POWER GENERATING COMBUSTOR CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19(e) of U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 62/301 ,796, entitled POWER GENERATING COMBUSTOR (PGC), filed on March 1 , 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/316,329, entitled POWER GENERATING COMBUSTOR (PGC), filed on March 31 , 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/380,588, entitled

INTEGRATED BLOWER IN POWER GENERATING COMBUSTOR (PGC), filed on August 29, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/422,599, entitled PILOT PROTECTION FOR POWER GENERATING COMBUSTOR (PGC), filed on November 16, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Thermoelectric devices can convert heat energy into electrical energy. A thermoelectric device can comprise a hot junction, or hot side, a cold junction, or cold side, and one or more thermoelectric elements positioned between the hot junction and the cold junction. Oftentimes, the hot junction and the cold junction each comprise a plate, for example, positioned against and/or bonded to the opposite sides of the thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric elements are comprised of thermoelectric materials, such as semiconductors, for example. When such thermoelectric devices are subjected to a temperature differential between their hot junction and cold junction, they can generate a voltage potential which is utilizable for any suitable purpose. Such thermoelectric devices are often referred to as Seebeck devices. Some thermoelectric devices can convert electrical energy to heat energy. When such thermoelectric devices are subjected to a voltage potential, they can generate a temperature differential between a first junction and a second junction. Such thermoelectric devices are often referred to as Peltier devices. In either event, the ability of a thermoelectric material to convert heat into electricity and vice versa can be measured by its "thermoelectric figure of merit" ZT, where ZT is equal to TS ² O/K and where T is the temperature, S the Seebeck coefficient, a the electrical conductivity, and / the thermal conductivity of the thermoelectric material utilized by the thermoelectric device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power generating combustor, or

thermoelectric power generating system;

[0005] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the thermoelectric power generating system of FIG. 1 ;

[0006] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the thermoelectric power generating system of FIG. 1 illustrated with some components removed;

[0007] FIG. 4 is another elevational view of the thermoelectric power generating system of FIG. 1 ;

[0008] FIG. 5 is a detail view of a blower and a pilot fuel train of the thermoelectric power generating system of FIG. 1 ;

[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric generating unit of the thermoelectric power generating system of FIG. 1 ;

[0010] FIG. 7 is a top view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6 illustrated with some components removed;

[0011] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6 illustrated with some components removed;

[0012] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6 illustrated with some components removed;

[0013] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6;

[0014] FIG. 1 1 is another exploded view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6 illustrated with some components removed;

[0015] FIG. 12 is another exploded view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6 illustrated with some components removed;

[0016] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric assembly cluster of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6; [0017] FIG. 14 is another exploded view of the thermoelectric assembly cluster of FIG. 13;

[0018] FIG. 15 is another exploded view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6 illustrated with some components removed;

[0019] FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6 illustrated with some components removed;

[0020] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6;

[0021] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6 illustrated with some components removed;

[0022] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a coolant system of the thermoelectric generating unit of FIG. 6;

[0023] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the coolant system of FIG. 19;

[0024] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a pilot of the thermoelectric power generating system of FIG. 1 ;

[0025] FIG. 22 is a detail plan view of the pilot of FIG. 21 ;

[0026] FIG. 23 is a detail elevational view of the pilot of FIG. 21 ; and

[0027] FIG. 24 is an end view of the pilot of FIG. 21 and a pilot shield.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The thermoelectric systems disclosed herein are configured to harvest thermal energy from a heat source and convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. In various instances, these thermoelectric systems are configured to provide electrical energy to electrically-driven devices which are located proximally to a heat source but, in many instances, are not located proximally to existing electrical infrastructure. For instance, natural gas wells are usually not located near existing electrical grids and, even if they are, significant expense and effort are needed to electrically connect the electrically-driven devices of the natural gas wells thereto. The thermoelectric power generating systems disclosed herein address these issues. [0030] A power generating combustor, or thermoelectric power generating system, 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 -20. The thermoelectric power generating system 100 is configured to generate electrical energy by combusting hydrocarbon gas and then converting heat generated by the hydrocarbon gas combustion into electrical energy. The hydrocarbon gas is typically waste gas from a natural gas well, but can be natural gas. Referring primarily to FIG. 1 , the power generating system 100 comprises a burn stack, or flame stack, 200 and a control system 300. The flame stack 200 comprises a base 210, a column 220 mounted to the base 210, and a passage extending through the flame stack 200. The column 220 is configured such that hydrocarbon gas, and/or the by-products of hydrocarbon gas combustion, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, for example, can flow upwardly through the flame stack passage and into a thermoelectric generating unit 1000 positioned on top of the column 220. Stated another way, the flame stack 200 is configured to convert a hydrocarbon gas flow into a combustion flow and, as described in greater detail below, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 is configured to convert the heat of the combustion flow into electrical energy. The flame stack 200 is also positionable in proximity to a natural gas well and/or oil/gas separation and refinery equipment where the thermoelectric power generating system 100 may make use of volatile vapor byproducts of the separation and distillation processes, for example.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, the flame stack 200 further comprises a burner management system. The burner management system comprises a pilot 270 (FIGS. 21 -24) configured to ignite the hydrocarbon gas flowing through the passage of the flame stack 200. As discussed in greater detail below, the pilot 270 is supplied with fuel by a pilot fuel train 240. The burner management system is configured to provide a continuous pilot flame, although, in some instances, the burner

management system can be configured to provide an initial pilot flame and/or an intermittent pilot flame. The burner management system further comprises one or more temperature sensors configured to sense the temperature of the hydrocarbon gas flow, the temperature of the combustion flow, and/or the temperature of the pilot flame, for example. In at least one instance, the burner management system comprises a thermocouple configured to sense the presence of the pilot flame.

Moreover, the flame stack 200 can comprise any suitable number of temperature sensors positioned at any suitable location. In at least one instance, the flame stack 200 comprises at least one thermocouple configured to sense the temperature of the combustion flow. In addition, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 can comprise one or more temperature sensors. Such temperature sensors can be positioned in the combustion flow and/or in positions within the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 that are outside of the combustion flow.

