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THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR WITH NO MOVING PARTS APPLIED TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
EP 3 783 277 B1
The present invention relates to a geothermal thermoelectric generator with no moving parts, designed to directly convert subsurface heat into usable electrical energy. The system employs phase-change thermosiphon heat exchangers inserted into ground to extract geothermal heat, coupled to thermoelectric modules that generate electricity via the Seebeck effect. On the cold side, additional thermosiphons dissipate residual heat into the atmosphere, maintaining an effective temperature gradient and ensuring continuous operation. By eliminating moving components and porous materials, which typically increase thermal resistance in conventional heat-pipe technologies, the invention provides a robust, low-maintenance solution with high thermal conductance and compact design. The technology is fully scalable and adaptable to various power levels. Its primary practical application is the autonomous supply of electrical energy to volcanic and geothermal monitoring stations in remote or hard-to-access areas, where conventional systems (grid electricity, solar panels, batteries) are unreliable or unfeasible.
Active volcanoes pose a major threat worldwide, yet most remain poorly monitored due to logistical and technical challenges, particularly the lack of reliable, autonomous power in remote or harsh environments. The GTEG system directly solves this problem by providing continuous, maintenance-free, and scalable electricity to volcanic monitoring stations. Proven in Antarctica and Lanzarote, it reliably powers sensors, geodesy equipment, and real-time data transmission. Unlike solar PV —the only other robust technology— GTEG is not affected by clouds, night, snow, or extreme climates, delivering uninterrupted energy even in high-latitude or mountainous regions. Its modular “plug-in” design allows tailored installations for different energy demands, offering a competitive and highly reliable alternative for continuous volcanic surveillance, improving early warning and risk mitigation.