Thermoelectric conversion element and thermoelectric conversion module

Abstract

Disclosed is a thermoelectric conversion element which has improved yield and improved durability, can ensure a satisfactory level of difference in temperature between both end parts readily, can be connected to an electrode easily without inclining, and has improved mass productivity. Also disclosed is a thermoelectric conversion module comprising the thermoelectric conversion element. Specifically disclosed is a thermoelectric conversion element (2) comprising: multiple pillar-like sections (22) in each of which one end is electrically connected to a first electrode plate (32) and which are arranged at a given spacing from each other; and a joining section (21) which connects the other ends of the pillar-like sections (22) to each other and is electrically connected to a second electrode plate (31). A connection surface (21b) of the joining section (21) which is connected to the second electrode plate (31) has a larger surface area than the total surface area of end parts (22a) of the pillar-like sections (22).

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion module that uses the Seebeck effect to generate electricity or uses the Peltier effect to cool or heat, and a thermoelectric conversion element used in the thermoelectric conversion module. Background technique [0002] In the prior art, the following n-type thermoelectric conversion element is known (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-274578). A plurality of the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements are arranged between two electrodes of a thermoelectric conversion module having a pair of substrates and a pair of electrodes, one end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to one of the electrodes, and the other end is connected to the other The electrodes are electrically connected. Wherein, the pair of electrodes are respectively provided on opposite surfaces of each substrate. [0003] According to the thermoelectric conversion element d...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] In addition, since the thermoelectric conversion elements are joined to the electrodes one by one by brazing such as soldering (handatsu) or brazing (ろう付), each thermoelectric conversion element tends to incline with respect to the electrodes.

Once the thermoelectric conversion element is tilted, the thermal expansion of the element itself may cause the thermoelectric conversion element to peel off from the electrode or cause cracks on the thermoelectric conversion element

Therefore, conventional thermoelectric conversion elements have problems of poor yield and low durability.

[0007] In addition, since the thermoelectric conversion elements are connected to the electrodes one by one, it takes a lot of time to manufacture the thermoelectric conversion module and the mass productivity is low.

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