[0032] In addition to or in lieu of the temperature sensors discussed above, the burner management system can further comprise one or more pressure sensors configured to sense the pressure of the hydrocarbon gas flow through the flame stack 200. In various instances, pressure sensors can be positioned upstream of the pilot 270 to sense the pressure of the hydrocarbon gas flow and/or positioned downstream of the pilot 270 to sense the pressure of the combustion flow. As discussed in greater detail below, the flame stack 200 can comprise at least one pressure transducer at the inlet of the flame stack 200, for example. In various instances, the flame stack 200 comprises one or volumetric flow meters configured to detect the volume of the hydrocarbon gas flowing through the flame stack 200. In at least one instance, the burner management system comprises a volumetric flow meter. The above being said, the burner management system, the flame stack 200, and/or any suitable portion of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 can comprise any suitable type and/or number of sensors to monitor the hydrocarbon gas and/or combustion flows.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, the flame stack 200 further comprises a blower 230. The blower 230 is in fluid communication with the ambient air and the passage extending through the flame stack 200. In use, the blower 230 is configured to push ambient air into the stream of hydrocarbon gas. The blower 230 is positioned vertically below the pilot 270 and is configured to mix air into the hydrocarbon flow to promote the combustion of the hydrocarbon flow as it flows past the pilot 270. In various instances, as described in greater detail below, the blower 230 can be operated to accelerate and/or cool the flow of hydrocarbon gas through the flame stack 200. In such instances, the blower 230 can increase the speed of the hydrocarbon gas flow and, correspondingly, the speed of the combustion flow through the flame stack 200 and the thermoelectric generating unit 1000. Moreover, the blower 230 can decrease the temperature of the combustion flow through the flame stack 200 and the thermoelectric generating unit 1000. By controlling the speed and/or temperature of the combustion flow through the thermoelectric generating unit 1000, in various instances, the blower 230 can control the temperature of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000. As described in greater detail below, the efficiency, performance, and/or durability of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 is a function of the temperature in which the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 is operated, among other things.

[0034] Referring primarily to FIG. 12, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 comprises a frame 1 100. The frame 1 100 comprises an inlet chamber 1 1 10.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 10-12, the inlet chamber 1 1 10 comprises a mounting portion 1 190 which is mountable to a top portion 290 of the flame stack 200. The mounting portion 1 190 comprises a plate including bolt apertures defined therein which are alignable with a corresponding array of bolt apertures defined in the top portion 290 of the flame stack 200. Bolts, and/or any other suitable fasteners, can be inserted through the apertures and used to secure the frame 1 1 10 of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 to the flame stack 200. The mounting portion 1 190 comprises an inlet aperture 1030 defined therein which is in fluid

communication with the passage extending through the flame stack 200.

[0035] Referring primarily to FIG. 12, the inlet chamber 1 1 10 of the frame 1 100 comprises five lateral sides 1 1 1 1 , although the inlet chamber 1 1 10 can comprise any suitable number of lateral sides. Each lateral side 1 1 1 1 comprises an outlet window 1 130 defined therein and, referring primarily to FIGS. 13 and 14, an enclosure plate 1200 mounted thereto. Each lateral side 1 1 1 1 further comprises an array of mounting studs, or bolts, 1 140 extending around the outlet window 1 130 defined therein. Each enclosure plate 1200 comprises a corresponding array of mounting apertures 1240 defined therein which are configured to receive the mounting bolts 1 140. In various instances, nuts, for example, can be threadably engaged with the mounting bolts 1 140 to secure the enclosure plates 1200 to the frame 1 100. That said, at least some of the enclosure plates 1200 can be welded to the inlet chamber 1 1 10. In at least one such instance, two of the enclosure plates 1200 are fastened to the inlet chamber 1 1 10 while three of the enclosure plates 1200 are welded to the inlet chamber 1 1 10. In any event, each enclosure plate 1200 further comprises a plurality of exhaust apertures 1230 defined therein which are aligned with the outlet windows 1 130 and in fluid communication with the inlet aperture 1030 via the outlet windows 1 130. The exhaust apertures 1230 are arranged in three columns comprising five exhaust apertures 1230 in each column, although any suitable arrangement can be used. [0036] Referring to FIG. 14, each mounting plate 1200 comprises an alignment frame 1800 mounted thereto. Each mounting plate 1200 comprises an array of mounting studs, or bolts, 1290 extending therefrom which extend through a corresponding array of mounting apertures 1890 defined in the alignment frame 1800. In various instances, nuts, for example, can be threadably engaged with the mounting bolts 1290 to secure the alignment frame 1800 to the mounting plate 1200. The alignment frames 1800 are configured to be closely received within the outlet windows 1 130 and align the mounting apertures 1240 of the mounting plates 1200 relative to the mounting bolts 1 140 of the frame 1 100 when the mounting plates 1200 are assembled to the frame 1 100. Each alignment frame 1800 comprises three elongate apertures 1830 defined therein and each elongate aperture 1830 is aligned with a column of exhaust apertures 1230 such that the combustion flow entering into the inlet chamber 1 1 10 can flow through the alignment frames 1800 and the mounting plates 1200 and into the thermoelectric assemblies 1400, as described in greater detail below.

[0037] Referring primarily to FIG. 12, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 comprises five clusters of thermoelectric assemblies 1400 mounted thereto, although the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 can comprise any suitable number of thermoelectric assembly clusters. Each thermoelectric assembly cluster comprises three thermoelectric assemblies 1400, although a cluster can comprise any suitable number of thermoelectric assemblies 1400. Referring primarily to FIG. 13, each thermoelectric assembly 1400 comprises a mounting flange including two mounting apertures 1460 defined therein which are configured to receive mounting posts, or studs, 1260 extending from a mounting plate 1200. In addition, each mounting flange of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 comprises a mounting slot 1470 defined therein which is configured to receive a mounting post, or stud, 1270 extending from the mounting plate 1200. The thermoelectric assemblies 1400 are fastened to the mounting plate 1200 via the mounting posts 1260 and 1270.

[0038] Referring again to FIG. 13, the mounting flanges of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 further comprise mounting bolts 1480 extending therefrom which extend into mounting apertures 1280 defined in the mounting plates 1200. In various instances, nuts, for example, can be threadably engaged with the mounting bolts 1480 to secure the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 to the mounting plates 1200. The mounting posts 1260 and 1270 and the mounting bolts 1480 are configured to co-operatively assist in the assembly of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 to the mounting plates 1200. For instance, the mounting posts 1260 and 1270 can properly align the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 with respect to the mounting plates 1200 and hold the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 in alignment with respect to the mounting plates 1200 while the mounting bolts 1480 of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 are fastened to the mounting plates 1200.

