sep. 11, 2010, as well as the subsequent utility application claiming priority therefrom and having Ser. No. 13 / 397,404 and a filing...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is related to extracting gases by using a device called a direct thermoelectric converter (DTEC) that uses heat to drive a current and create a chilled region where gases are condensed out of a gas mixture. The invention is powered by heat in the gas stream, which can also drive a processor to manage the DTEC. The DTEC can be designed with materials that are unstable at room temperature, so it needs to be kept at a cryogenic temperature to protect against instability. The patent addresses the problem of optimal operation and failure recovery of the DTEC.

Problems solved by technology

Often times, however, the requirement for this provision of energy is too cumbersome for the situation.

Provision of water for persons in a harsh environment, such as provision for persons on a lifeboat, is one such situation where condensation by conventional means is too burdensome.

Neither internal combustion engines nor electric power to drive motors may be available to drive the compressor.

What the conventional art lacks is a self-contained device for removing gas fractions without requiring a refrigeration cycle to cool a condensing surface.

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