Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion unit includes a pair of low-temperature fluid flow path sections arranged to face each other, a high-temperature fluid flow path section arranged between the pair of low-temperature fluid flow path sections, a pair of thermoelectric modules each arranged between the high-temperature fluid flow path section and one of the pair of low-temperature fluid flow path sections in a one-to-one relation, and a rod-shaped convex fin and concave fin both arranged in the high-temperature fluid flow path section. The concave fin includes a recess fitted to the convex fin. An outer peripheral surface of the convex fin and an inner peripheral surface of the recess of the concave fin are in contact with each other, and a gap is formed between a tip of the convex fin and a bottom of the recess of the concave fin.

Abstract: A rotor (1) for an electric machine (2) includes at least one sensor element (3) configured for detecting condition variables of the rotor (1), a signal processing unit (4) connected to the at least one sensor element (3) and configured for generating measured data from the detected condition variables of the rotor (1) and transmitting the measured data to a control device (5), and a nanogenerator (6) configured for generating electrical energy from at least one surroundings variable and supplying the at least one sensor element (3) and the signal processing unit (4) with electrical energy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermoelectric conversion material having a composition represented by a chemical formula of Li2?a+bMg1?bSi. In this thermoelectric conversion material, either requirement (i) in which 0?a?0.0001 and 0.0001?b?0.25-a or requirement (ii) in which 0.0001?a?0.25 and 0?b?0.25-a is satisfied. The thermoelectric conversion material has an Li8Al3Si5 type crystalline structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to structures for and methods for producing thermoelectric devices. The thermoelectric devices include multiple stages of thermoelements. Each stage includes alternating n-type and p-type thermoelements. The stages are sandwiched between upper and lower sets of metal links fabricated on a pair of substrate layers. The metal links electrically connect pairs of n-type and p-type thermoelements from each stage. There may be additional sets of metal links between the multiple stages. The individual thermoelements may be sized to handle differing amounts of electric current to optimize performance based on their location within the multistage device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric recycling structure has a heat-conductive first component for engaging a heat source for receiving heat generated therefrom, a second component spaced from the first component, and a heat-nonconductive and electrons-and-holes-transportive thermoelectric layer sandwiched between the first and second components for receiving the heat from the first component and converting the received heat to electrical power.

Abstract: A charging module for electric vehicle includes a power conversion unit, a heat dissipation unit, and a thermoelectric module. The power conversion unit includes a power conversion module disposed inside a cabinet, and the power conversion unit provides output power. The heat dissipation unit cools the power conversion unit through liquid cooling or air cooling. The thermoelectric module generates electrical energy based on a temperature difference between the power conversion unit and the heat dissipation unit during operation. The electrical energy is supplied to the power conversion unit and/or the heat dissipation unit.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermoelectric converter that includes providing a layer of a Silicon-based material having a first surface and a second surface, opposite to and separated from the first surface by a Silicon-based material layer thickness; forming a plurality of first thermoelectrically active elements of a first thermoelectric semiconductor material having a first Seebeck coefficient, and forming a plurality of second thermoelectrically active elements of a second thermoelectric semiconductor material having a second Seebeck coefficient, wherein the first and second thermoelectrically active elements are formed to extend through the Silicon-based material layer thickness, from the first surface to the second surface; forming electrically conductive interconnections in correspondence of the first surface and of the second surface of the layer of Silicon-based material, for electrically interconnecting the plurality of first thermoelectrically active elements and the plurality of second thermoelectri

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes: a thermoelectric member that is columnar; an insulator formed around the thermoelectric member; and a metal layer formed continuously on an edge surface of the thermoelectric member and an edge surface of the insulator. An edge portion of the thermoelectric member and an edge portion of the insulator define a gap covered with the metal layer. The inner portion of the gap covered with the metal layer is a void.