[0039] Referring again to FIG. 13, each thermoelectric assembly 1400 comprises five heat exchanger passages 1430 extending there through, although a

thermoelectric assembly 1400 can comprise any suitable number of heat exchanger passages. The heat exchanger passages 1430 are in fluid communication with the inlet aperture 1030 of the inlet housing 1 1 10 via the exhaust apertures 1230 of the mounting plates 1230 and the elongate apertures 1830 of the alignment frames 1800. In use, as a result, the combustion flow can flow through the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 to transfer heat thereto and generate a voltage potential across the thermoelectric materials within the thermoelectric assemblies 1400. The

thermoelectric material is comprised of bismuth telluride, although any suitable thermoelectric material can be used. Additional description of thermoelectric materials is provided in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/016604, entitled ELECTRODE STRUCTURE FOR MAGNESIUM SILICIDE-BASED BULK MATERIALS TO PREVENT ELEMENTAL MIGRATION FOR LONG TERM

RELIABILITY, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Each thermoelectric assembly 1400 comprises an electrical circuit in electrical communication with the thermoelectric materials contained therein and, in addition, electrical wires 1490 extending downwardly therefrom. The electrical wires 1490 of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 can be connected in series and/or in any suitable arrangement such that the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 can generate current within a system circuit 500 (FIG. 1 ) of the thermoelectric power generating system 100. The system circuit 500 can extend to the control system 300 and can include the blower 230 (FIG. 5) and other system loads. Additional description regarding the operation of the thermoelectric assemblies is provided in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/066029, entitled MULTI-LAYER

THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. [0040] Referring again to FIG. 13, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 further comprises adapter plates 1300 positioned intermediate the thermoelectric

assemblies 1400 and the mounting plates 1200, although embodiments are envisioned without adapter plates. Each adapter plate 1300 comprises five apertures 1330 defined therein which are arranged and aligned with the heat exchanger passages 1430 of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400, although the adapter plates 1300 can comprise any suitable number of apertures. In various instances, each aperture 1330 is configured to receive an end of a heat exchanger passage 1430 therein. The adapter plates 1300 further comprise apertures 1360 and slots 1370 defined therein which are respectively aligned with the apertures

1460 and the slots 1470 defined in the heat exchanger assemblies 1400 wherein the apertures 1360 are configured to receive mounting posts 1260 therein and the apertures 1370 are configured to receive mounting posts 1270 therein. In addition, the adapter plates 1300 comprise an array of apertures 1380 aligned with the mounting apertures 1280 defined in the mounting plates 1200 and configured to receive the mounting bolts 1480 extending from the thermoelectric assemblies 1400.

[0041] Referring primarily to FIG. 13, each mounting plate 1200 comprises a support platform 1250 configured to support a cluster of thermoelectric assemblies 1400. The support platforms 1250 are configured such that at least a portion of each thermoelectric assembly 1400 is sitting on a support platform 1250 and such that the support platforms 1250 can support the weight of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400.

[0042] In various instances, further to the above, thermoelectric modules, or subassemblies, comprising a mounting plate 1200, an alignment portion 1800, three adapter plates 1300, and three thermoelectric assemblies 1400 can be pre- assembled before they are mounted to the frame 1 100. Such an arrangement can facilitate the assembly of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000.

[0043] Referring primarily to FIGS. 16-18, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 further comprises a plurality of exhaust ducts 1500 wherein the heat exchanger passages 1430 of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 are in fluid communication with the exhaust ducts 1500. More specifically, each exhaust duct 1500 is mounted to a cluster of thermoelectric assemblies 1400 and comprises an exhaust passage 1530 in fluid communication with the outlets of the heat exchanger passages 1430 in the cluster. The thermoelectric generating unit 1000 further comprises a plurality of return ducts 1700 in fluid communication with the exhaust ducts 1500. More specifically, a return duct 1700 is mounted to each exhaust duct 1500 wherein the ducts 1500 and 1700 are configured to co-operatively collect the combustion flow passing through the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 and redirect the combustion flow into a re-combination chamber 1730. Referring primarily to FIG. 17, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 further comprises an exhaust vent 1650 comprising an exhaust aperture 1630 configured to exhaust the combustion flow into the atmosphere.

[0044] Further to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 18, the inlet housing 1 1 10 comprises an aperture 1 1 14 defined in the top portion 1 1 12 thereof which is in fluid communication with an exhaust collar 1620 mounted to the inlet housing 1 1 10. The exhaust collar 1620 comprises a mounting flange including an array of mounting apertures 1626 extending therearound and the inlet housing 1 1 10 comprises an array of mounting studs, or bolts, 1 1 16 extending therefrom which extend through the mounting apertures 1626. Nuts, for example, are threadably engaged with the mounting bolts 1 1 16 and are configured to secure the exhaust collar 1620 to the inlet housing 1 1 10. In various instances, a seal 1610 is positioned between the inlet housing 1 1 10 and the mounting flange of the exhaust collar 1620. The seal 1610 comprises an array of apertures 1616 defined therein which are aligned with the mounting apertures 1626 of the exhaust collar 1620 and are configured to permit the mounting bolts 1 1 16 to extend there through. Referring primarily to FIG. 18, the seal 1610 comprises an exhaust aperture 1614 extending there through and, similarly, the exhaust collar 1620 comprises an exhaust aperture 1624 extending there through configured to permit the combustion flow to flow upwardly.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 1 and 18, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 further comprises an exhaust port plate 1640 mounted to the exhaust collar 1620. More specifically, the exhaust port plate 1640 comprises mounting apertures 1648 defined therein which are configured to receive mounting bolts 1628 extending from the exhaust collar 1620. Nuts, for example, are threadably engaged with the bolts 1628 to compress the exhaust port plate 1640 to the exhaust collar 1620. The exhaust port plate 1640 comprises an exhaust port 1644 extending there through which is in fluid communication with the inlet aperture 1030 via the exhaust aperture 1 1 14 defined in the inlet housing 1 1 10, the exhaust aperture 1614 defined in the seal 1610, and the exhaust aperture 1624 of the exhaust collar 1620. The exhaust port 1644 is also in fluid communication with the recombination chamber 1730 and places the inlet housing 1 1 10 in direct fluid communication with the re-combination chamber 1730. As a result, the combustion flow can pass through the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 into the re-combination chamber 1730, as discussed above, and, in addition, through the exhaust port 1644 into the re-combination chamber 1730. In various instances, as a result, the combustion flow is split between the

thermoelectric assemblies 1400 and the exhaust port 1644 and then recombined in the re-combination chamber 1730. The distribution of the combustion flow into the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 can, among other things, be controlled by the diameter of the exhaust port 1644. In at least one instance, a valve can be used to control the diameter of the exhaust port 1644.

[0046] Referring primarily to FIGS. 15-18, the frame 1 100 of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 comprises frame posts 1 120 extending from the inlet housing 1 1 10. The frame posts 1 120 are welded to the inlet housing 1 1 10, although any suitable joining method could be used. The frame posts 1 120 are also secured to the inlet housing 1 1 10 by gussets 1 122 which are welded to the frame posts 1 120 and the top portion 1 1 12 of the inlet housing 1 1 10. Each frame post 1 120 comprises one or more mounting brackets 1 124 affixed thereto and mounting studs, or bolts, 1 125 extending from the mounting brackets 1 124. Referring primarily to FIGS. 6 and 1 1 , the mounting brackets 1 124 are configured to support an outer housing 1600 which covers, or at least substantially covers, the inlet housing 1 1 10, the

thermoelectric assemblies 1400, and the ducts 1500 and 1700, among other things. The housing 1600 comprises slots, or openings, 1606 defined therein which are configured to receive the frame posts 1 120 there through. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the mounting bolts 1 125 extend through apertures defined in the housing 1600 such that nuts, for example, can be threadably engaged with the mounting bolts 1 125 and secure the housing 1600 to the frame 1 100.

[0047] Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 further comprises a rain cap 1660 positioned over the exhaust vent 1650. The rain cap 1660 is configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, rain and/or snow from falling into the exhaust aperture 1630. The rain cap 1660 is also configured to re-direct the combustion flow downwardly after exiting the exhaust vent 1650. The rain cap 1660 is mounted to attachment portions 1 126 defined on the frame posts 1 120. More specifically, the rain cap 1660 comprises mounting brackets 1666 which are attached to the attachment portions 1 126 via bolts, for example, extending through apertures 1 127 defined in the mounting brackets 1666 and the attachment portions 1 126. The attachment portions 1 126 further comprise apertures 1 128 defined therein which are configured to permit a crane or hoist to be attached to the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 so that the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 can be lifted into place on top of the flame stack 200.

[0048] Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the housing 1600 further comprises vent holes 1604 defined therein. Vent holes 1604 are not part of the exhaust path for the combustion flow; however, the vent holes 1604 can be helpful in venting radiated heat that is generated within the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 to the atmosphere. Referring to FIG. 17, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 further comprises vent covers 1670 mounted to the housing 1600 which partially cover the vent holes 1604. The vent covers 1670 can also permit cool air to enter into the housing 1600.

[0049] As discussed above, the combustion flow transfers heat to the

thermoelectric assemblies 1400 as the combustion flow passes through the thermoelectric generating unit 1000. As also discussed above, this heat creates a temperature differential across the thermoelectric materials contained within the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 which, in turn, generates a voltage potential across the thermoelectric materials and an electrical current within the system circuit 500 of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000. The voltage potential created across the thermoelectric materials is directly proportional to the temperature differential across the thermoelectric materials and, as a result, the electrical performance of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 can be increased when one side of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 is actively cooled. Referring primarily to FIGS. 18- 20, the thermoelectric power generating system 100 further comprises a cooling system 400, as described in greater detail below.

[0050] Referring primarily to FIG. 1 , the cooling system 400 comprises a condenser, or radiator, 410, a pump, a coolant supply line 420, and a coolant return line 490. Referring primarily to FIG. 19, the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 comprises a coolant inlet line 430 which is configured to be connected to and placed in fluidic communication with the coolant supply line 420. In at least one instance, the coolant inlet line 430 comprises a connection flange 435 which is configured to be bolted to a corresponding connection flange on the coolant supply line 420. The thermoelectric generating unit 1000 further comprises a coolant outlet line 480 which is configured to be connected to and placed in fluidic communication with the coolant return line 490. In at least one instance, the coolant outlet line 480 comprises a connection flange 485 which is configured to be bolted to a corresponding

connection flange on the coolant return line 490.

[0051] Further to the above, the coolant inlet line 430 of the cooling system 400 comprises an inlet manifold. The inlet manifold is circular, or at least substantially circular, and encompasses the inlet housing 1 1 10, although any suitable

configuration of the inlet manifold can be used. The inlet manifold comprises a plurality of couplings 430' extending downwardly therefrom, although the coolant inlet line 430 can comprise any suitable arrangement of couplings. Referring primarily to FIG. 20, the cooling system 400 comprises a plurality of inlet pipes 440 and flexible inlet hoses 445 which fluidically couple the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 to the coolant inlet line 430. Each flexible inlet hose 445 is fluidically coupled, in parallel, to a coupling 430'and an inlet pipe 440 which places the inlet pipe 440 in fluid communication with the coolant inlet line 430. Each inlet pipe 440 is in fluid communication with a coolant circuit defined in a thermoelectric assembly 1400 via a coolant inlet 1440 defined in the thermoelectric assembly 1400. Coolant flowing through the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 can control the temperature differential across the thermoelectric materials and, thus, control the voltage differential generated across the thermoelectric materials.

[0052] Further to the above, the coolant outlet line 480 of the cooling system 400 comprises an outlet manifold. The outlet manifold is circular, or at least substantially circular, and encompasses the inlet housing 1 1 10 and, in addition, the inlet manifold of the coolant inlet line 430, although any suitable configuration of the outlet manifold can be used. The outlet manifold comprises a plurality of couplings 480' extending downwardly therefrom, although the coolant outlet line 480 can comprise any suitable arrangement of couplings. Referring primarily to FIG. 20, the cooling system 400 comprises a plurality of outlet pipes 450 and flexible inlet hoses 455 which fluidically couple the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 to the coolant outlet line 480. Each flexible inlet hose 455 is fluidically coupled to a coupling 480', in parallel, and an outlet pipe 450 which places the outlet pipe 450 in fluid communication with the coolant outlet line 480. Each outlet pipe 480 is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit defined in a thermoelectric assembly 1400 via a coolant outlet 1450 defined in the thermoelectric assembly 1400.

[0053] Referring primarily to FIG. 19, the cooling system 400 comprises one or more expansion vents 490. For instance, an expansion vent 495 is in fluid communication with the coolant inlet line 430 and an expansion vent 495 is in fluid communication with the coolant outlet line 480. Notably, the expansion vents 495 are positioned vertically above the coolant inlet line 430 and the coolant outlet line 480 and represent the highest point in the cooling system 400. An expansion vent 495 can be partially filled with air which can be released into the atmosphere.

Moreover, the expansion vents 495 can be configured to take up coolant in the cooling system 400 due to the thermal expansion of the coolant, for example. The expansion vents 495 can also be configured to provide makeup volume when the coolant thermally contracts, for example.

[0054] In use, as discussed above, the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 create electrical current within the system circuit 500. The electrical current generated by the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 is direct (DC) current. In various instances, the DC current is used to operate the pump and a radiator fan of the coolant system 400 and/or the blower 230 of the flame stack 200, for example, without being converted to alternating (AC) current. In other instances, the DC current generated by the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 is converted to AC current to operate the pump of the coolant system 400 and/or the blower 230, for example. In at least one such instance, the system circuit 500 comprises at least one DC/AC inverter, such as a Schneider Electric Conext XW inverter, for example. In certain instances, the system circuit 500 comprises a DC circuit portion to operate some portions of the thermoelectric power generating system 100 and an AC circuit portion to operate other portions of the thermoelectric power generating system 100. For instance, the blower 230 can be powered by the AC circuit portion and the pump of the coolant system 400 can comprise a DC-powered motor which is powered by the DC circuit portion. Some DC-powered components may be less expensive and/or easier to control than their AC-powered counterparts.

