Thermoelectric generator including a thermoelectric module having a meandering p-n system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermoelectric module 50 form with a plurality of pn-pairs 60, wherein each two adjacent pn legs 54, 56, a pn-pair 60th. The pn legs 54, 56 are each made of conductive materials. The pn legs 54, 56 of the plurality of pn pairs 60 are separated in alternating sequence through a meandering flow of current I 52 generating, electrically insulating gap 66.

Description

Background technique [0001] Exhaust heat, such as that of power plants or vehicles, is often released into the environment without being used. Effective use of this thermal energy, however, increases efficiency. One way of utilizing this exhaust gas heat is thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which generate a voltage when there is a temperature difference according to the Seebeck-effect, partly also called the thermoelectric effect. A device for generating energy from exhaust gas heat is known, for example, from DE 10 2008 005 334 A1. [0002] Previously thermoelectric generators were often used in a stacked configuration. See, for example, DE 10 2005 009 480 A1. In this structure thermoelectric modules (TEM) and other heat exchange components (cold- and hot-side) alternate one above the other in the stack. These stacks are clamped mechanically. Due to the stacked structure of the thermoelectric modules, an incidental heat transfer occurs, which leads to heat losses which r...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This arrangement ensures a simplified, mechanically stable construction and advantageously affects the long-term stability of the thermocouple chain, without however improving the efficiency

In addition, the production of thermocouples on the carrier film preferably involves the deposition of thin layers of thermoelectric material and metal, and the formation of complementary structures by wet chemical etching, which results in long manufacturing times and high material costs.

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