Thermoelectric conversion device and vehicle

Abstract

Thermoelectric conversion device (1), wherein the thermoelectric conversion device (1) comprises a first thermal contacting element (2) and a second thermal contacting element (3) opposite and facing the first thermal contacting element (2), wherein both contacting elements (2, 3) each directly adjoin at least one common element arrangement (17) of thermoelectric elements (18), wherein - the respective contacting element (2,3) has a base body (4,5) and several convex structural bodies (10) connected to the base body (4,5) and projecting from the base body (4,5), wherein the convex structural bodies (10) are arranged apart from each other, such that a receiving area (16) is formed between each pair of the structural bodies (10), and - each of the convex structural bodies (10) of one of the thermal contacting elements (2,3) engages in each of the receiving areas (16) of the corresponding other contacting element (2,3), and - the thermoelectric element arrangement (17) is arranged between the convex structural bodies (10), characterized in that the thermoelectric element arrangement (17) has at least two spatially separated thermoelectric elements (18) which each extend over a total length of the convex structural bodies (10) in the longitudinal direction (12) and are connected to each other in pairs at a respective end surface via an electrically conductive bridge element (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device and a vehicle that has at least one such thermoelectric conversion device.

[0002] The thermoelectric effect, also known as the Seebeck effect, is a solid-state physical phenomenon that occurs when there is a temperature difference between two contact points of different electrical conductors in a circuit. This generates an electrical voltage between the two contact points. The thermoelectric effect leads to the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy without a thermodynamic cycle. This has the advantage that no moving parts are required for energy conversion by a thermoelectric conversion device. Thermoelectric generators, which convert thermal energy into electrical energy, are among the types of thermoelectric conversion devices.These are used as stationary energy conversion systems that utilize a temperature difference between a cold and a hot side of the thermoelectric generator to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. Series applications of thermoelectric generators are known, for example, from space exploration (e.g., in the Mars rover Curiosity, NASA JPL).

[0003] The reverse process is known as the Peltier effect and describes the formation of a temperature difference due to a voltage difference in different electrical conductors. The Peltier effect is used in so-called Peltier elements to enable, for example, cooling, heating, or thermal conditioning of components connected to the Peltier element. Because the thermoelectric conversion devices are scalable in size and conversion area, specific systems can be designed for various applications (from mW to kW).

[0004] With regard to a motor vehicle, thermoelectric conversion devices are conceivable for thermal energy recovery from hot exhaust gases, or for thermal preconditioning of electrical energy storage devices at cold temperatures.

[0005] A thermoelectric conversion device typically comprises a p- and an n-doped semiconductor forming a thermoelectric pair that is electrically connected. To increase efficiency, the thermoelectric materials can also be doped along a temperature gradient to maximize the thermoelectric power of the device. Since the thermoelectric power is typically measured in µV / K, a corresponding number of pairs of legs must be connected in series to make the system usable.

[0006] Thermoelectric materials operate with the required efficiency only within a specific temperature range. Therefore, materials are needed, especially for high-temperature applications, which can become very expensive due to doping with rare earth elements. High-temperature applications also necessitate appropriately electrically conductive contact materials. To maximize system efficiency, both the heat source and the heat sink must have close contact with the active surface of the heat converter material. This can be achieved using a clamping or screw system, but this comes at the cost of a significant increase in weight. Concave or convex contact surfaces, in particular, require a correspondingly high degree of design and integration effort. Larger areas, and thus higher power outputs, are not achievable with thermoelectric generators integrated on a silicon substrate because silicon substrates require a flat surface.Due to the aforementioned problems, it is not possible to provide the necessary area for arranging thermoelectric elements.

[0007] EP 3 204 967 B1 discloses a 3D integrated thermoelectric generator for operation in a configuration perpendicular to the heat flow with internal cavities and heat conduction path conditioning contact holes.

[0008] DE 10 2015 120 082 A1 describes a generic thermoelectric generator device for a vehicle.