[0055] Further to the above, the system circuit 500 comprises at least one battery. The battery is configured to supply DC power to the system circuit 500 which can be converted into AC power by the inverter of the system circuit 500, as needed. The battery can have any suitable number of cells to provide a desired voltage to the control system 300 which, in at least one instance, is approximately 48 VDC, for example. The battery is able to provide a sufficient quantity of power to the control system 300 by itself, i.e., without a power contribution from the thermoelectric assemblies 1400. As a result, the battery can power the control system 300 of the thermoelectric power generating system 100 during an initial or start-up operating sequence. In at least one instance, the control system 300 comprises a master switch, such as one or more circuit breakers and/or relays, for example, which can be turned to an ON position to electrically couple the battery with a computer, such as a programmable logic controller or microcontroller, for example, of the control system 300. As discussed in greater detail below, the computer of the control system 300 can manage the operation of the thermoelectric power generating system 100.

[0056] In various instances, further to the above, the computer and the DC/AC inverter can be separate devices which are in electrical communication with one another or, alternatively, the computer and the DC/AC inverter can be integrated into a single device. In either event, the DC/AC inverter can transform the 48 VDC power supplied by the battery to approximately 240 VAC, and/or any other suitable voltage, once the control system 300 has been switched on. If the control system 300 has at least a DC circuit portion, the control system 300 can also comprise one or more DC/DC power transformers and/or rectifiers to supply an appropriate voltage to the DC-powered components of the control system 300 from the raw, or gross, DC power generated by the thermoelectric modules 1400. Moreover, the computer can perform one or more diagnostic checks to confirm that the pump of the coolant system 400, the blower 230 of the flame stack 200, the burner management system, and/or the sensor systems of the thermoelectric power generating system 100 are in signal communication with the computer. Additionally, the computer can verify that such components and/or systems are in suitable working order and provide an input to the control system 300 to perform safety functions and/or to determine whether to start and stop the thermoelectric power generating system 100. In at least one instance, the computer and one or more sensor systems, such as voltmeters, for example, can be configured to detect whether or not an electrostatic charge is present within the thermoelectric power generating system 100. In certain instances, the flame stack 200 can comprise one or more sensors configured to evaluate whether the blower 230 is producing a flow of air and/or measure the volumetric flow rate of the flow of air being pushed into the column 220.

[0057] As mentioned above, the output of the blower 230 can be modulated to control the temperature of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000. Stated another way, the temperature of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 can be controlled by modulating the introduction of ambient air into the hydrocarbon gas and/or combustion flows in the flame stack 200. The speed of the blower 230 is controlled as a function of the temperature from the burner management system which, in turn, moderates changes in the system temperature by adjusting air flow. Accordingly, as a result, the temperature of the combustion flow and the temperature of the thermoelectric generating unit 100 are lowered when the quantity of ambient air being introduced into the combustion flow is increased. Correspondingly, the temperature of the combustion flow and the temperature of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 are increased when the quantity of ambient air being introduced into the combustion flow is decreased. When the blower 230 comprises an AC motor, the output of the blower 230 is modulated by a variable-frequency drive (VFD), although any suitable speed control system could be used. In at least one instance, the variable-frequency drive comprises a solid-state power conversion system comprising three distinct sub-systems: a rectifier bridge converter, a direct current (DC) link, and an inverter, for example. During use, the variable-frequency drive can control the frequency and/or amplitude of the voltage being supplied to the blower 230 to control the speed of the blower motor. In at least one instance, the variable-frequency drive can operate the blower 230 at a nominal speed by using a nominal current frequency, such as 40 Hz, for example, and then adjusting the speed of the blower 230 by adjusting the frequency of the current relative to the nominal current frequency, as needed. Lower frequencies decrease the speed of the blower 230 and higher frequencies increase the speed of the blower 230. The variable-frequency drive is in signal communication with the computer and can be powered by the battery, via the DC/AC inverter of the system circuit 500, when the circuit breaker is switched into its ON condition. In certain instances, the variable- frequency drive is integral with the computer.

[0058] Further to the above, the computer can perform one or more diagnostic checks on the coolant system 400. For instance, the coolant system 400 comprises at least one coolant level sensor in signal communication with the computer and, if the level sensor and the computer co-operatively detect that the coolant level is below a threshold, the computer can communicate an appropriate indication and/or warning to the attendant of the power generating system 100. If the coolant level is below a critical threshold, the computer can prevent the pilot 270 (FIGS. 21 -24) of the burner management system from being ignited, for example, and/or shut down any portion of the thermoelectric system 100, as needed.

[0059] Also, further to the above, the computer can operate the pump of the coolant system 400 to cycle the coolant therein before and/or during the ignition sequence of the burner management system. The coolant system 400 comprises at least one coolant flow sensor in signal communication with the computer, and, if the coolant flow sensor and the computer co-operatively detect that the flow rate of the coolant is below a threshold, such as 7 gallons/minute (gpm), for example, the computer can communicate an appropriate indication and/or warning to the attendant of the power generating system 100. If the flow rate is below a critical threshold, the computer can prevent the pilot 270 (FIGS. 21 -24) of the burner management system from being ignited, for example, and/or shut down any portion of the thermoelectric system 100, as needed. The coolant flow sensor can comprise any suitable volumetric flow rate sensor and/or mass flow rate sensor, for example.

[0060] Moreover, the coolant system 400 can comprise at least one pressure sensor in each of the expansion vents 495, or at least some of the expansion vents 495, which is in signal communication with the computer and, if the pressure sensor(s) and the computer co-operatively detect that the air pressure in the expansion vents 495 is too high, the computer can communicate an appropriate indication and/or warning to the attendant of the thermoelectric power generating system 100. In various instances, the coolant system 400 can comprise one or more glass gauges that the attendant can view in order to assess the pressure within the coolant system 400. In addition to or in lieu of the above, one or more of the expansion vents 495 can comprise a valve in signal communication with the computer which is openable by the computer to relieve the air pressure within the expansion vents 495 when the air pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. In various instances, one or more of the expansion vents 495 can comprise a pressure relief valve which relieves excess air pressure within the coolant system 400 when the pressure exceeds a threshold pressure without interfacing with a computer or controller. In at least one instance, the expansion vents 495 can each comprise a one-way valve, for example, such that the air pressure can be mechanically released from the coolant system 400. In any event, such valves can be used to purge air captured within the coolant system 400 during the initial or start-up sequence.

