Thermoelectric module with gapless eggcrate, mfg. method thereof and use of same

• Main Authors: N. ELSNER, F.A. LEAVITT, J.C. BASS
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 28.05.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BLASTING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; ELECTRICITY; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; HEATING; LIGHTING; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; WEAPONS

A thermoelectric generator system. The thermoelectric generator has at least one hot side heat exchanger and at least one cold side heat exchanger and at least one thermoelectric module with thermoelectric elements installed in an injection molded eggcrate. The thermoelectric modules are held in close contact with the hot side heat exchanger and the cold side heat sink with a spring force. A preferred embodiment contains eight modules held in compression between the hot and cold heat exchangers with Belville springs. The eggcrate is molded from a high temperature plastic with ridges provided for extra strength and tapered walls to permit ease of installation of the thermoelectric elements and stop tabs assure correct positioning of the elements. Electrical connections at hot and cold surfaces are preferably made by thermal spraying metallize coatings on the surfaces and then surface finishing the module to expose the walls of the eggcrate.