Power generation method using thermoelectric element, thermoelectric element and fabrication method thereof, and thermoelectric device

US7601909B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORPORATION · JP

Inventors

• Tsutomu Kanno · Kyoto, JP
• Hideaki Adachi · Osaka, JP
• Satoshi Yotsuhashi · Osaka, JP

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 14, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 13, 2009
• Expiry date: Mar 1, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49112

Abstract

The invention provides a power generation method using a thermoelectric element, a thermoelectric element, and a thermoelectric device that excel in thermoelectric performance and are applicable to a wider range of applications over conventional counterparts. The element includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are disposed to oppose each other, and a laminate interposed between the first and second electrodes and electrically connected to both of the electrodes. The laminate has a structure in which a Bi layer and a metal layer made of a metal other than Bi are alternately layered, and the Bi layer and the metal layer having layer surfaces that are slanted with respect to a direction in which the first and second electrodes oppose each other. The element generates a potential difference between the electrodes by a temperature difference created along a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the first and second electrodes in the element. The power generation method and the thermoelectric device use this element.