[0061] Further to the above, the pilot 270 (FIGS. 21 -24) of the burner management system is a gas pilot which is configured to ignite the hydrocarbon gas flow in the flame stack 200. The gas pilot 270 is fueled from at least one source of hydrocarbon gas. In certain instances, the gas source can comprise the hydrocarbon gas flow in the flame stack 200 and/or at least one hydrocarbon gas source which is

independent from the hydrocarbon gas flow in the flame stack 200. In embodiments in which the burner management system is supplied by an independent gas source, the control system 300 can further comprise at least one pressure sensor which is configured to detect the pressure of the gas in the independent source to verify that an adequate supply of gas is available to properly operate the pilot 270. The pilot gas pressure sensor is in signal communication with the computer and, if the pilot gas pressure sensor and the computer co-operatively determine that the pressure in the independent gas source is above a threshold, the computer can open a pilot valve to release the gas from the independent source into the pilot 270 and operate a pilot igniter, or sparker, to ignite the gas flowing through the pilot 270. If the pilot gas pressure sensor and the computer co-operatively determine that the gas pressure in the independent source is below the threshold, the computer can be configured to prevent the pilot valve from being opened. Moreover, the computer can be configured to prevent the pilot valve from being opened if one or more of the diagnostic tests discussed herein have not been passed.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 21 -24, the pilot 270 comprises a gas supply line 272 in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon gas supply, a gas inlet, or inspirator, 274 connected to the gas supply line 272 at an interconnection 271 , a pilot pipe 276 in fluid communication with the gas inlet 274, and a burner end 278 in fluid

communication with the pilot pipe 276. The gas supply line 272 comprises a threaded brass end 273 which is threadably engaged with a threaded aperture defined in a coupling 275 of the gas inlet 274. The gas inlet 274 further comprises a mixing chamber 277 defined therein. When the gas inlet 274 is rotated relative to the brass end 273 to assemble the gas inlet 274 to the supply line 272, an opening, or gas outlet, defined in the brass end 273 is positioned in the mixing chamber 277. The mixing chamber 277 further comprises one or more openings defined therein which are configured to permit air to mix with gas flowing into the mixing chamber 277 from the gas supply line 272. The momentum of the gas entering into the mixing chamber 277 pushes the gas/air mixture through a passage defined in the pilot pipe 276. The gas/air mixture exits the pilot pipe 276 through apertures defined in the burner end 278. For instance, the burner end 278 comprises lateral holes 279, longitudinal slits 279', and a distal opening 279" (FIG. 24) defined therein. The gas/air mixture exiting the burner end 278 is ignited by a pilot ignitor 280 which comprises a sparker positioned in front of the distal opening 279"

[0063] Referring to FIG. 24, the burner end 278 of the pilot 270 is positioned in, or at least in communication with, the column 220 of the burn stack 200. Once the pilot 270 has been lit, further to the above, the pilot flame can ignite the hydrocarbon, or natural, gas flow (NGF) flowing upwardly through the column 220. In various instances, the gas flow through the column 220 can be fast and/or have sudden impulses, or increases, in momentum. The column 220 further comprises a pilot shield 260 positioned under at least a portion of the pilot 270 which can protect the pilot flame in such instances. In at least one instance, the pilot shield 260 extends under the burner end 278 of the pilot 270. The pilot shield 260 generally comprises a U-shaped configuration including lateral sides that extend upwardly over the pilot 270, although any suitable configuration can be used and embodiments are envisioned without the lateral sides. In various instances, the pilot shield 260 can comprise apertures defined therein which can permit some gas to pass through the pilot shield 260, although embodiments are also envisioned without such apertures.

[0064] Once the pilot 270 of the burner management system and the hydrocarbon gas flow within the flame stack 200 have been ignited, the computer of the operating system 300 can monitor the temperature of the thermoelectric power generating system 100 at various locations. For instance, the thermoelectric power generating system 100 can comprise a temperature sensor adjacent the pilot 270 to assess whether the pilot 270 is still lit. In at least one instance, the thermoelectric power generating system 100 can comprise a flame rod, for example, which is configured to detect whether or not the pilot 270 is lit. Also, for instance, each thermoelectric assembly 1400 can comprise one or more temperature sensors which the computer can use to assess whether or not the thermoelectric generating unit 1000 is operating at an efficient temperature. [0065] Further to the above, the volume of hydrocarbon gas supplied to the pilot 270 of the burner management system can be changed during the operation of the thermoelectric power generating system 100 as the thermoelectric assemblies 1400, for example, are heated up. In at least one instance, the pilot valve comprises a variable flow valve, for example, which can be controlled by the computer to supply a first flow rate to the pilot 270 when the temperature of the combustion flow is below a threshold and a second, or lower, flow rate to the pilot 270 when the temperature of the combustion flow is above the threshold. In various instances, the computer can control the variable flow valve in response to the temperature of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400. The threshold is approximately 550 °C, although the threshold can be any suitable temperature. In various instances, the threshold can be exceeded when the temperature of any one of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400, or the sensors contained therein, exceeds the threshold. Alternatively, the threshold can be exceeded when the average temperature of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400, or the sensors contained therein, exceeds the threshold, for example. In any event, the computer can increase the pilot gas flow to the first flow rate in the event that the temperature of the combustion flow and/or thermoelectric assemblies 1400 - however that is determined - drops below the threshold.

[0066] Further to the above, the pilot 270 of the burner management system can be supplied by two separate sources of hydrocarbon gas. In various instances, a first pilot valve is configured to control a first flow of gas from a first source and a second pilot valve is configured to control a second flow of gas from a second source. The first pilot valve comprises a 4 oz. solenoid regulator, for example, which is in signal communication with the computer. Similarly, the second pilot valve comprises a 4 oz. solenoid regulator, for example, which is also in signal

communication with the computer. When the temperature of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 and/or combustion flow is below a threshold - however that is determined - the computer maintains the first pilot valve and the second pilot valve in an open state such that the first flow and the second flow of gas are being supplied to the pilot 270. When the temperature of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 and/or combustion flow is above a threshold, such as approximately 600 °C, for example, the computer closes the second pilot valve such that only the first flow of gas through the first pilot valve can supply the pilot 270. In various instances, the volumetric flow rate of the first pilot gas flow and the volumetric flow rate of the second pilot gas flow are equal when the first and second pilot valves are open. In other instances, the volumetric flow rates of the pilot gas flows are different.

[0067] In addition to or in lieu of the above, the flow of hydrocarbon gas supplied to the pilot 270 of the burner management system can be adjusted after a period of time has lapsed. This period of time can be measured from the ignition of the pilot 270 and/or the ignition of the gas flow within the burn stack 200, for example. In either event, the computer can comprise a timer to measure the duration of time lapsed with respect to a suitable time datum. In at least one such instance, the pilot 270 can receive a first volumetric flow of gas and, after approximately 30 seconds has elapsed from the ignition of the pilot flame, for example, the pilot 270 can receive a second volumetric flow which is lower than the first volumetric flow.