Abstract: A thermoelectric fabric may include a plurality of first threads and second threads. The first threads may be alternately formed by p-doped and n-doped thread portions and electrically conductive first thread portions and second thread portions arranged in between. The first thread portions may form a hot side of the fabric, and the second thread portions may form a cold side. The first threads may form one of warp threads or weft threads of the fabric, and the second threads may form the other of the warp threads or weft threads. On at least one of the first thread portions of at least one of the plurality of first threads, a temperature control structure with at least one temperature control element for cooling the hot side may be present.

Abstract: Differential thermoelectric devices are provided for monitoring a change of areal thermal energy dissipation rate and surface temperature profile. The devices include a through electrode connecting to different sets of thermoelectric elements at different regions of the device. A sensing circuitry is electrically connected to the thermoelectric elements to measure a voltage output.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator transmitter includes: a hollow exterior frame having open ends; a heat-receiving plate covering one of the open ends of the exterior frame; a columnar member standing on the heat-receiving plate; a thermoelectric generation module arranged for facilitating heat transfer between the columnar member and the thermoelectric generation module; a radiator plate covering a part of the other one of the open ends of the exterior frame, the part corresponding to a location of the thermoelectric generation module; a processor drivable by electricity generated by the thermoelectric generation module and capable of outputting a detection signal detected by a sensor to an external device; and a terminal that receives the detection signal of the sensor from the external device. An inside of the exterior frame is divided into a location of the thermoelectric generation module and the processor and a location of the terminal.

