Thermoelectric devices having improved elements and element

Abstract

A new and improved thermoelectric device and a method of manufacturing same takes advantage of the anisotropy of the materials employed to provide a substantially increased power output over prior art devices. The individual thermoelectric elements are pressed using techniques such as those employed in powdered metallurgy and electrically coupled such that a current path is established through the elements in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of pressing. The method and device of the present invention also achieve a substantially thinner device than was previously possible with no concomitant sacrifice in individual thermoelectric element integrity or increased resistance of the electrical connections between the individual thermoelectric elements. The individual thermoelectric elements are dimensioned such that each has a first dimension substantially greater than either its second or third dimensions. The individual elements are then electrically connected to one another in series along their first, greater dimensions so that the relationship between the length, cross-sectional area and resistivity of the electrical connections can be optimized.