[0009] DE 10 2015 107 240 A1 describes a thermoelectric energy collector on a wafer scale.

[0010] US 8 653 358 B2 describes an architecture of a thermoelectric device.

[0011] CN 108 963 063 A describes a tilted thermoelectric semiconductor module with a thermoelectric arm with an octahedral structure.

[0012] One object of the invention is to provide an efficient thermoelectric conversion device.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by a thermoelectric conversion device with the features according to independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description, as well as the figures.

[0014] A thermoelectric conversion device according to the invention comprises a first thermal contacting element and a second thermal contacting element located opposite and facing the first thermal contacting element. The first thermal contacting element and the second thermal contacting element each directly adjoin at least one common element arrangement of thermoelectric elements. Each contacting element has a base body and several convex structural bodies connected to and projecting from the base body. The convex shape refers in particular to the shape of the respective structural body in a sectional view, for example, in cross-section. The convex structural bodies are spaced apart from one another, so that a receiving area is formed between each pair of structural bodies.Each convex structural body of a thermal contacting element is positioned within one of the receiving areas of the corresponding other contacting element. The thermoelectric element assembly is arranged between the convex bodies.

[0015] In other words, the thermoelectric conversion device has two thermal contact elements. Each thermal contact element is configured to establish a thermally conductive connection to a heat source or a heat sink. Each thermoelectric contact element has its own base body on which several structural bodies are arranged. The structural bodies project from or above the base body. They are therefore raised structures on the surface of the base body. The thermal contact elements are arranged opposite each other, with the structural bodies of one thermal contact element facing the respective bodies of the other thermal contact element.The spaced-apart structural bodies of each thermal contact element at least partially delineate the respective receiving area. The two thermal contact elements are arranged such that one structural body of the other thermal contact element engages within the receiving area. This means that the structural body of the other contact element is located within this receiving area. The structural bodies are thus arranged in an interlocking configuration. The element assembly, consisting of several thermoelectric elements, is positioned between the thermal contact elements. The thermoelectric elements directly adjoin both thermal contact elements.

[0016] The invention offers the advantage that the structural elements increase the surface area of ​​the respective thermal contacting element. This provides a larger area for the element arrangement.

[0017] For example, the thermal contact elements may have a cuboid as their base body, which can have a contact surface and an opposing inner surface. The contact surface may be designed to thermally contact a component that represents a heat source or heat sink. The inner surface of each thermal contact element may be oriented opposite or facing the inner surface of the other thermal contact element. The convex structural elements may be arranged on the respective inner surface of each thermal contact element, for example, as a ribbed structure. Convex means that the structural elements have no undercut. Convexity refers to the shape of the structural element's contour in cross-section.The structural elements can be bonded to the respective base body at their inner surfaces or be formed on the base body. The thermal contact elements can be made of a thermally conductive material, such as copper. The thermal contact elements can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. The thermal contact elements can be arranged such that the respective convex structural elements are offset from one another. A receiving space can be arranged between each pair of structural elements of a thermal contact element; this receiving space can be a volume that is bounded at least by the convex structural elements and the base body.The thermal contact elements can be arranged such that each thermal contact element can be connected to a structural body of the other thermal contact element by two structural bodies of one thermal contact element. The two thermal contact elements can each be adjacent to the common element assembly of thermoelectric elements. They can be positively connected to the element assembly. The two thermal contact elements can be bonded or applied to the common element assembly. The common element assembly can include one or more of the thermoelectric elements. Each thermoelectric element can, for example, have at least one n-doped semiconductor as its first material element and at least one p-doped semiconductor as its second material element.The two material elements can be electrically connected via a connecting element. The connecting element can form a contact point between the material elements and be arranged on a thermally conductive, electrically insulating layer, which is located on one of the thermal contact elements.

