A self-generating movable heat source may include a burner, a heat exchanger, a plurality of sets of thermoelectric power generation modules, a plurality of sets of radiators, a shell, a combustion-supporting cooling fan assembly, a thermoelectric power generation module fixed frame, an integrated graphite pad, a plurality of sets of outer hexagonal stud screws, spring pads, nuts, Y-shaped pressing pieces, I-shaped pressing pieces, L-shaped pressing pieces, a power management system, and a lithium battery pack. In one embodiment, the burner, the heat exchanger, the plurality of sets of thermoelectric power generation modules, the thermoelectric power generation module fixed frame, the integrated graphite pad, and the plurality of sets of radiators are sequentially arranged in the shell from the inside to the outside.

A method of assembling a pilot burner assembly for use with a gas fired appliance includes inserting a retention element of a gas supply line through a slot defined by a retaining ledge of a second bracket plate, rotating an outlet orifice of the gas supply line such that the second retention element engages the retaining ledge, and inserting a pilot guard through first and second pilot guard apertures defined by respective first and second bracket plates such that a retention element of the pilot guard cooperatively engages the retention element of the gas supply line to maintain a connection between the pilot guard and the gas supply line.

A water heater may include a water tank, a burner, a pilot for igniting the burner, an ignitor for igniting the pilot, a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with a flame of the pilot, a controller for controlling an ignition sequence of the pilot using the ignitor, and a rechargeable power storage device for supplying power to the ignitor and the controller. The rechargeable power storage device may be rechargeable using the energy produced by the thermoelectric device. The controller is configured to selectively run only the pilot for at least part of a heating cycle to increase the recharge time of the rechargeable power storage device while still heating the water in the water heater.

A system configured to generate heat when supplied with a first fuel or a second fuel can include a fuel supply line operatively connected to a fuel source. A valve assembly can be operatively connected to the fuel supply line. A main burner can be operatively connected to the valve assembly. A thermoelectric generating system can be configured to transform heat to electricity. A first pilot burner can include at least one of a first thermocouple and a first Fe-ion sensor. A second pilot burner can include at least one of a second thermocouple and a second Fe-ion sensor. A printed circuit board (PCB) can be operatively connected to the valve assembly and the first and second pilot burners. The PCB can be configured to control operation of the valve assembly based on information received from at least one of the first and second pilot burners.

An integrated combustor-thermoelectric generator and method for producing electrical power and/or for operating a pneumatic or electric device. The apparatus includes a burner tube, a tubular heat exchanger extending along and around the burner tube, a plurality of thermoelectric generators disposed along sides of the heat exchanger, and a heat sink on an opposite side of the thermoelectric generators from the burner and heat exchanger. The thermoelectric generators can be paired with an electric valve or a DC air compressor for operating a pneumatic device by directing heated gases from the combustor through the heat exchanger to thermoelectric couples and/or modules for powering the air compressor. The thermoelectric generator and DC compressor can be installed to a natural gas source at a well pad for operating a pneumatic device at the well pad.

A water heater may include a water tank, a burner, a pilot for igniting the burner, an ignitor for igniting the pilot, a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with a flame of the pilot, a controller for controlling an ignition sequence of the pilot using the ignitor, and a rechargeable power storage device for supplying power to the ignitor and the controller. The rechargeable power storage device may be rechargeable using the energy produced by the thermoelectric device. The controller is configured to selectively run only the pilot for at least part of a heating cycle to increase the recharge time of the rechargeable power storage device while still heating the water in the water heater.

This invention provides a portable combustion device that provides a cleaner combustion, provides a more efficient overall combustion through the use of a fan that directs a predetermined volume of airflow over the combustible fueltypically wood or similar cellulose-based biological solids and provides a cooking surface that is a grill top. The combustion device has a combustion chamber into which the fuel source is placed for combustion. Mounted to the side of the combustion chamber is a housing that encloses the TEG, which generates an electrical output, based on a difference in temperature on opposing sides. Mounted onto the TEG housing and protruding into the combustion chamber through a small passageway is a heat-conducting probe and heat-conducting probe base unit.

An electricity generation device comprising a thermoelectric generator and a container of compressed fluid, in which said thermoelectric generator comprises a hot surface and a cold surface, in which said container comprises an exterior surface and an aperture, in which said device comprises a release valve for opening said aperture to release said compressed fluid, in which expansion of said compressed fluid cools said exterior surface, and in which a heat sink extends from said cold surface to at least part of said exterior surface.

According to some embodiments gas cooking appliances are provided that include at least one burner, an electrode, and a push button unit with a push button for activating the electrode. A gas valve is provided for each burner for regulating gas flow arriving from a gas conduit. An electromagnetic shut-off valve is arranged in the gas conduit and includes a closure member for closing the passage of gas. A control unit controls the shut-off valve. The closure member includes a stable closed position and a stable open position, the closure member changing position upon receiving electric current pulses. The push button unit is configured for pushing the closure member of the shut-off valve to the open position while at the same time activating the control unit and the electrode when the push button is pressed when the gas cooking appliance off. The control unit controls the shut-off valve by means of electric current pulses once the push button has been pressed.

Apparatus for electric power generation. A system includes a boiler for heating a fluid, the boiler directing a first portion of the heated fluid to a turbine for the generation of electric power and a second portion of the heated fluid to a thermoelectric (TE) generator, and a condenser connected to the turbine that condenses hot fluid emitted from the turbine and feeds the condensed fluid to the TE generator, the TE generator generating electric power from a difference in temperature of the second portion of the heated fluid and the condensed fluid from the turbine.