MilliWatt Modules Using Parallel Circuitry--Hi-Z
Technology, Inc., 7606 Miramar Road, Suite 7400, San Diego, CA
92126-4210; 858-695-6660
Mr. Norbert B. Elsner, Principal Investigator, n.elsner@hi-z.com
Mr. Norbert B. Elsner, Business Official, n.elsner@hi-z.com
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-01ER83249
Amount: $100,000
Future
space missions require reliable, small power Radioisotope Thermoelectric
Generators (RTGs) with power levels from 40 to 500 milli-Watts.
Therefore, this project will develop small, low power thermoelectric
modules with redundant circuitry (parallel circuit). By
reducing the size of the elements used in the thermoelectric module, a parallel
circuit will be incorporated into the module design without increasing the
module size. The module size
reduction will be accomplished by reducing element tolerances and using new
techniques to bond the micro gold contacts to the module legs.
Phase I will
develop techniques for assembling near perfect alignment of N and P thermopile
legs, incorporate parallel circuitry in the thermopile, and develop low
resistance electrical contacts for the N and P legs.
Commercial
Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee:
Small
thermoelectric modules could be used to power sensors for the wireless
transmission of data. This market
is expected to grow quite large in the maintenance of expensive, safety related
equipment.