NOVELTY - The method involves providing thermoelectric power generation assembly (310) adapted to be coupled to outer surface of fluid transportation system. A mounting element (440) is adapted to conform to a portion of outer surface of system. A heat exchanging element is adapted to exchange heat between thermoelectric device and surrounding atmosphere. An assembly is releasably mounted to outer surface. An electrical device is adapted to monitor property of fluid transportation and is powered by assembly in response to temperature difference between outer surface of system and atmosphere.    USE - Method for monitoring property of fluid transportation system e.g. steam pipe an d fluid pipe for transporting cold water, refrigerant, cold air or other gas used in heating of buildings and other structures. Can also be used in heating or plumbing pipes, fluid transport pipes such as oil or gas pipelines, exhaust pipe or other pipe associated with automobile and other forms of transport.    ADVANTAGE - The temperature at a surface of the pipe, or other component of the fluid transportation system are maintained at temperature below that of the atmosphere directly surrounding the pipe. The assemblies are adapted to utilize water collected within a manhole or other remote location to increase thermal gradient between steam pipe and surrounding atmosphere, thus the power generated is increased. The system is easily be clamped onto the exterior of existing pipe with no violation of the integrity of the existing steam system. The assemblies are mounted on a pair of mounting elements, or cradles which allow the system to be releasably placed on an existing steam pipe or other appropriate object, without damaging or affecting the pipe. The systems provide continuous monitoring and/or control of the conditions within the remote location, and automatically provide safety and/or maintenance information to a remotely situated monitoring station. The system reduces regular visual inspections of a steam pipe system and provides alerts and/or remotely operated safety measures, when the problems occur within the steam system.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a system for monitoring a property of a fluid transportation system.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a partially exploded perspective view of the thermoelectric power system.    Thermoelectric power generation assembly (310)    Hot block (410)    Thermoelectric module array (420)    Cold block (430)    Mounting element (440)