Abstract:
A thermoelectric device (the TED) of the present invention is used as a generator application and a heat pump application. The TED transfers heat from one side of the device to the other side from cold to hot, with consumption of electrical energy. In a functioning mode of the TED, direct current runs through the TED and heat is moved from one side of the TED to another side of the TED, wherein the TED is used either for heating or for cooling applications, generation of electricity and/or transfer of heat in heating and refrigerating applications.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to a provisional application Ser. No. 61/436,090 filed on Jan. 25, 2011 and a provisional application Ser. No. 61/469,794 filed on Mar. 30, 2011 and incorporated herewith by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention pertains generally to the field of heat transfer devices, which transfers heat from one side of the device to the other side from cold to hot, with consumption of electrical energy, wherein direct current runs through the device and heat is moved from one side of the device to another side of the device, wherein the device is used either for heating or for cooling applications, generation of electricity and/or transfer of heat in heating and refrigerating applications. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The thermoelectric effect (TE) is the direct conversion of temperature differences to electric voltage and vice versa. A thermoelectric device creates a voltage when it is supplied with different temperatures on each side thereof. Conversely, when a voltage is applied to the device, it creates a temperature difference. This effect can be used, for example, to generate electricity, measure temperature, and heat or cool objects. 
         [0004]    The conversion of energy from thermal state to electrical state (the thermoelectric phenomenon) has been described in view of Seebeck effect, the Peltier effect and the Thomson effect. The Thomson effect occurs in a conductor when the ends of that conductor are at different temperatures and an electric current is flowing, generating a heating that is different than I.sup.2R heating, the difference being dependent on the magnitude and direction of the current, the temperature, and on the material. The Peltier effect describes the isothermal heat exchange that takes place at the junction of two different materials when an electrical current flows between them. The rate of development of heat is greater or less than that of I.sup.2R heating, the difference depending upon the direction and magnitude of the electric current, on the temperature, and on the two materials forming the junction. The Seebeck effect can be viewed as the sum of the Peltier and Thomson effects around a circuit loop. 
         [0005]    The Peltier effect is caused by the fact that the electron&#39;s average energy varies from material to material. Thus, when a charged carrier such as an electron or a hole crosses from one material to another, the charged carrier compensates for the energy difference by exchanging heat with the surrounding lattice. The amount of heat exchanged for a given current I across a junction is determined by the Peltier coefficient. The Peltier coefficient is negative if heat is transported by the electrons and it is positive if heat is transported by holes. 
         [0006]    Thus, when a semiconductor material is placed between a heat source and a heat sink, a favorable current flow through the semiconductor causes the heat to be extracted from the heat source and deposited on the heat sink. Applying these principles, conventional systems have been devised to provide solid state cooling, typically for electronic devices. However, conventional systems and thermoelectric modules have been inefficient in their capacity to conduct heat. 
         [0007]    Alluding to the above, in the conventional thermoelectric module, two dissimilar elements with a P-type and an N-type conductivity are interconnected by commutating copper plates and enclosed between two flat ceramic plates. The ceramic plates are made on the basis of aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride. The heat is delivered to one end and removed from the other. In the thermoelectric modules, a thermal current is interrupted by insulating layer of considerable thickness (ceramic plates based on aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride with anisotropic thermal conductivity). The thermal conductivity of the layer is significantly lower than the one that electricity conductors have. Thus, the thermal barrier created on the insulation layer prevents the seamless passage of heat through the thermoelectric semiconductor. Moreover, this layer is in contact with the adjacent surfaces, which also causes the loss of heat conductivity at the spots of the contacts. 
