Three-Dimensionally-Flexible/Twistable Electronic Device

The energy conversion performance, mechanical robustness, and cost associated with fabrication of a thermoelectric device may be improved by three-dimensional flexible thermoelectrics.

Inventors: Jaeyun Moon, Matthew Pusko, Kaleab Ayalew, Suraj Venkat Pochampally

Moon: Areas of expertise include advanced materials for energy applications

Pusko: An assistant professor-in-residence with interests in materials, energy harvesting, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, and STEM

Ayalew: He is a Graduate Teaching Assistant who has also been working in The Nuclear Engineering Laboratory at UNLV. 

Venkat Pochampally: Proficient in material characterization and analysis techniques like SEM, TEM, ICP-MS, EDS, XRD, UV-vis, FTIR, BET, XPS, CHNSO Analysis, TGA/DTA/DSC, and Zeta Potential. 

The Invention: 

A printed planar thermoelectric module/device (e.g., a thermoelectric generator (TEG)), may be folded in a pattern to create a three-dimensional thermoelectric structure. Flexible three-dimensional thermoelectric structures align n-type and p-type components with a natural direction of heat flow (e.g., out of plane direction). As a result, the temperature drop across the n-type and p-type components contributes to generating power.

Benefits:

• Compliant three-dimensional thermoelectric structures may prevent and/or inhibit shear stress concentration caused by thermal expansion of hot surfaces and/or hot sides of the device.
• These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus
• computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Market Opportunity: 

• The thermoelectric generator market is expected to grow at a CAGR rate of 10.1% between 2022 to 2027. This is due to an increase in demand in various industries such as healthcare, automotive, transportation, and industrial sectors. These devices are also viewed to have practical applications such as assisting in heat waste. 

Intellectual property:

• US20210175406A1