[0018] The thermoelectric element arrangement is designed to comprise at least two spatially separated thermoelectric elements, each extending longitudinally over the entire length of the convex structural bodies and connected in pairs at their respective longitudinal ends via an electrically conductive bridge element. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion device comprises at least two spatially separated thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric elements are arranged on the respective faces of the convex structural bodies, which extend along the longitudinal direction of the respective convex structural body. The respective bridge element is located at the longitudinal ends of the thermoelectric elements. The bridge element is arranged at the respective longitudinal ends of two adjacent thermoelectric elements.Thus, the two adjacent thermoelectric elements are electrically connected via the bridge element. This offers the advantage that the thermoelectric conversion device has at least two thermoelectric elements connected in series via the bridge element. For example, the convex structural bodies can each be prisms with a triangular base. A lateral surface along one longitudinal direction of the respective structural body can be positively and materially connected to the base body. A thermoelectric element can be arranged on each of the two free lateral surfaces. The thermoelectric element can be connected to the structural body along its entire longitudinal surface. The bridge elements can be arranged at the respective longitudinal ends, each electrically connecting two of the thermoelectric elements to each other.

[0019] The invention also includes further developments that result in additional advantages.

[0020] A further development of the invention provides that each convex structural body is prismatic along its longitudinal direction. In other words, each convex structural body has a polygon as its base, which is stretched along the longitudinal direction of the convex structural body. This offers the advantage that the convex structural bodies have a simple structure. For example, the structural body can have a regular polygonal base, with an extrusion of the base along a longitudinal direction tangential to the inner surface of the base body. If the thermoelectric conversion device is curved, the thermal contacting elements can have curved inner and contacting surfaces. In this case, the structural body can be a prism extruded from the base along a curved line along the inner surface.

[0021] A further development of the invention provides that the base of each structural body has a triangular shape. In other words, each structural body is a prism with a triangular base. This offers the advantage that the thermal contact elements can be interlocked. For example, the base can have three edges, one of which abuts the base body. The other two edges can be aligned parallel to and opposite the respective edges of a structural body of the other thermal contact element. The edge adjacent to the base body can have a length of 2G. If this edge and one of the other edges form an angle α, the other edge has a length H, where H = G / cos (α). H can, for example, be in a range from 2 mm to 40 mm.

[0022] A further development of the invention provides that the convex structural bodies of the respective thermal contacting element are arranged equidistant from one another. In other words, the convex structural bodies of a thermal contacting element are arranged on the base body such that there is an equal distance between each pair of adjacent convex bodies. This offers the advantage that the convex structural bodies are arranged in a regular pattern. For example, it can be provided that the convex structural bodies have an identical distance from one another.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the thermoelectric elements have a meandering structure, with first and second material elements arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction in an alternating sequence. Each material element is electrically connected to an adjacent material element in pairs via a connecting element. In other words, the thermoelectric elements are a meandering structure with an alternating sequence of material elements made of different materials. At each end of each material element, it is electrically connected to an adjacent material element via a connecting element. This results in the advantage that the thermoelectric element has an energy-efficient structure.

[0024] A further development of the invention provides that the receiving area has a thermal and / or electrical insulator. In other words, the receiving area is filled with a thermally or electrically insulating material. This has the advantage of minimizing heat flow between the two thermal contacting elements outside the thermoelectric elements. Consequently, the heat flow is concentrated at the location of the thermoelectric elements. This increases the efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion device.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that the thermoelectric conversion device is a plate that is curved, at least in some areas. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion device is a plate in the sense of mechanical engineering, which has a curvature. This offers the advantage that the thermoelectric conversion device can be arranged on curved structural bodies. Thus, the thermoelectric conversion device can be arranged on surfaces where thermoelectric conversion devices based on coated silicon cannot be attached. For example, the thermoelectric conversion device can have a volume that is adapted to the curvature of a motor surface. This makes it possible to arrange the thermoelectric conversion device positively on the motor.

[0026] A further development of the invention provides that at least the thermal contact elements are additively manufactured. In other words, at least the thermal contact elements of the thermoelectric conversion device are elements produced using an additive manufacturing process. This offers the advantage of allowing for a more flexible design of the surface of the thermoelectric conversion device. For example, the thermal contact elements can be manufactured by applying a metal powder layer by layer and heating it with a laser. It can also be provided that other components of the thermoelectric conversion device are manufactured using the additive process.

