Thermoelectric module and method of controlling a thermoelectric module

An electronic timepiece with a thermoelectric module, comprising:

• a first thermoelectric element for generating an electromotive force in response to a temperature difference thereacross;
• a second thermoelectric element for generating an electromotive force in response to a temperature difference thereacross;
• a switching circuit for switching an electrical connection between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element between a series connection and a parallel connection;
• a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage of the second thermoelectric element and controlling the switching circuit in accordance therewith;
• a storage battery circuit electrically connected to the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element via the switching circuit for storing electricity utilizing the electromotive forces generated by the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element;
• an oscillation circuit connected to be driven by electrical energy stored in the storage battery circuit;
• a dividing circuit for frequency-dividing a signal output by the oscillation circuit;
• a time counting circuit for counting time based on an output signal from the dividing circuit;
• and a display mechanism for displaying time information counted by the time counting circuit.

A thermoelectric module comprising:

• a first thermoelectric element for generating an electromotive force in response to a temperature difference thereacross;
• a second thermoelectric element for generating an electromotive force in response to a temperature difference thereacross;
• a switching circuit for alternately connecting the first and second thermoelectric elements in one of a series connection and a parallel connection;
• a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage output by at least one of the interconnected thermoelectric elements;
• a control circuit for controlling the switching circuit in accordance with the detected voltage;
• and an energy storage circuit including an energy storage element for storing energy generated by the first and second thermoelectric elements.

A thermoelectric module comprising:

• a plurality of thermoelectric elements each for generating an electromotive force in response to a temperature difference thereacross;
• a switching circuit for electrically connecting two or more of the thermoelectric elements in one of a series connection and a parallel connection;
• a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage output by at least one of the interconnected thermoelectric elements;
• a control circuit for controlling the switching circuit in accordance with the detected voltage;
• and an energy storage circuit including an energy storage element for storing energy generated by the first and second thermoelectric elements.