Thermoelectric Generator Using Space Cold Source

Abstract

Most of the renewable and sustainable natural energy is distributed uneven on the earth in time and space. Here we proposed a new kind of thermoelectric generator, which can use the temperature difference caused by passive cooling via the atmospheric window. This generator can continuously output electric energy anywhere 24 h a day independent of the existence of any natural or manmade energy resource. A test generator with two couples of n-p thermoelectric legs has been prepared. The created average temperature difference is 4.4 K and average voltage is 1.78 mV in a whole day. This design paves a path to the pollution-free and sustainable power generation which is not restricted by time and space and not consuming any existing energy resource.