A thermoelectric energy harvester directly embedded into casted aluminum

A thermoelectric generator (TG) directly embedded in aluminum is described. The device has been realized using a new silicon thermocouple process with very high temperature stability. It is integrated by direct embedding in the liquid aluminum during casting. The TG generates up to 500 mu W of external electric power. The new technology also opens the path to a new generation of sensors and microsystems embedded in metals during primary shaping.