Abstract: A ZrCoBi-based p-type half-Heusler material can have a formula: ZrCoBi1-x-ySnxSby, where x can vary between 0.01 and 0.25, and y can vary between 0 and 0.2. An average dimensionless figure-of-merit (ZT) for the material can be greater than or equal to about 0.80 as calculated by an integration method for temperatures between 300 and 973 K. A ZrCoBi-based n-type half-Heusler material can have a formula: ZrCo1-xNixBi1-ySby, where x can vary between 0.01 and 0.25, and y can vary between 0 and 0.3. The material has an average dimensionless figure-of-merit (ZT) is greater than or equal to about 0.65 as calculated by an integration method for temperatures between 300 and 973 K.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element that includes a laminated body having a plurality of first thermoelectric conversion portions, a plurality of second thermoelectric conversion portions, and an insulator layer. The first thermoelectric conversion portions and the second thermoelectric conversion portions are alternately arranged in a Y-axis direction and bonded to each other in first regions, and the insulator layer is interposed between the first thermoelectric conversion portions and the second thermoelectric conversion portions in second regions. The insulator layer surrounds a periphery of each of the second thermoelectric conversion portions. A ratio (W2/W1) of a thickness (W2) of the first thermoelectric conversion portion to a thickness (W1) of the second thermoelectric conversion portion in the Y-axis direction is greater than 4 and 11 or less.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes: unit thermoelectric materials including N-type thermoelectric materials and P-type thermoelectric materials and arranged on one surface of a first substrate; first electrodes each electrically connected to one end of a respective one of the N-type thermoelectric materials or to one end of a respective one of the P-type thermoelectric materials; second electrodes each disposed to be spaced apart from the other end of the respective one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and the other end of the respective one of the P-type thermoelectric materials by a predetermined gap; and a second substrate supporting the second electrodes, in which each of the second electrodes is electrically connected to the second end of the respective one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and the second end of the respective one of the P-type thermoelectric materials when a pressing force is applied to the second substrate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric conversion element which includes a p-type thermoelectric conversion layer and an n-type thermoelectric conversion layer, has excellent power generation capacity and durability, and inhibits a variation in power generation capacity between lots.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion device including a plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, each having one end electrically connected to each of the first electrodes; a plurality of second electrodes, to which another end of each of the thermoelectric conversion elements is electrically connected; a hot-side heat exchanger connected to the first electrodes; and a cold-side heat exchanger connected to the second electrodes. Multiple springs are disposed in an interior of one of the hot-side heat exchanger and the cold-side heat exchanger at portions connected to either the first electrodes or the second electrodes, such that one spring is disposed so as to bias one thermoelectric conversion element. The one exchanger is provided with a transfer portion capable of transmitting to one thermoelectric conversion element a biasing force of one spring at a portion connected to the first electrode or the second electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor power module configured to convert direct current to alternating current. The semiconductor power module includes a power semiconductor device and a thermoelectric generator configured to convert heat generated by the power semiconductor device into electric energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multipoint sensor for determining a temperature profile of a medium and to a method for producing said multipoint sensor. The multipoint sensor includes a tubular sheath having a closed end region; at least two cylindrical spacers produced from a material having a high thermal conductivity and arranged in an axially-spaced manner in the interior of the sheath. Each spacer includes a recess for holding a temperature-sensitive component of an elongate temperature sensor. Each spacer, with the exception of the spacer closest to the closed end region, has through-bores for feeding through the elongate temperature sensors fastened to the preceding spacers. The number of through-bores of a spacer corresponds to the number of preceding spacers. A filling material, is arranged between the spacers and surrounds each of the elongate temperature sensors. The filling material has a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the spacers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensing assembly for sensing a temperature, at least including at least one elongated member, one pre-formed fitting at least partially surrounding the elongated member, and one sleeve member, wherein the elongated member and the pre-formed fitting are positioned within an inner cavity of the sleeve member, and wherein the sleeve member is manufactured such that it is at least partially flexible. The disclosure furthermore relates to a multipoint sensing assembly and to a method for fabrication of a sensing assembly.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module may include a plurality of n type thermoelectric conversion materials and a plurality of p type thermoelectric conversion materials that are disposed alternately, and a plurality of electrodes that connects the plurality of thermoelectric conversion material disposed alternately on one side and on an opposite side alternately, wherein the plurality of electrodes may include a high temperature side electrode configured to protrude towards a pipe, through which a heat transfer fluid flows, with respect to high temperature side end portions of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials and to be inserted into a through-hole formed at the pipe to obtain heat while directly contacting the heat transfer fluid and to transfer the obtained heat to the plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a thermoelectric module to which a bonding technique for stably driving the thermoelectric module at high temperatures is applied and a method of manufacturing the thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module according to the present disclosure includes thermoelectric elements including a thermoelectric semiconductor, an electrode which includes a metal material and is connected between the thermoelectric elements, and a bonding layer which is interposed between the thermoelectric element and the electrode to bond the thermoelectric element with the electrode and includes a metal compound including metals of two or more classes as a sintered body of a paste including metal powders of two or more classes.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module may include a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged spaced apart from one another between a hot-side substrate and a cold-side substrate. A plurality of conductor bridges may be provided for electrical interconnection of the plurality of thermoelectric elements. One or more of the conductor bridges arranged between the plurality of thermoelectric elements and the hot-side substrate, and/or one or more of the conductor bridges arranged between the plurality of thermoelectric elements and the cold-side substrate, may include a thermally and electrically conducting and elastically deformable bridge body.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter includes a substrate and two thermoelectric elements that may include a flat portion and a concave portion. The thermoelectric elements each include one end that contacts with the thermoelectric element and an other end that contacts with thermoelectric element at a bottom surface of the concave portion. The thermoelectric elements are each positioned to be suspended across a space defined by the concave portion. The thermoelectric converter can be manufactured through photolithographic process, and can be incorporated into an exhaust gas recirculation device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module may include a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged spaced apart from one another between a hot-side substrate and a cold-side substrate. A plurality of conductor bridges may electrically interconnect the plurality of thermoelectric elements. An electrically insulated holder may position the plurality of thermoelectric elements between the hot-side substrate and the cold-side substrate. The holder may include a separate through-opening for each of the plurality of thermoelectric elements. One or more of the plurality of conductor bridges may rest loosely on the hot-side substrate and/or the cold-side substrate.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device, module, and system, and method for and method for making is provided. The thermoelectric device (200) having a first and second elements (202 and 204). The first and second elements (202 and 204) having first and second portions (206 and 208), and third and fourth portions (212 and 214) with first and second regions (210 and 216) connected between the first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (112 and 114), respectively. The first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (112 and 114) are electrically coupled though regions (210 and 216) and with thermal conductance between first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (212 and 214) being inhibited by regions (110 and 116), respectively.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes a p-type film having a perovskite structure, the p-type film including Co; an n-type film having a perovskite structure, the n-type film including Ti; first and second i-type films configured to be arranged to face each other across the n-type film, the first and second i-type films having a perovskite structure and including Ti; and a barrier film configured to be interposed between a multilayer body and the p-type film, the barrier film having a perovskite structure and including Zr, the multilayer body including the n-type film and the first and second i-type films.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoelectric material including a Sn-chalcogen-based compound, wherein the Sn is doped with a first dopant element comprising a transition metal element or a p-type metalloid element. Further, disclosed are thermoelectric module and thermoelectric apparatus, comprising the thermoelectric material.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a fabric. The method comprises (a) providing a composition comprising a plurality of nanocrystals disposed in a liquid medium, the nanocrystals comprising a material elected from the group consisting of a Group IV element; (b) applying the composition to a porous substrate, thereby removing at least a portion of the liquid medium from the nanocrystals; and (c) removing the nanocrystals from the porous substrate as a self-supporting mass.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device may include first and second insulating substrates. An array of electrically conductive first metallizations may be positioned on one side of the first substrate, and an array of electrically conductive second metallizations may be positioned on a mating side of the second substrate. A plurality of thermoelectric elements may be positioned between the first and second substrates and interconnected together through the first and second metallizations in one of a square shaped network pattern or a delta shaped network pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy recovering assembly (1) and a method of providing the same for extraction of electric power. The assembly comprises a first array (2) of tubes (6) and a second array (3) of tubes (13). The tubes (6) of the first array (2) are interdigitated with the tubes (13) of the second array (3), such that two tubes (13) of the second array (3) are arranged between two successive tubes (6) of the first array (2), or such that two tubes (6) of the first array (2) are arranged between two successive tubes (13) of the second array (3). Thermo electric modules (4) are received in gaps (7) between adjacent tubes (6, 13) of the first (2) and second arrays (3). Fixation arrangements (5) are received in interspaces (X) between two tubes (6; 13).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to flexible thermoelectric devices. In some embodiments, such devices can comprise a flexible substrate with a first conductive component and a second, different conductive component deposited thereon so as to form a plurality of electrical junctions. The flexible substrate can be a fabric, and the conductive component can be deposited by methods such as stitching of conductive yarns or deposition of conductive inks. The present disclosure further relates to methods of preparing flexible thermoelectric devices and methods of utilizing flexible thermoelectric devices for producing electrical current from waste heat.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power module comprising: a thermoelectric element employing a bismuth-tellurium (Bi—Te) based thermoelectric material; at least one barrier layer disposed on the thermoelectric element; an electrode; an electrode protection layer disposed at least on one principal surface of the electrode; a solder layer having a side surface formed with a recess, the solder layer joining a first region of the electrode protection layer to the at least one barrier layer; and a coating film disposed on a side surface of the thermoelectric element, a side surface of the at least one barrier layer, and the side surface of the solder layer, the coating film covering a second region adjacent to the first region of the electrode protection layer and being filled into the recess of the solder layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen lance that has at least three mutually coaxial pipes, each of which delimits at least one annular gap. The outermost pipe is designed to conduct superheated steam and has a steam supply point, the central pipe is designed as an annular gap, and the innermost pipe is designed to conduct oxygen at a temperature of no higher than 180° C. and has an oxygen supply point. A temperature sensor is arranged within the innermost pipe, said temperature sensor extending to just in front of the opening of the innermost pipe. The innermost pipe tapers in the form of a nozzle before opening; the innermost pipe opens into the central pipe; and the opening of the central pipe protrudes farther relative to the opening of the outermost pipe.

