Patent ID: 8940571
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A thermoelectric conversion element comprising: p-type semiconductor blocks and n-type semiconductor blocks alternately arranged in a first direction; a plurality of electrodes connecting the p-type semiconductor blocks and the n-type semiconductor blocks to each other; and a pair of heat transfer plates arranged to hold the p-type semiconductor blocks and the n- type semiconductor blocks therebetween in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of electrodes is arranged between upper or lower portions of wall surfaces of the p-type semiconductor blocks and the n-type semiconductor blocks adjacent to each other, the wall surface of the p-type semiconductor block and the wall surface of the n-type semiconductor block facing each other, and the electrode being arranged only between the wall surface of the p-type semiconductor block and the wall surface of the n-type semiconductor block, an air gap is formed between the wall surface of the p-type semiconductor block and the wall surface of the n-type semiconductor block, the plurality of electrodes are arranged to allow a current to flow through the p-type semiconductor blocks and the n-type semiconductor blocks in the second direction, and a longitudinal direction of the p-type semiconductor blocks and the n-type semiconductor blocks coincides with a longitudinal direction of the electrodes, and an arrangement direction of the p-type semiconductor blocks and the n-type semiconductor blocks is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the electrodes.