         [0008]    The thermoelectric modules that deploy a contact between a bus-bar and the pellets done by soldering using low active rosin fluxes with minimum ion component concentrations for enhanced corrosion resistance of modules already exist. This design however has serious complications. The soldered contact is a rigid mechanical connection. Not only does it position pellets, but it also serves as a thermoelectric conductor between a bus-bar and the pellets, and provides the structural strength of the module as a whole unit. Since the modern soldered modules operate at a significant temperature difference between their working surfaces, especially for cyclic applications, they are a subject of a thermal stress, especially at the periphery of the module. This reduces the allowable operating temperature difference, accelerates the aging process of the module (the damage and cracking of pellets) and limits the size of both the pellets and the module as a whole unit. 
         [0009]    The prior art is replete with various thermoelectric modules used in various thermoelectric applications taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,547 to Watanabe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,317 to Watanabe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,865 to Watanabe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,687,705 to Ila, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,816,601 to Carver. Some of the prior art thermoelectric modules contain the following pellets: bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) crystals (pellets) of the P- and N-types. The dimension of the crystals: cross section from 0.35×0.35 mm to 2.4×2.4 mm, height 0.3÷5 mm, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) crystals (pellets) of the P- and N-type of conductivity with metal coating for thermoelectric cooling modules. The dimension of the crystals (length, width and height)—1.4×1.4×1.6 mm, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) crystals (pellets) of the P- and N-type conductivity for thermoelectric generator modules. The dimension of the crystals: the cross section of 5×5 mm, and bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) crystals (pellets) of the P- and N-types. The dimension of the crystals: the cross-section from 0.8×0.8 mm to 2.5×2.5 mm. 
         [0010]    These small pellets that are used in the modern thermoelectric modules can be mass produced by sawing washers, derived from slabs. Due to a specific rectangular shape of the pellets and considerable width of a cut, a significant part of the thermoelectric material ends up in waste. Based on the analysis of the design, technological features and operating conditions of thermoelectric modules, the pellets are the “weakest” link in the module design due to the structural properties of thermoelectric materials based on bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), as well as compression and tension mechanical tests for the pellets. The tests showed that the samples have high structural heterogeneity based on differences in thickness and length of the grains. These differences are also observed between various areas of samples plates. There is a difference in the crystallographic orientation of grains, which can be noticed in the macro volumes, as well as the presence of the fragmentation of grains, and possibly pores between fragments. This, in turn, explains a significant spread of the mechanical characteristics of semiconductor pellets. The structural heterogeneity of the thermoelectric material and the spread of mechanical characteristics of the pellets negatively affect the operating stability and physical and mechanical properties of the pellets. As a result, the reliability of the thermoelectric module suffers significantly. 
         [0011]    Alluding to the above, numerous other prior art thermoelectric devices, both thermoelectric generators and heat pumps currently exist. Typical thermoelectric generator comprising at least one thermoelectric module with a receiving surface of the infrared radiation and whose cold side is cooled down by a liquid. A typical thermoelectric generator, comprising at least one thermoelectric module whose hot side is heated up and cold side is cooled down by a liquid. A typical thermoelectric generator, comprising at least one thermoelectric module that has thermoelectric conductors with the receiving surface of the infrared radiation and thermoelectric conductors cooled down by a gaseous medium. A heat pump comprising at least one thermoelectric module with heat exchangers, some of which are conjugated with a circuit of one heat carrier, and others—with a circuit of another heat carrier. A heat pump comprising at least one thermoelectric module with a heat exchanger conjugated with a circuit of a liquid heat carrier and another heat exchanger that is conjugated with a gaseous medium. 
         [0012]    All aforementioned generators and heat pumps have deficiencies that can be explained by the shortcoming of their thermoelectric modules that have a classical design. Therefore, there is an opportunity and a constant need for improved thermoelectric devices with increased reliability, efficiency and technological simplicity in design that will eliminate all deficiencies and drawbacks of the prior art applications and designs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    A thermoelectric assembly (the assembly) of the present invention pertains generally to the field of heat transfer devices, which transfers heat from one side of the device to the other side from cold to hot, with consumption of electrical energy, wherein direct current runs through the device and heat is moved from one side of the device to another side of the device, wherein the device is used either for heating or for cooling applications, generation of electricity and/or transfer of heat in heating and refrigerating applications. 
