Substrateless thermoelectric device and method of making same

Patent · Tue Aug 14 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6145417

Reyes, J M

A new and improved thermoelectric device of the type which provides electrical energy in response to a temperature gradient applied across the device exhibits both structural integrity and improved efficiency. The new thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements, coupling means on opposite respective sides of the thermoelectric elements for interconnecting the elements electrically in accordance with a predetermined pattern, and encapsulant means including an encapsulant material covering the exposed surfaces of the thermoelectric elements. The encapsulant forms void spaces between the elements for providing effective thermal insulation between the elements and confining substantially all of the heat flow from the temperature gradient to through the elements. The coupling means includes electrically conductive plate segments for electrically interconnecting the thermoelectric elements. The plate segments are joined to the elements on respective opposite sides thereof and are contacted and held in fixed relative relation by the encapsulant material. The plate segments further define an outer periphery of the device and the encapsulant material bridge across the plate segments at the periphery of the device. As a result, structural device integrity is obtained while more efficient use of the temperature gradient is made.

• Assignee: ECD-ANR Energy Conversion Company
• Patent Number(s): US 4465894
• OSTI ID: 6145417
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300301* -- Thermoelectric Generators-- Design & Development
CONSTRUCTION
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
EXPANSION
HEAT FLOW
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLATES
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
THERMAL EXPANSION
THERMAL INSULATION
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS