Abstract: A thermionic generator for converting thermal energy to electric energy includes: an emitter electrode for emitting thermal electrons from a thermal electron emitting surface when heat is applied to the emitter electrode; a collector electrode facing the emitter electrode spaced apart from the emitter electrode by a predetermined distance, and receiving the thermal electrons from the emitter electrode via a facing surface of the collector electrode; and a substrate having one surface. The emitter electrode and the collector electrode are disposed on the one surface of the substrate, and are electrically insulated from each other. The thermal electron emitting surface and the facing surface are perpendicular to the one surface.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment a thermoelectric generator is provided. The thermoelectric generator includes a cap and a thermopile. The cap is coupled to a heat generating device for receiving thermal energy therefrom. The thermopile includes superlattice quantum well materials and an absorber for contacting the cap to receive the thermal energy and to generate an electrical output to one of store the electrical output on a storage device and power a first device with the electrical output in response to the thermal energy.

Abstract: [Object] Provided is a thermoelectric power generating device that is able to decrease thermal distortion of thermoelectric conversion modules and to upsize the thermoelectric conversion modules, thereby making it possible to simplify a manufacturing operation and to decrease a manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes a low temperature-side wiring line, a high temperature-side wiring line, a low temperature-side member, a plurality of low temperature-side thermoelectric conversion elements made of a BiTe-based material, a high temperature-side member, a plurality of high temperature-side thermoelectric conversion elements made of a material different from the BiTe-based material, an insulating member, a radiant heat blocking plate, a low temperature-side electrode, and a high temperature-side electrode. The radiant heat blocking plate is arranged on the side of the high temperature-side member with respect to the low temperature-side wiring line and the high temperature-side wiring line. A thermoelectric module that can restrain burning of wiring lines, as well as a thermoelectric power generating apparatus and a thermoelectric generator including the same can thereby be obtained.

Abstract: A solar powered generator (100) has thermoelectric elements adjacent to and below solar cells. Concentrated sunlight is provided. A heat sink (104), which can be variable in temperature or efficiency, is in contact with the cold junction (108) of the thermoelectric device (103). The thermal resistivity is designed in relation to the energy flux, whereby the thermoelectric device (103) develops a gradient of several hundred Kelvin. Preferably the solar cell comprises a high band gap energy semi-conductor. The generator (100) maintains relatively consistent efficiency over a range of cold junction (108) temperatures. The heat sink (104) can be a hot water system. High efficiencies are achieved using nanocomposite thermoelectric materials. Evenly but thinly dispersing the thermoelectric segments in a matrix of highly insulating material reduces the amount of material required for the segments without sacrificing performance.

Abstract: This patent incorporates several new hybrid thermoelectric element and thermoelectric device designs that utilize additional electronic materials to enhance the flow of charges in the thermoelectric elements without changing thermoelectric nature of the thermoelectric material used. The thermoelectric device efficiency is thereby increased and cost and size are lowered. Thermoelectric conversion devices using the new design criteria have demonstrated comparative higher performance than current commercially available standard design thermoelectric conversion devices.

Abstract: To improve the mass productivity of thermoelectric conversion modules. A thermoelectric conversion module 1 is equipped with a pair of substrates 11 and 12, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2, each having one end portion electrically connected to a first electrode 3 which is arranged on the substrate 11 and the other end portion electrically connected to a second electrode 4 which is arranged on the substrate 12, and a connection section 5 which electrically connects the first electrode 3 electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 2 to the second electrode 4 electrically connected to an adjacent one of the thermoelectric conversion elements 2. The connection section 5 is separate from at least one of the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4.

Abstract: A semiconductor element for a thermoelectric module has opposite ends and is made of an n-doped or p-doped semiconductor material and at least one foreign material. The foreign material is mixed with the semiconductor material and forms a fraction of 25 to 75 vol % of the semiconductor element. A method for producing a tubular thermoelectric module includes providing an inner tube having an axis, an inner circumferential surface and a first outer circumferential surface, alternately placing n-doped and p-doped semiconductor elements in direction of the axis, placing second electrical conducting elements radially outwardly of the semiconductor elements so that pairs of adjacent semiconductor elements are electrically conductively connected to each other at the outside to then form a second outer circumferential surface, and compressing the thermoelectric module. A motor vehicle having a thermoelectric module is also provided.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a plurality of pn stacks, each formed by stacking a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer one on top of the other, and a mode switching unit which effects switching to a photovoltaic power generation mode or a thermal power generation mode by connecting the plurality of pn stacks with each other. The mode switching unit effects switching to the photovoltaic power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other and the n-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other between the plurality of pn stacks. The mode switching unit effects switching to the thermal power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer 11b in series between different ones of the pn stacks.