[0027] A further development of the invention provides that the thermoelectric conversion device includes monitoring and / or power electronics configured to regulate a voltage at the connection elements of the thermoelectric conversion device. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion device comprises electronic components that enable monitoring and / or regulation of the generated voltage and / or the converted heat. The power electronics are configured to set a desired voltage. This offers the advantage that the electronics required for operation can be provided within the conversion device itself. For example, it can be provided that sockets for the monitoring and / or power electronics are provided during the additive manufacturing process, into which the electronic components are subsequently inserted.The electronic components can include, for example, voltage converters, sensors, and / or microcontrollers. The monitoring / power electronics can be configured to exchange operational and diagnostic data with the vehicle's energy management system via a data bus (e.g., LIN, CAN...).

[0028] The invention also includes a vehicle with a thermoelectric conversion device. In other words, the invention provides the vehicle in which the thermoelectric conversion device is arranged. This offers the advantage that the thermoelectric conversion device can be used to utilize waste heat or to heat components of the vehicle. For example, the thermoelectric conversion device can be arranged on an internal combustion engine of the vehicle and convert the heat emitted by the engine into electrical energy.

[0029] A further development of the invention provides that the thermoelectric conversion device is arranged in a form-fitting manner on a curved surface of the vehicle. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion device has a shape that corresponds to the shape of a component of the vehicle. This shape includes curves, so the surface is not a flat plane. This offers the advantage that the surface of a curved component can be coated by the thermoelectric conversion device. For example, the thermoelectric conversion device can have a shape adapted to the surface of an exhaust pipe. This makes it possible to convert the heat emitted at the surface of the exhaust pipe into electrical energy. The thermoelectric conversion device can have the shape of a cone or a spiral.

[0030] A further development of the invention provides that the thermoelectric conversion device is arranged on an electrical component of the vehicle. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion device is in direct contact with the electrical component of the vehicle. This offers the advantage that waste heat from the electrical component can be converted into electrical energy. For example, it can be provided that a processor of the vehicle is positively connected to a surface of the thermoelectric conversion device, so that the heat from the processor diffuses into the thermoelectric conversion device and can be used for energy conversion. The electrical component can also be used as a Peltier element for active cooling when the thermoelectric conversion device is used.

[0031] A further development of the invention provides that the thermoelectric conversion device is arranged on an electrical energy storage device of the vehicle. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion device has a common surface with the electrical energy storage device. This offers the advantage that the thermoelectric conversion device can be used to heat or cool the electrical energy storage device. For example, it can be provided that the thermoelectric conversion device can be used to heat an electrical energy storage device designed as a battery, so that the temperature of the electrical energy storage device can be set to an operating temperature.

[0032] A further development of the invention provides that the thermoelectric conversion device is arranged on a dashboard or a door surface. This offers the advantage that the dashboard or door surface can be heated or cooled. For example, the thermoelectric conversion device can be arranged in the area of ​​a door gap or a door lock. If a predetermined threshold temperature is undershot, and there is a risk of the door freezing shut and therefore being unable to be opened, the thermoelectric conversion device can be used to heat the door.

[0033] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0034] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a thermoelectric conversion device; Fig. 2 a thermoelectric conversion device; and Fig. 3 a vehicle.

[0035] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a thermoelectric conversion device 1. The thermoelectric conversion device 1 can be configured to thermally connect a first component B1 at temperature T1 with a second component B2 at temperature T2. The temperature T2 can be higher than the temperature T1. Thus, there is a temperature difference ΔT between the two temperatures T1 and T2. A heat flow can therefore occur between the two components B1 and B2, with the second component B2 at temperature T2 acting as a heat source and the first component B1 at temperature T1 acting as a heat sink. To enable thermal contact between the two components B1 and B2, the thermoelectric conversion device 1 can have a first thermal contact element 2 and a second thermal contact element 3. The thermal contact elements 2 and 3 can be made of a material that has a predetermined thermal conductivity.It could be, for example, copper, aluminum, or an alloy of these metals.

