Process for producing high performance thermoelectric modules

Abstract

A method for cost-effectively producing thermoelectric elements and thermoelectric modules with a multitude of thermoelectric couples is disclosed. This method makes the fabrication of very small size thermoelectric elements and miniaturized, compact, powerful thermoelectric modules possible. Methods of the present invention can be also used to fabricate integrated thermoelectric modules in electrical or other devices. The invented method is based on an additive technology using thermoelectric pastes and a patternable insulator layer. Layers of conductive traces are first fabricated on the two insulating planes. A patternable insulator layer is formed and filled with P- and N-type thermoelectric pastes. The thermoelectric elements are formed during the curing or sintering of the thermoelectric pastes. Sizes and positions of the thermoelectric elements are defined by the patterned insulator layer. Thermoelectric modules are obtained by electrically connecting the P- and N-type thermoelectric elements through the electrical conductive traces on the two insulating planes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.