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Abstract

A Direct Current (D.C.) fan motor control system for an air cooled thermoelectric power generator. This electronic control system addresses the unique challenges that exist when thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules are used in a gas fireplace appliance to use D.C. fans as the primary air circulation element. Ideally, it is necessary to generate sufficient voltage for a fan motor while maximizing the efficiency of the overall system to permit the surplus energy generated above that required for the fan motor to be used to charge batteries, including a cellular phone handset battery. DC to DC switching converter techniques are used to manage the surplus energy available. A microcontroller based supervisor will monitor the TEG output voltage and determine when an electromechanical latching relay supplying power to the fan motor should be switched to the output of the DC to DC step down (buck) converter for maximum efficiency. The microcontroller also supervises a DC to DC step down converter assigned to charging a cellular phone by disabling the cellular handset charging function when the TEG output voltage is insufficient to maintain the fan and the cellular handset charger, thus prioritizing the fan motor function as the highest priority for the best reliability.

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First Claim