[0068] Further to the above, the computer can be configured to evaluate the electrical performance of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400. For instance, the computer can be configured to evaluate for shorts and/or opens within the

thermoelectric assembly circuits. In various instances, the computer can be in signal communication with one or more ammeters and/or one or voltmeters configured to detect the power outputs of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400. As discussed above, one or more thermoelectric assembly circuits can be connected in series and, in various instances, the ammeters and/or voltmeters can be positioned in the electrical circuit to evaluate each thermoelectric assembly 1400 and/or each cluster of thermoelectric assemblies 1400, for example. In various instances, the data received regarding the electrical system performance can indicate that a short is present within a thermoelectric assembly 1400 and/or indicate that a short may be in the process of forming within a thermoelectric assembly 1400, for example. In such instances, the computer can electrically decouple the problematic thermoelectric assembly 1400, or cluster of thermoelectric assemblies 1400, from the load. In addition to or in lieu of a short circuit protection system discussed above, the thermoelectric power generating system 100 can comprise any suitable current overload protection system.

[0069] As described in great detail herein, the thermoelectric power generating system 100 is configured to generate electrical power. Such electrical power can be supplied, or exported, to any suitable load contained within and/or coupled to the thermoelectric power generating system 100. In various instances, the electrical power generated by thermoelectric power generating system 100 can be used to recharge to the battery of the control system 300. The computer of the control system 300 can comprise, or can be in signal communication with, a charge monitoring system configured to monitor the charge of the battery. Once the battery has been sufficiently recharged, the computer can decouple the battery from the thermoelectric power generating system 100 as a load, but keep the battery coupled to the control system 300 so that the battery can provide a back-up source of electrical power. In at least one instance, the computer can decouple the battery as a load after the battery has been charged to approximately 50 VDC or greater, for example. In various instances, the computer can be configured to re-charge the battery before exporting power to an external load. In such instances, the control system 300 may have a primary purpose of maintaining its operation. In other instances, the computer can be configured to re-charge the battery at the same time that the power of the thermoelectric power generating system 100 is being exported to an external load. In such instances, the control system 300 has a dual primary purpose of maintaining its operation and quickly supplying an external load with power. In either event, the computer of the control system 300 can recouple the battery to the thermoelectric power generating system 100 as a load if the charge monitoring system determines that the battery charge has dropped below a threshold, such as approximately 48V, for example.

[0070] Further to the above, the computer, and/or any suitable portion of the control system 300, can comprise a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system which can match, or at least substantially match, the electrical power exported by the thermoelectric power generating system 100 to the load coupled to thermoelectric power generating system 100. All the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 are coupled with the load but, in certain instances, the MPPT system may push the

thermoelectric assemblies 1400 off of their peak power point should the total system load, i.e., the combined load of the external load and the intrinsic, or parasitic, load within the thermoelectric generating system 100, be less than power being produced. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the MPPT can be configured to selectively couple the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 with a load. For instance, if the load demand coupled to the thermoelectric generating system 100 is high, then the MPPT can electrically couple all five clusters of thermoelectric assemblies 1400 with the load. If the load demand coupled to the thermoelectric generating system 100 is low, then the MPPT can electrically couple less than all five clusters of thermoelectric assemblies 1400 with the load. To achieve this, the clusters of thermoelectric assemblies 1400 are electrically coupled to the operating system 300 in parallel.

[0071] In addition to or lieu of the above, the MPPT can be configured to adjust the net load on the thermoelectric power generating system 100. For instance, if the load demand on the thermoelectric power generating system 100 is low, the MPPT can introduce a resistance into the load path which increases the net load demand on the system 100.

[0072] In various instances, the computer of the control system 300 can be configured to ramp up the electrical power output of the thermoelectric power generating system 100. For instance, the computer may electrically couple - at least initially- only one or two of the thermoelectric assembly clusters to the load coupled to the system 100. Thereafter, the computer can electrically couple more clusters to the load, if needed. In such instances, the computer is configured to progressively export power to the load. Similarly, the computer can progressively decouple power from the load by sequentially decoupling the clusters of thermoelectric assemblies from the load. That said, the computer can also be configured to instantaneously couple and/or decouple the power output of all of thermoelectric assemblies 1400 to a load at once. In such instances, either all of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 are on or all of the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 are off.

[0073] As discussed above, the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 are configured to output a DC voltage which induces a DC current in the system circuit 500. This DC voltage, and DC current, can fluctuate as a result of temperature fluctuations within the thermoelectric assemblies 1400, for example. The MPPT system, which is in electrical communication with the thermoelectric assemblies 1400, can rectify the power provided by the thermoelectric assemblies 1400 such that the MPPT system outputs a constant, or at least nearly constant, 48 VDC, for example. The DC/AC inverter is in electrical communication with the MPPT system and converts the DC power to AC power, as discussed above. The load, or at least one of the loads, applied to the thermoelectric power generating system 100 is in electrical

communication with the DC/AC inverter and receives AC power therefrom.

[0074] As discussed above, the output, or speed, of the blower 230 is adjustable to control the temperature of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000, for example. In addition to or in lieu of this control system, the computer of the control system 300 can be configured to adjust the output, or speed, of the blower 230 based on the pressure of the gas flow through the flame stack 200, for example. For instance, the computer can speed the blower 230 up when the gas pressure flowing through the flame stack 200 is high and slow the blower 230 down when the gas pressure is low. In certain instances, a pressure transducer in the flame stack 200 is in

communication with the variable-frequency drive (VFD) wherein the VFD is responsive to, or controlled by readings from, the pressure transducer only above a certain pressure threshold; below that pressure threshold, the VFD is not responsive to readings from the pressure transducer - rather, the VFD is responsive to, or controlled by readings from, the temperature sensors. In either event, the quantity of gas flowing through the flame stack 200 can serve as a leading indicator as to the eventual temperature of the thermoelectric generating unit 1000. As a result, such a pressure monitoring and blower speed adjustment system can react quickly and, in certain instances, predictively react to temperature increases that have not yet happened. In various instances, the computer can monitor the operating parameters of the thermoelectric power generating system 100 against at least two separate operating curves, i.e., a first operating curve which is responsive to changes in system temperature and a second operating curve which is responsive to changes in gas pressure within the flame stack 200, for example. In the event that either of, or both of, such operating curves indicates the need to increase the speed of the blower 230, the computer will do so. Moreover, the computer will decrease the speed of the blower 230 once both operating curves indicate that speed of the blower 230 should be decreased. Other logic for controlling the speed of the blower 230 can be used.

[0075] The systems and devices disclosed herein can be useful in bringing a natural gas well, for example, into compliance with U.S. EPA Quad O Rules by burning off waste gas from the natural gas well, for example, before releasing the waste gas into the atmosphere. Concurrently, these systems and devices can generate electrical power by reclaiming heat from the waste gas burn-off and providing the electrical power to one or more operating systems at the natural gas well, as discussed above. As a result, these systems and devices can provide a plurality of solutions to a plurality of currently-existing problems. Other applications, however, can benefit from the systems and devices disclosed herein.