[0037] To increase the efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion device 1, the thermal contacting elements 2, 3 can each have a base body 4, 5 with a contact surface 6, 7 whose shape corresponds to that of the component to be contacted. The contact surfaces 6 and 7 can thus be positively connected to the respective component B1, B2. This allows heat to flow through the first contact surface 6 and the second contact surface 7. Convex structural elements 10 projecting from the base body 4, 5 can be arranged on an inner surface 8, 9 of the respective base body 4, 5. These can be volumes projecting from the respective base body 4, 5. The convex structural elements 10 can, for example, have the shape of a prism.In this case, the convex structural bodies 10 have a base 11, which can be a polygon, in particular a triangle. Each convex structural body 10 can extend prismatically from its base 11 along a longitudinal direction 12. The longitudinal direction 12 can, for example, be a normal to the base 11. The convex structural body 10 can have a side 13 where a positive-locking and material-locking connection to the respective base body 4, 5 exists. The convex structural body 10 can have a first free lateral surface 14 and a second free lateral surface 15, each of which is opposite one of the free lateral surfaces 14, 15 of a convex structural body 10 of the other thermal contacting element 2, 3. The convex structural bodies 10 can form or partially delimit a receiving area 16 in pairs.A convex structural body 10 of the other thermal contacting element can be arranged in this receiving area 16. The convex structural bodies 10 at an edge of the respective inner surface 8, 9 can be arranged such that they are not located in any of the receiving areas 16 and / or do not define any receiving area 16.

[0038] The respective thermal contact elements 2, 3 can adjoin at least one common element arrangement 17 of thermoelectric elements 18. The thermoelectric elements 18 can be arranged between free lateral surfaces 14, 15 of opposing convex structural bodies 10 and positively connected to them. Thus, the first thermal contact element 2 and the second thermal contact element 3 contact the thermoelectric element 18 on opposite sides. The thermoelectric elements 18 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction on the free lateral surfaces 14, 15. The thermoelectric elements 18 can comprise p-doped semiconductor elements and n-doped semiconductor elements as the first material elements n, p, which can be arranged spaced apart from one another in an alternating sequence.The material elements n, p can be connected to each other in pairs via connecting elements 19.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows the thermoelectric conversion device of the Fig. 1 along a cross-section I, which is in Fig. The thermoelectric element arrangement 17, characterized by the thermoelectric elements 18, is shown in cross-section. The arrangement has an alternating sequence of material elements n and p. The thermoelectric elements 18 extend along the longitudinal direction 12 and have bridging elements 20 at their respective longitudinal ends, which can electrically connect the thermoelectric elements 18 in pairs. The thermoelectric conversion device 1 can have two connection elements 21 at which the respective potentials can be supplied. Power electronics 29 can adjust the supplied voltage and / or enable control of the thermoelectric conversion device 1.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows a possible vehicle 22, which has at least one thermoelectric conversion device 1. The thermoelectric conversion device 1 can, for example, be positively connected to an exhaust pipe 23 of the vehicle 22. The thermoelectric conversion device 1 can have a torus-shaped or spiral shape and extend around the exhaust pipe 23. Thus, a temperature difference ΔT between the exhaust pipe 23 and an environment can be used to convert heat into electrical energy. In this case, the first contact surface 6 can be connected to an outer surface of the exhaust pipe 23. The second contact surface 7 can face an environment of the vehicle 22 or be connected to a body of the vehicle 22. The thermoelectric conversion device 1 can also be arranged on an electrical energy storage device 24 of the vehicle 22.In this case, the first contact surface can be thermally connected to the electrical energy storage device 24. This allows the electrical energy storage device 24 to be heated by means of the thermoelectric effect of the thermoelectric conversion device 1, thereby allowing the electrical energy storage device 24 to be regulated to an operating temperature. For this purpose, power electronics 29 can be incorporated into the thermoelectric conversion device 1, which can control the thermoelectric conversion device 1 to adjust the temperature of the electrical energy storage device 24. The conversion device 1 can be arranged on an electrical component 25. It can be provided that the thermoelectric conversion device 1 is arranged on an internal combustion engine 26 in the vehicle 22.The thermoelectric conversion device 1 can be curved for this purpose, so that it can be positively engaged with a curved surface of the internal combustion engine 26. The thermoelectric conversion device 1 can be arranged on an instrument panel 27 of the motor vehicle or on a door surface. It can also be arranged on a roof surface or, more generally, on a surface in the passenger compartment. Arrangement of the thermoelectric conversion device 1 on external surfaces, such as the hood of the vehicle 22, is also possible.