Abstract: An assembly for extracting heat from a photovoltaic cell assembly for a receiver of a solar radiation-based electrical power generating system is disclosed. The assembly comprises a coolant chamber and a coolant member in the form of a plurality of heat transfer fingers of high thermal conductivity material that are located in the coolant chamber. The fingers have ends that are in thermal contact with the photovoltaic cell assembly and thereby facilitate heat transfer away from the assembly. The fingers are sufficiently flexible to accommodate differences in thermal expansion coefficient between the object and the fingers. The fingers have a relatively high surface area for heat transfer from the fingers to coolant that, in use, circulates through the coolant chamber.

Abstract: A combined intake and exhaust manifold (1) for a thermoelectric temperature control device includes an outer manifold case (2) that partially encases a first case interior (3), and an inner manifold case (4) provided in the first case interior (3), which partially encases a second case interior (5). The outer and the inner manifold cases (2, 4) have a joint connection side (6) for connecting a fluid line (17a, 17b). The manifold further includes at least one first flow-through opening (7a, 7b) for introducing or discharging a fluid into or out of the first case interior (3) and at least one second flow-through opening (8a, 8b) for introducing or discharging the fluid into or out of the second case interior (5) on the connection side (6).

Abstract: A thermoelectric structure may include a thermally conductive substrate, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged on a surface of the thermally conductive substrate. Moreover, each thermoelectric element may be non-parallel and non-orthogonal with respect to the surface of the thermally conductive substrate. For example, each of thermoelectric elements may be a planar thermoelectric element, and a plane of each of the thermoelectric elements may be oriented obliquely with respect to the surface of the thermally conductive substrate.

Abstract: A p-type semiconductor block is made of a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. In addition, an n-type semiconductor block is made of an n-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. The p-type semiconductor block and the n-type semiconductor block are alternately arranged in such a way that the connection portion of the p-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the n-type semiconductor block and the connection portion of the n-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the p-type semiconductor block. The connection portions and tip-end portions of the pillar portions are made of a thermoelectric conversion material containing metal powder.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements arranged between two stacked substrates. The p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements include columnar p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion portions, insulators provided in side surfaces of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion portions, and diffusion preventing films provided on top surface, the top surface different from the side surface of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion portions. Each stacked substrate includes an interconnecting layer that electrically connects the p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion portions through the diffusion preventing films, and a jointing material that joins the diffusion preventing films and the interconnecting layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric generator unit (1) comprising at least one thermoelectric module (2), which comprises an exhaust gas heat exchanger (3) on one side and a coolant heat exchanger (4) on the opposite side in a sandwich-like arrangement, wherein the exhaust gas heat exchanger and the coolant heat exchanger (3, 4) are designed as flat tubes, the flat sides (9, 13) of which are each connected by means of lateral wall sections (10, 20). According to the invention, side walls (15) are fastened to the lateral wall sections (10, 20) of at least the two heat exchangers (3, 4) lying on the outside, which side walls absorb the clamping forces for an even, permanent compression of the individual elements (2, 3, 4) of the thermoelectric generator unit (1). The thermoelectric module (2) is laterally sealed by means of the side walls (15) that absorb the clamping forces.

Abstract: The device includes a thermoelectric module provided with a thermocouple. Said thermocouple includes a first and second leg which are made of different thermoelectric materials, electrically connected by a connecting element configured to deform according to the temperature thereof so as to assume: a first deformation position in which the first and second legs are electrically connected in series solely by means of the connecting element; and a second deformation position in which the connecting element is in electrical contact with a shunt contact pad of the device, said shunt contact pad being made of a material, the electrical conductivity of which is greater than the electric conductivity of the connecting element and of the first and second legs. The device also includes a load, the electrical resistance of which is lower than the electrical resistance of the thermoelectric module, said load being electrically connected to the shunt contact pad.

Abstract: An interconnect is disclosed with enhanced immunity of electrical conductivity to defects. The interconnect includes a material with charge carriers having topological surface states. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating such interconnects. Also disclosed is an integrated circuit including such interconnects. Also disclosed is a gated electronic device including a material with charge carriers having topological surface states.

Abstract: Method for assembling thermoelectric unicouples is provided and applied with silicon-based nanostructure thermoelectric legs. The method includes preparing and disposing both n-type and p-type thermoelectric material blocks in alternative columns on a first shunt material. The method includes a sequence of cutting processes to resize the thermoelectric material blocks to form multiple singulated unicouples each having an n-type thermoelectric leg and a p-type thermoelectric leg bonded to a section of the first shunt material. Additionally, the method includes re-disposing these singulated unicouples in a serial daisy chain configuration with a predetermined pitch distance and bonding a second shunt material on top. The method further includes performing additional cutting processes to form one or more daisy chains of thermoelectric unicouples. The first shunt material is coupled to a cold-side heat sink and the second shunt material is coupled to a hot-side heat sink.

Abstract: Method for assembling thermoelectric unicouples is provided and applied with silicon-based nanostructure thermoelectric legs. The method includes preparing and disposing both n-type and p-type thermoelectric material blocks in alternative columns on a first shunt material. The method includes a sequence of cutting processes to resize the thermoelectric material blocks to form multiple singulated unicouples each having an n-type thermoelectric leg and a p-type thermoelectric leg bonded to a section of the first shunt material. Additionally, the method includes re-disposing these singulated unicouples in a serial daisy chain configuration with a predetermined pitch distance and bonding a second shunt material on top. The method further includes performing additional cutting processes to form one or more daisy chains of thermoelectric unicouples. The first shunt material is coupled to a cold-side heat sink and the second shunt material is coupled to a hot-side heat sink.

Abstract: The thermoelectric device includes a first leg made from a first material, anchored at the level of its first end to a support, and a second leg made from a second material, anchored at the level of its first end to said support. In addition, an electric connecting element provided with first and second contact areas is respectively in electric contact with the first leg and second leg so as to form a thermocouple. The device includes means for varying the position of the first and contact areas at the level of the first and second legs.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus may be an electronic component. The electronic component includes at least one energy harvester coupled between at least one pair of hot and cold regions of the electronic component and configured to convert thermal energy to electrical energy in order to provide power to at least the electronic component, the at least one energy harvester including a radiative thermal channel or a conductive thermal channel. A first end of the conductive thermal channel is coupled to a first semiconductor material and a second end of the conductive thermal channel is coupled to a second semiconductor material, the first semiconductor material being coupled to the hot region and isolated from the cold region and the second semiconductor material being coupled to the cold region and isolated from the hot region.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to Seebeck/Peltier effect thermoelectric conversion devices and in particular devices made of stack of dielectric layers alternated to treated semiconducting layers even of large size, not requiring lithographic patterning in a nano-micrometric scale.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a thermoelectric system includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements forming a thermoelectric array, the thermoelectric elements having a cooling side and a heating side. The system further includes at least one heat exchanger on at least one of the cooling side and the heating side, the heat exchanger being in thermal communication with at least some of the thermoelectric elements. In addition, the system includes a substrate generally positioned between the thermoelectric elements and the heat exchange element. The substrate comprises an electrical isolation layer, a support element configured to receive the heat exchanger and a plurality of interconnecting tabs configured to place adjacent thermoelectric elements in electrical communication with one another.

Abstract: A method includes preparing a thermoelectric material including p-type or n-type material and first and second caps including transition metal(s). A powder precursor of the first cap can be loaded into a sintering die, punches assembled thereto, and a pre-load applied to form a first pre-pressed structure including a first flat surface. A punch can be removed, a powder precursor of the p-type or n-type material loaded onto that surface, the punch assembled to the die, and a second pre-load applied to form a second pre-pressed structure including a second substantially flat surface. The punch can be removed, a powder precursor of the second cap loaded onto that surface, the first punch assembled to the die, and a third pre-load applied to form a third pre-pressed structure. The third pre-pressed structure can be sintered to form the thermoelectric material; the first or second cap can be coupled to an electrical connector.

Abstract: Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converting thin line includes a thin line extending in one direction, a first ferromagnetic layer formed on a side of the thin line having a magnetization fixed in a plane in a direction intersecting with a direction along which the thin line extends, and a first nonmagnetic metal layer formed on the first ferromagnetic layer.