[0076] The entire disclosures of the following patents are incorporated by reference herein: - U.S. Patent No. 9,306, 143, entitled HIGH EFFICIENCY THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION, which issued on April 5, 2016;

- U.S. Patent No. 9,293,680, entitled CARTRIDGE-BASED THERMOELECTRIC SYSTEMS, which issued on March 22, 2016; and

- U.S. Patent No. 9,276, 188, entitled THERMOELECTRIC-BASED POWER

GENERATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS, which issued on March 1 , 2016.

[0077] The entire disclosures of the following patent applications are incorporated by reference herein:

- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0190185, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING OVERHEATING OR EXCESSIVE BACKPRESSURE IN THERMOELECTRIC SYSTEMS, which published on July 10, 2014;

- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0276849, entitled TEG-POWERED COOLING CIRCUIT FOR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR, which published on October 24, 2013; and

- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0255739, entitled PASSIVELY COOLED THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR CARTRIDGE, which published on October 3, 2013.

[0078] The Applicant of the present application also owns the patents and patent applications identified below, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein:

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No.1 1/645,236, entitled METHODS OF

FABRICATING NANOSTRUCTURES AND NANOWIRES AND DEVICES FABRICATED THEREFROM, now U.S. Patent No. 7,834,264;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/487,893, entitled IMPROVED MECHANICAL STRENGTH & THERMOELECTRIC PERFORMANCE IN METAL CHALCOGENIDE

MQ (M=GE,SN,PB AND Q=S, SE, TE) BASED COMPOSITIONS, now U.S. Patent No. 8,277,677;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/882,580, entitled THERMOELECTRICS COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING NANOSCALE INCLUSIONS IN A CHALCOGENIDE MATRIX, now U.S. Patent No. 8,778,214;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/943, 134, entitled UNIWAFER

THERMOELECTRIC MODULES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.

201 1/01 14146; - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/299,179, entitled ARRAYS OF LONG NANOSTRUCTURES IN SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS AND METHODS THEREOF, now U.S. Patent No. 9,240,328;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/308,945, entitled LOW THERMAL

CONDUCTIVITY MATRICES WITH EMBEDDED NANOSTRUCTURES AND METHODS THEREOF, now U.S. Patent No. 8,736,01 1 ;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/331 ,768, entitled ARRAYS OF FILLED NANOSTRUCTURES WITH PROTRUDING SEGMENTS AND METHODS THEREOF, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0152295;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/364, 176, entitled ELECTRODE

STRUCTURES FOR ARRAYS OF NANOSTRUCTURES AND METHODS THEREOF, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0247527;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/749,470, entitled MODULAR

THERMOELECTRIC UNITS FOR HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF, now U.S. Patent No. 9,318,682;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/760,977, entitled BULK NANOHOLE

STRUCTURES FOR THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0175654;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/786,090, entitled BULK NANO-RIBBON AND/OR NANO-POROUS STRUCTURES FOR THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES

AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME, now U.S. Patent No. 9,051 , 175;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/947,400, entitled METHOD AND

STRUCTURE FOR THERMOELECTRIC UNICOUPLE ASSEMBLY, now U.S.

Patent No. 9,257,627;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/053,452, entitled STRUCTURES AND

METHODS FOR MULTI-LEG PACKAGE THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0182644;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/059,362, entitled NANOSTRUCTURED THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENTS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME, now U.S. Patent No. 9,082,930;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/062,803, entitled BULK-SIZE

NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME BY SINTERING NANOWIRES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.

2014/01 16491 ; - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/297,444, entitled SILICON-BASED

THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS INCLUDING ISOELECTRONIC IMPURITIES, THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES BASED ON SUCH MATERIALS, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.

2014/0360546;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/469,404, entitled THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES HAVING REDUCED THERMAL STRESS AND CONTACT RESISTANCE, AND METHODS OF FORMING AND USING THE SAME, now U.S. Patent No.

9,065,017;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/679,837, entitled FLEXIBLE LEAD FRAME FOR MULTI-LEG PACKAGE ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0287901 ;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/682,471 , entitled ULTRA-LONG SILICON NANOSTRUCTURES, AND METHODS OF FORMING AND TRANSFERRING THE SAME, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0035829;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/686,641 , entitled MODULAR

THERMOELECTRIC UNITS FOR HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0287902;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/823,738, entitled TIN SELENIDE SINGLE CRYSTALS FOR THERMOELECTRIC APPLICATIONS, now U.S. Patent

Application Publication No. 2016/0049568;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/872,681 , entitled THERMOELECTRIC GENERATING UNIT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/872,898, entitled THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS FOR RECOVERING WASTE HEAT FROM ENGINE EXHAUST,

AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0099398;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/971 ,337, entitled ELECTRICAL AND

THERMAL CONTACTS FOR BULK TETRAHEDRITE MATERIAL, AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.

2016/0190420;

- International Application Patent No. PCT/US2015/053434, entitled

THERMOELECTRIC GENERATING UNIT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME, now WO Publication No. 2016/054333; - International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/054791 , entitled MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE IN LOW TEMPERATURE BOND TO A SUBSTRATE IN A THERMOELECTRIC PACKAGE;

- International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/056558, entitled OXIDATION AND SUBLIMATION PREVENTION FOR THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES;

- International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/066029, entitled MULTI-LAYER THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR; and

- International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/016604, entitled ELECTRODE STRUCTURE FOR MAGNESIUM SILICIDE-BASED BULK MATERIALS TO

PREVENT ELEMENTAL MIGRATION FOR LONG TERM RELIABILITY.

[0079] Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such

modifications and variations.

[0080] Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well- known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0081] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a thermoelectric system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

[0082] It is to be understood that certain descriptions of the embodiments described herein have been simplified to illustrate only those elements, features, and aspects that are relevant to a clear understanding of the disclosed embodiments, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements, features, and aspects. Persons having ordinary skill in the art, upon considering the present description of the disclosed embodiments, will recognize that other elements and/or features may be desirable in a particular implementation or application of the disclosed

embodiments. However, because such other elements and/or features may be readily ascertained and implemented by persons having ordinary skill in the art upon considering the present description of the disclosed embodiments, and are therefore not necessary for a complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments, a description of such elements and/or features is not provided herein. As such, it is to be understood that the description set forth herein is merely exemplary and illustrative of the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0083] Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub- ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicants reserve the right to amend the present disclosure, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0084] The grammatical articles "one", "a", "an", and "the", as used herein, are intended to include "at least one" or "one or more", unless otherwise indicated.

Thus, the articles are used herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, "a component" means one or more components, and thus, possibly, more than one component is contemplated and may be employed or used in an implementation of the described embodiments.

[0085] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material that is said to be incorporated, in whole or in part, by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0086] The present disclosure includes descriptions of various embodiments. It is to be understood that all embodiments described herein are exemplary, illustrative, and non-limiting.