Title:
THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT AND THERMOELECTRIC MODULE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/149063
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Disclosed are a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric module whereby sudden temperature changes are minimized, thereby minimizing the formation of cracks. Said thermoelectric element (10) comprises a columnar body (1) comprising a thermoelectric material, the horizontal cross-section of which is a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon with rounded corners. In cross-section, a protrusion (2) is formed on at least part of a side of said columnar body. As a result, the flow of current inside the thermoelectric element (10) is perturbed, and it takes time for the potential difference along the length of the thermoelectric element (10) to become uniform across the entire horizontal cross-section thereof. This minimizes sudden temperature changes inside the thermoelectric element upon startup, thereby minimizing the formation of cracks therein.
Inventors:
SUZUMURA,Akihiro (Kagoshima Kokubu Plant 1-1, Kokubuyamashita-cho, Kirishima-sh, Kagoshima 96, 〒8994396, JP)
Application Number:
JP2011/062241
Publication Date:
December 01, 2011
Filing Date:
May 27, 2011
Export Citation:
Assignee:
KYOCERA CORPORATION (6 Takeda Tobadono-cho, Fushimi-ku Kyoto-sh, Kyoto 01, 〒6128501, JP)
京セラ株式会社 (〒01 京都府京都市伏見区竹田鳥羽殿町６番地 Kyoto, 〒6128501, JP)
京セラ株式会社 (〒01 京都府京都市伏見区竹田鳥羽殿町６番地 Kyoto, 〒6128501, JP)
International Classes:
H01L35/32; H01L35/16; H01L35/34; H02N11/00
Claims: