George C Tillett

US Patent:

47674679, Aug 30, 1988

Filed:

May 12, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/861950

Inventors:

Gary V. Holland - Bartlesville OK
George C. Tillett - Bartlesville OK

Assignee:

Phillips Petroleum Company - Bartlesville OK

International Classification:

H01L 3528
H01L 3534

US Classification:

136217

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for generating thermoelectric power utilizes a hollow shell member having a cavity defined therein and a cartridge member disposed within the cavity, wherein the cartridge member has a combustion chamber defined therein. The cartridge member is mounted such that a space exists between the interior surface of the shell member and the exterior surface of the cartridge member. Thermoelectric elements are mounted to the exterior surface of the shell member such that no air spaces exist therebetween. A mixture of a combustible fuel and air is introduced into the chamber, the air/fuel ratio being less than the stoichiometric ratio for methane. Heat generated within the combustion chamber upon combustion of the fuel is transferred via the shell member to the thermoelectric elements which generate electrical energy in response thereto.