Abstract: Continuous ceramic (e.g., silicon carbide) nanofibers (502, 602, 604, 606, 608, 702, 704, 1102, 1104) which are optionally p or n type doped are manufactured by electrospinning a polymeric ceramic precursor to produce fine strands of polymeric ceramic precursor which are then pyrolized. The ceramic nanofibers may be used in a variety of applications not limited to reinforced composite materials (400), thermoelectric generators (600, 700) and high temperature particulate filters (1200).

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements that each include a diffusion barrier. The diffusion barrier includes a refractory metal. The thermoelectric device also includes a plurality of conductors coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric elements. The plurality of conductors include aluminum. In addition, the thermoelectric device includes at least one plate coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric elements using a braze. The braze includes aluminum.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may include a substrate and a dielectric layer formed over the substrate. A plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric elements may be disposed within the dielectric layer. The p-type thermoelectric elements and the n-type thermoelectric elements may be connected in series while alternating between the p-type and the n-type thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a thermoelectric component having at least one pair of thermoelectric legs, including an n-leg and a p-leg, wherein both legs are welded to an electrically conductive contact material, and wherein the n-leg and the p-leg of the pair of legs are welded in separate welding steps to the contact material. A thermoelectric component produced by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A thermoelectric semiconductor component, comprising an electrically insulating substrate surface and a plurality of spaced-apart, alternating p-type (4) and n-type semiconductor structural elements (5) which are disposed on said surface and which are connected to each other in series in an electrically conductive manner alternatingly at two opposite ends of the respective semiconductor structural elements by conductive structures, in such a way that a temperature difference (2?T) between the opposite ends produces an electrical voltage between the conductive structures or that a voltage difference between the conductive structures (7, 9; 13, 15) produces a temperature difference (2?T) between the opposite ends, characterized in that the semiconductor structural elements have a first boundary surface between a first and a second silicon layer, the lattice structures of which are considered ideal and are rotated by an angle of rotation relative to each other about a first axis perpendicular to the substrate su

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved solid-state thermoelectric devices. A thermoelectric architecture referred to as a nanowire composite includes a plurality of intersecting semiconductor nanowires grown on metallic templates that are formed on a non-single crystal substrate. A plurality of nanowire composites form modules used in thermoelectric devices to generate electric power. The thermoelectric devices using these modules may be fabricated more cost effectively and perform better than conventional thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material is provided, in which only a desired crystal is selectively precipitated. An MxV2O5 crystal is selectively precipitated in vanadium-based glass, wherein M is one metal element selected from the group consisting of iron, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, tungsten, molybdenum, manganese, nickel, copper, silver, an alkali metal and an alkaline earth metal, and 0<x<1.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation unit includes: a bottom plate and a heat exchange member which are made of a thermal conductor; a thermoelectric power generation module and a spacer which are interposed between the bottom plate and the heat exchange member; and a side wall provided to cover a gap between the bottom plate and the heat exchange member. Moreover, a circuit board on which a circuit that is driven by electric power obtained by the thermoelectric power generation module is mounted is stored in a space surrounded by the bottom plate, the heat exchange member, and the side wall.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may include a substrate and a dielectric layer formed over the substrate. A plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric elements may be disposed within the dielectric layer. The p-type thermoelectric elements and the n-type thermoelectric elements may be connected in series while alternating between the p-type and the n-type thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element has a first substrate at a high temperature side, a second substrate at a low temperature side facing the first substrate, a thermoelectric material placed on the second substrate via a silicon layer, a first electrode formed on the first substrate, and a second electrode formed on the silicon layer. The thermoelectric element has a stress releasing section which is formed between the first electrode and the thermoelectric material, and which includes a plurality of columnar portions. The stress releasing section suppresses defects such as cracks that might be produced in the thermoelectric element due to a stress generated in the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for producing electrical current based on a temperature differential. The system comprises of at least one unit having a plurality of chips sandwiched between a higher temperature layer on one side and a lower temperature layer on an opposite side. Chips are preferably thermoelectric solid state chips that produce an electric current when there is a temperature differential created across the chips. There are a plurality of chips in each unit and the chips within each unit are electrically connected to one another in series. Preferably, there are a plurality of units.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermoelectric module includes a housing and a power generation member. The housing has a first temperature layer and a second temperature layer, the first temperature layer and the second temperature layer being stacked, the housing further having a cylindrical through-hole provided so as to penetrate the first temperature layer and the second temperature layer. The power generation member has thermoelectric materials stacked such that current flows in one direction in the power generation member, the power generation member being provided in the through-hole so that opposite ends of each of the thermoelectric materials are positioned at the first temperature layer and the second temperature layer, respectively.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module (13), for converting thermal energy into electric energy, includes a plurality of leg pairs (26), which have each a p-doped semiconductor leg (27) and an n-doped semiconductor leg (28), which are contacted with one another electrically via metal bridges (29). At least one electrically insulating ceramic plate (30), which is arranged on a hot side (18) of the thermoelectric module (13) or on a cold side (19) of the thermoelectric module (13) and is flatly in contact with metal bridges (29) associated with this side (18, 19) and is fastened thereto. The pressure stability of the thermoelectric module (13) can be improved if the respective ceramic plate (30) is segmented, so that a plurality of ceramic plate segments (31) are arranged next to each other, which are each flatly in contact with a plurality of metal bridges (29) and are fastened thereto.

Abstract: A power generating system comprising a heat exchanger comprising an inlet, an outlet and a conduit extending along a length of the heat exchanger between the inlet and the outlet, and a plurality of thermally conductive fins provided within the conduit, a packing fraction of the fins increasing from a first packing fraction proximate the inlet to a second packing fraction proximate the outlet; and a plurality of thermoelectric power generators positioned along the length of the heat exchanger, each thermoelectric power generator comprising a hot side, a cold side and a thermoelectric element extending there between, wherein the hot sides of the thermoelectric power generators are in thermal contact with the plurality of fins such that the temperature of each hot side is substantially equal along the length of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: In some embodiments, thermoelectric apparatus and various applications of thermoelectric apparatus are described herein. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric apparatus described herein comprises at least one p-type layer coupled to at least one n-type layer to provide a pn junction, and an insulating layer at least partially disposed between the p-type layer and the n-type layer, the p-type layer comprising a plurality of carbon nanoparticles and the n-type layer comprising a plurality of n-doped carbon nanoparticles.

Abstract: An electric power generation system employs a thermoelectric generator placed between an aircraft inner skin and an aircraft outer skin. The thermoelectric generator is configured to utilize a thermal differential between the inner and outer skin to generate electricity. An electrical interface is provided for access to the electricity generated by said thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation apparatus includes a thermoelectric device having a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a first thermal energy storage unit operatively coupled to the first surface of the thermoelectric device setting the first surface at a first temperature. The thermoelectric power generation apparatus also includes a second thermal energy storage unit having a second temperature, the second thermal energy unit for setting the second surface of the thermoelectric device at an operative temperature in response to a temperature difference between the first temperature of the first surface and the second temperature of the second thermal energy storage unit. The thermoelectric device generates power in response to a temperature differential between the first temperature of the first surface and the operative temperature of the second surface.

Abstract: A module having a plurality of thermoelectric elements electrically connected in series, each being made of at least one n-layer and at least one p-layer made of thermoelectric material with a pn-transition implemented along a boundary layer. A temperature gradient parallel to the boundary layer between a hot and a cold side of each thermoelectric element can be applied or detected. Resistances of the electrical contacts of the individual thermoelectric elements are reduced and the thermal connection to a heat sink or heat source is improved for generating a temperature gradient along the boundary layer. The substrate and the thermoelectric elements are produced in separate processes, and the thermoelectric elements are adhered to previously structured, thermally and electrically conductive regions of the substrate using different adhesives for the cold and hot side of each thermoelectric element.

Abstract: Growth of thermoelectric materials in the form of quantum well superlattices on three-dimensionally structured substrates provide the means to achieve high conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric module combined with inexpensiveness of fabrication and compatibility with large scale production. Thermoelectric devices utilizing thermoelectric materials in the form of quantum well semiconductor superlattices grown on three-dimensionally structured substrates provide improved thermoelectric characteristics that can be used for power generation, cooling and other applications.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric conversion element and a thermoelectric conversion module in which high-density arrangement is easy, and thus connection reliability is high, and a manufacturing method thereof. There is provided a thermoelectric conversion element including a tube, a thermoelectric conversion material with which the tube is filled, and a plated metal layer that is plated on one end or both ends of the thermoelectric conversion material. The thermoelectric conversion material protrudes from the tube, and the plated metal layer covers a protruding portion of the thermoelectric conversion material. Furthermore, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion module that is obtained by connecting a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements in series.

Abstract: A steam generation apparatus 1 including a high-temperature pipe 10 disposed extending horizontally and through which a high-temperature fluid passes; low-temperature pipes 20 disposed on both sides of the high-temperature pipe 10 in a horizontal direction and through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature lower than that of the high-temperature fluid passes; and a thermoelectric module 30 interposed between the high-temperature pipe 10 and each of the low-temperature pipes 20 for generating electrical power using a temperature difference between the high-temperature pipe 10 and the low-temperature pipes 20, the low-temperature pipes 20 being configured such that the supplied low-temperature fluid in a liquid form is turned into steam due to heat exchange with the high-temperature fluid and is discharged from an upper portion of the low-temperature pipes 20.

Abstract: A device for exhaust gas heat utilization in internal combustion engines of motor vehicles has an outer housing through which exhaust gas can flow and at least one thermoelectric generator module received in the outer housing. The at least one thermoelectric generator module is fastened onto a wavelike carrier wall. The invention further relates to an exhaust gas module having such a device, and to a method of manufacturing this device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module which has a P-type thermoelectric conversion material and an N-type thermoelectric conversion material electrically connected to each other. The P-type thermoelectric conversion material and the N-type thermoelectric conversion material are joined with insulating material particles (ceramic spherical particles) interposed therebetween, so as not to be electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes a laminated body including a plurality of thermoelectric components laminated therein. Each of the thermoelectric components includes an insulating layer, and a thermoelectric conversion element section in which a plurality of p-type thermoelectric conversion material layers and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric conversion material layers are arranged on the insulating layer in a series connection. A step eliminating insulating material layer is arranged to eliminate a step between the thermoelectric conversion element section and a vicinity thereof, in a region between the insulating layers adjacent to each other in a laminating direction, around the p-type thermoelectric conversion material layers and n-type thermoelectric conversion material layers constituting the thermoelectric conversion element section. The thermoelectric conversion element section has a serpentine shape.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator has a hot side heat exchanger having a silicon carbide (SiC) honeycomb support with a plurality of passages. The passage walls are coated with a pyrophoric solid fuel such as red oxide (Fe2O3) in combination with a silicon (Si) binder. A quantum well thermoelectric device is positioned between the hot side heat exchanger and heat sink. The performance of the thermoelectric generator is comparable to fuel cells. The thermoelectric generator is small and portable.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element has a first substrate at a high temperature side, a second substrate at a low temperature side facing the first substrate, a thermoelectric material placed on the second substrate via a silicon layer, a first electrode formed on the first substrate, and a second electrode formed on the silicon layer. The thermoelectric element has a stress releasing section which is formed between the first electrode and the thermoelectric material, and which includes a plurality of columnar portions. The stress releasing section suppresses defects such as cracks that might be produced in the thermoelectric element due to a stress generated in the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module which includes a good thermally conductive substrate that is inexpensive, and which secures the electrical insulating property between the good thermally conductive substrate and the electrode. The thermoelectric conversion element unit is constituted of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor which are connected to form a .pi.-shape. Electrodes are connected to both end faces of the thermoelectric conversion element units. The good thermally conductive substrates are brought in contact with the electrodes. The good thermally conductive substrates consist of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and an anode oxide film is provided between the good thermally conductive substrates and the electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoelectric module, including: a first substrate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged on a first surface of the first substrate; and a temperature detector disposed on the first surface or a second surface of the first substrate via a thermal transfer member.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module device with thin film elements is disclosed. A pillar structure with a hollow region is formed by stacking a plurality of thin-film type thermoelectric module elements, each including a plurality thin-film thermoelectric pairs arranged in a ring. An insulating and thermal conducting layer covers the inner sidewalls of the hollow region of the pillar structure and the outer sidewalls of the pillar structure. A cool source and a heat source are disposed in the hollow region or outer side of the pillar structure, respectively.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is provided. The thermoelectric device includes a P-type thermoelectric component, an N-type thermoelectric component, and an electrically conductive layer. Each of the P-type thermoelectric component and the N-type thermoelectric component includes a substrate and a nanowire structure. The conductive layer connects the P-type thermoelectric component set with the N-type thermoelectric component set. The thermoelectric device is adapted for recycling heat generated by the heat source, and for effectively converting the heat into electrical energy.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system generates electricity from a temperature differential using a thermoelectric module. At least one side of the temperature differential is supplied by a thermal element having a fluid flowing through it. The fluid contains suspended nanoparticles to enhance the transfer of heat between the fluid containing the nanoparticles and the thermal element, as compared with a similar fluid not containing the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may include metal ions, for example silver ions, copper ions, or both. The system may further include an ion generator for generating the ions within the fluid.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including a body centered cubic filled skutterudite having the formula AxFeyNizSb12, where A is an alkaline earth element, x is no more than approximately 1.0, and the sum of y and z is approximately equal to 4.0. The alkaline earth element includes guest atoms selected from the group consisting of Be, Mb, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra and combinations thereof. The filled skutterudite is shown to have properties suitable for a wide variety of thermoelectric applications.

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 power generating apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a plurality of pn stacks, each formed by stacking a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer one on top of the other, and a mode switching unit which effects switching to a photovoltaic power generation mode or a thermal power generation mode by connecting the plurality of pn stacks with each other. The mode switching unit effects switching to the photovoltaic power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other and the n-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other between the plurality of pn stacks. The mode switching unit effects switching to the thermal power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer 11b in series between different ones of the pn stacks.

Abstract: An electrical energy generating device for a propfan-type aircraft propulsion unit rotor. The propulsion unit includes a turbomachine that drives in rotation at least one rotor including a plurality of blades arranged around an annular crown moving with the blades, which forms with its outer wall part of an outer envelope of the propulsion unit, the outer envelope being subjected to atmospheric conditions outside the propulsion unit. The turbomachine generates a flow of hot gases that exit via an annular hot vein, which is concentric with the moving annular crown, and defined for part of its surface by an inner wall of the moving annular crown, and includes, within the moving annular part, a mechanism to transform thermal energy into electrical energy, preferably by thermal diodes. Such a device, as an example, can find application to a device for controlling a pitch of rotors of a propfan-type propulsion unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity in a computer rack includes a plurality of thermoelectric generator modules secured in a planar assembly having a first side and a second side, wherein each thermoelectric generator module has a first thermally conductive substrate exposed on the first side of the planar assembly and a second thermally conductive substrate exposed on the second side of the planar assembly, and wherein the plurality of thermoelectric generator modules are operatively coupled in a circuit to supply electrical current. The apparatus further comprises a first duct for directing a first fluid stream across the first side of the planar assembly to supply heat to the first thermally conductive substrate, and a second duct for directing a second fluid stream across the second side of the planar assembly to withdraw heat from the second thermally conductive substrate.

Abstract: An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module having a plurality of p-n-couples, every two adjacent p-n-legs forming one p-n-couple. The p-n-legs are each manufactured from conductive materials. The p-n-legs of the plurality of p-n-couples are separated in an alternating sequence by an electrically insulating gap which creates a meandering current flow.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion module and a thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion module comprises a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the thermoelectric conversion elements is made of a sintered body containing a thermoelectric conversion material and a conductive metal, has two faces, and satisfies the following condition (a) or (b): (a) each thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to an electrode via one face without a joint and is electrically connected to another electrode via the other face with a joint, (b) each thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to an electrode via one face without a joint and is electrically connected to another electrode via the other face without a joint.

Abstract: Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.