Thermoelectric devices including thermoelectric elements having off-set metal pads and related structures, methods, and systems

US8525016B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Nextreme Thermal Solutions, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Philip A. Deane · Durham, US
• Ramaswamy Mahadevan · Chapel Hill, US
• Edward P. Siivola · Raleigh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 25, 2010
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2013
• Expiry date: Sep 5, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N10/17

Abstract

A thermoelectric device may include a thermoelectric element including a layer of a thermoelectric material and having opposing first and second surfaces. A first metal pad may be provided on the first surface of the thermoelectric element, and a second metal pad may be provided on the second surface of the thermoelectric element. In addition, the first and second metal pads may be off-set in a direction parallel with respect to the first and second surfaces of the thermoelectric element. Related methods are also discussed.