Multi-element thermoelectric converters

Abstract

The study and design results of multi-element thermoelectric batteries with small section of legs for low-powered thermoelectric generators, weak current cooling modules and high-sensitivity sensors have been presented. The production technology of thermoelectric modules with leg cross-section more than 0.5 x 0.5 mm and length of 1-5 mm and more has been well developed. With such modules the problems of thermoelectric generators of more than 1-10 W and thermoelectric coolers with supply current of more than 1 A production have been solved. The analysis shows that possibilities for thermoelectricity practical application is substantially extended if development engineers of thermoelectric equipment have the possibility to use thermoelectric converters with small leg cross-section. In this case low-powered thermoelectric generators competitive in a number of cases to chemical electrical sources can be developed, the need in such sources is rather great.