[0041] It is proposed that the thermoelectric elements be produced using 3D printing or additive manufacturing in general in the form of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 to implement.

[0042] There are two stages of production. In the first stage, the contours for the hot and cold sides, i.e., the thermal contact elements 2 and 3, can be printed. The thermoelectric elements 18, for example as a mat or in strips, can then be inserted into these contours. For this to work, the geometries of the sub-components must be precisely matched to achieve a high degree of interlocking.

[0043] In the second development stage, full 3D printing is conceivable.

[0044] The following additional forms of the thermoelectric conversion device 1 may be possible: A spiral shape. A shape that allows the thermoelectric conversion device 1 to be arranged around a pipe, e.g., the exhaust pipe 23 of the vehicle 22 or a heating system. A shape that includes curves and bends for, for example, hot surfaces such as engines. The two connection elements 21 (electrical connections) of the thermoelectric conversion device 1 can be arranged side by side (bifilar) on one side of the thermoelectric conversion device 1 or on opposite sides of the thermoelectric conversion device 1.

[0045] The thermoelectric conversion device 1 can be arranged as a flexible filling material between power output stages or microprocessors and heat sinks or cooling medium.

[0046] 3D printing enables virtually any surface design. Flexible surfaces are also conceivable. This could mean, for example, that the thermal contact elements 2, 3 of the thermoelectric conversion device 1 are made of a flexible material. 3D printing also allows for the optimization of material thickness, e.g., due to the required electrical power-carrying capacity. Because of the geometries that can be produced, the available surface area is used optimally, resource consumption is reduced, and efficiency is increased. 3D printing allows for significant miniaturization. Potential heat sources include exhaust systems, hot engine parts, component heat sinks, control units, the outer surfaces of battery cells and modules, or electronics and power electronics. For the cold side, the environment, the vehicle body, or surfaces cooled by the condensate from the air conditioning system are suitable.If components such as a traction or on-board power supply battery need to be heated in winter, heat can be introduced by means of current and use of the Peltier effect. Example calculation:

[0047] Area enlargement factor: H=G / cos(α)

[0048] Voltage per thermocouple: U=(SB−SA)(T2−T1)

[0049] Seebeck constant Sx in μV / K

[0050] Number of elements to be connected in series depends on material, temperature and target voltage:

[0051] Example: Thermoelectric generator with Fe / Al pairs, comprising the material element n made of Fe and the material element p made of Al: U=(19 μV / K−3.5 μV / K)50°K=775 μV 18065 thermocouples or pairs / 14 V

[0052] Example of a thermoelectric generator with Fe / Ni pairs, comprising the material element n made of Fe and the material element p made of Ni: U=(19μV / K+15μV / K)50°K=1700μV 8235 thermocouples or pairs / 14 V

[0053] The Peltier effect can be used to generate electricity for cooling and to actively cool surfaces in case of excessively high temperatures. Heating or cooling of surfaces can be achieved, for example, on dashboards or door panels.

