Thermoelectric generator and method for the fabrication thereof

Patent · Tue Mar 17 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6676783

Benson, D K; Tracy, C E

A method is described for fabricating a thermoelectric generator comprising the steps of: forming substrates with a thermally conductive and electrically conductive metallic plate on at least one surface of each substrate; forming at least one thin thermoelectric semiconductor element on the plates of some of the substrates to form a first thermal and electrical junction at the interface of the substrate plate and the thermoelectric semiconductor element on the substrates; using others of the substrates as superstrates and connecting the plate of each superstrate to the side of the thermoelectric semiconductor element opposite the substrate to form a second thermal and electrical junction at the interface of each superstrate plate and the respective thermoelectric semiconductor. Modules are formed with each module comprising the thin thermoelectric semiconductor element located between a substrate and a superstrate; and using modules to form a thermoelectric generator by arranging the modules so that one junction of each module is positioned adjacent and in thermal contact with a hot fluid carrying conduit and the other junction of each module is positioned adjacent and in thermal contact with a cold fluid carrying conduit.

• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC
• Patent Number(s): US 4650919
• OSTI ID: 6676783
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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