Abstract: A method for forming a densified solid object corresponding to a thermoelectric element from a mixture of uncompressed, powdered constituent materials. A powdered precursor material may be selected to cause a shrinkage of at least twenty percent in at least two mutually orthogonal linear dimensions of a densified solid object compared to corresponding dimensions of a mold cavity. In some embodiments, a precursor material is selected to produce a thermoelectric material having electrical and mechanical properties suitable for a thermoelectric module. In some embodiments, at least two thermoelectric elements are electrically connected to conductive plates to form a thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A method for forming a densified solid object corresponding to a thermoelectric element from a mixture of uncompressed, powdered constituent materials. A powdered precursor material may be selected to cause a shrinkage of at least twenty percent in at least two mutually orthogonal linear dimensions of a densified solid object compared to corresponding dimensions of a mold cavity. In some embodiments, a precursor material is selected to produce a thermoelectric material having electrical and mechanical properties suitable for a thermoelectric module. In some embodiments, at least two thermoelectric elements are electrically connected to conductive plates to form a thermoelectric module.

Abstract: This invention relates to the formation manufacturing method for constructing a thermoelectric device, by dispensing a slurry composed of thermoelectric solids in a carrier fluid across a substrate. The process uses a mold to confine the slurry, and heat and pressure to cure the thermoelectric slurry into a solid. The specific method of curing the thermoelectric material is outlined, employing a new method of condensing the particulate solids into dense thermoelectric elements.