[0054] It is possible to integrate monitoring and power electronics into the thermoelectric conversion device 1. For this purpose, printed, integrated sockets for microchips can be arranged within the thermoelectric conversion device 1. The electronics can be used, for example, for temperature or voltage monitoring. Voltage converters or components enabling diagnostics and / or fault detection can also be included. Manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion device 1 allows for virtually any desired shape and size. This offers the advantages of optimal space utilization, cost-effective manufacturing, the use of various heat sources, and the provision of integrated electronics and fault monitoring components. Reference symbol list 1 Thermoelectric conversion device 2 First thermal contacting element 3 Second thermal contacting element 4 First basic body 5 Second basic body 6 First contact surface 7 Second contact surface 8 First inner surface 9 Second inner surface 10 Convex structural body 11 Base area 12 Longitudinal direction 13 Surface area relative to the base body 14 First free lateral surface 15 Second free lateral surface 16 Recording area 17 Element arrangement 18 Thermoelectric element 19 Connecting element 20 bridge elements 21 Connection element 22 vehicles 23 Exhaust pipe 24 Electrical energy storage 25 Electrical component 26 Internal combustion engine 27 Instrument panel 28 door surface 29 Power Electronics T1 Temperature 1 T2 Temperature 2 B1 Component 1 B2 Component 2 n first material element p second material element SA Seebeck constant of the first material element SB Seebeck constant of the second material element

Claims

[1] Thermoelectric conversion device (1), wherein the thermoelectric conversion device (1) comprises a first thermal contacting element (2) and a second thermal contacting element (3) opposite the first thermal contacting element (2) and facing the first contacting element (2), wherein both contacting elements (2, 3) each directly adjoin at least one common element arrangement (17) of thermoelectric elements (18), wherein - the respective contacting element (2,3) has a base body (4,5) and several convex structural bodies (10) connected to the base body (4,5) and projecting from the base body (4,5), wherein the convex structural bodies (10) are arranged apart from each other, such that a receiving area (16) is formed between each pair of the structural bodies (10), and - one of the convex structural bodies (10) of one of the thermal contacting elements (2,3) engages in one of the receiving areas (16) of the corresponding other contacting element (2,3), and - the thermoelectric element arrangement (17) is arranged between the convex structural bodies (10), characterized by , that the thermoelectric element arrangement (17) has at least two spatially separated thermoelectric elements (18) which each extend over a total length of the convex structural bodies (10) in the longitudinal direction (12) and are connected to each other in pairs at a respective end face via an electrically conductive bridge element (20). [2] Thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the respective convex structural body (10) is prismatic along its longitudinal direction (12). [3] Thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that a base surface (11) of the respective convex structural body (10) has a triangular shape. [4] Thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the convex structural bodies (10) of the respective thermal contacting element (2,3) are arranged equidistantly to each other. [5] Thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the thermoelectric elements (18) have a meandering structure, wherein along the longitudinal direction (12) first material elements (n) and second material elements (p) are arranged spaced apart from each other in an alternating sequence and each material element (n,p) is electrically connected to a neighboring material element (n,p) in pairs via a respective connecting element (19). [6] Thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the respective receiving area (16) has a thermal and / or electrical insulator. [7] Thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the thermoelectric conversion device is designed to be at least partially plate-shaped and / or curved. [8] Thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least the thermal contacting elements (2,3) are additively manufactured. [9] Thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the thermoelectric conversion device (1) has monitoring and / or power electronics (29) which is configured to regulate a voltage at terminal elements (21) of the thermoelectric conversion device (1). [10] Vehicle (22) with a thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [11] Vehicle (22) with a thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the thermoelectric conversion device (1) is arranged in a form-fitting manner on a curved surface of the vehicle (22). [12] Vehicle (22) with a thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the thermoelectric conversion device (1) is arranged on an electrical component (25). [13] Vehicle (22) with a thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the thermoelectric conversion device (1) is arranged on an electrical energy storage device (24). [14] Vehicle (22) with a thermoelectric conversion device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the thermoelectric conversion device (1) is arranged on an instrument panel (27) or a door surface (28).

Images