         [0014]    The apparatus of the present invention includes at least one frame with a plurality of rails forming a plurality of void portions. A resilient element is connected to each of the rails. A source of fluid supply is connected to the apparatus. A plurality of collectors for receiving and circulating fluid are part of the apparatus. A plurality of thermoelectric conductors of hot and cold types alternating with one another are fluidly communicated with the collectors movable with the thermoelectric conductors to receive and circulate fluid. Each thermoelectric conductor presents a wedge like configuration having a peripheral surface and a pair of inclined surfaces and a pair of side surfaces. 
         [0015]    The thermoelectric conductors are disposed inside the void portions between the rails and present a plurality of active layers of N-type conductivity and P-type conductivity. Each active layer includes a thickness being at least three times less than a length with each of the active layers positioned between and sandwiched by each of the thermoelectric conductors. Each active layer presents a core portion surrounded by an elastic element. The interconnecting layers are formed from at least one of deformable substance of electro and thermo conductivity and a solder having a melting temperature point below operating temperature and spreadable along the active layers and connected to the thermoelectric conductors. The deformable substance is further defined by a soft paste-like material spreadable along the active layers and connected to the thermoelectric conductors thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors to expand and contract relative to one another thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of the apparatus. 
         [0016]    The thermoelectric conductors are aligned in a single row presenting a channel inside each of said thermoelectric conductors exchange heat with non-electro conductive fluid circulated therethrough wherein the channels are defined by a hollow construction of each wedge with each hollow configuration of each wedge being fluidly communicated with one another wherein non-electro conductive fluid directly engages inner surface of each of the inclined surfaces and the side surfaces of each of the wedges. The collectors for receiving and circulating non-electro conductive fluid are connected with each of the thermoelectric conductors and are removably connected with one another. 
         [0017]    An advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved thermoelectric device or cluster including a plurality of thermoelectric conductors adjacent to one another with a plurality of active layers sandwiched between the thermoelectric conductors thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors to expand and contract in various functional modes. 
         [0018]    Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved thermoelectric device presenting a design of multiple thermoelectric conductors interconnected with one another unlike a unitary thermoelectric housing of prior art devices, thereby increasing efficiency of the inventive thermoelectric device by transferring the heat through the thermoelectric semiconductor avoiding any significant thermal barriers on the way of a heat flow to/from the active element sandwiched between the thermoelectric conductors. 
         [0019]    Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved thermoelectric device adaptable to keep robust operability despite the movements of its individual parts such as the thermoelectric conductors, caused by considerable temperature cyclic deformation. 
         [0020]    Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved thermoelectric device that guarantees a reliable protection to the active elements from an environmental impact and debris. 
         [0021]    Other advantages and meritorious features of this invention will be more fully understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment, the appended claims, and the drawings; a brief description of which follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a partial cross sectional view of a thermoelectric device or a cluster of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of one fragment of the thermoelectric cluster presenting at least two thermoelectric conductors presenting an active layer disposed or sandwiched between the thermoelectric conductors and surrounded by an elastic ring and a pair of connecting layers sandwiched between opposite surfaces of the active layer and the thermoelectric conductors; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  shows the general view of thermoelectric cluster; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a coaxial design of a thermoelectric cluster; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a cross sectional view of the thermoelectric cluster with six pairs of the active elements of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  shows another view of a thermoelectric set of the clusters taken from the angle of infrared heating; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  shows another view of the thermoelectric set of clusters as taken from the angle of a collector; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  shows a holding frame for the set of the clusters; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  shows flows of cooling non-electro conductive liquid in the set of clusters; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  shows a cross sectional view of a generator cluster of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of the set of the generator clusters of the second embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  shows a holding frame for a set of the clusters of the second embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  shows flows of heating non-electro conductive liquid in the set of the clusters; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  shows flows of cooling non-electro conductive liquid in the set of the clusters; 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  shows a generator cluster of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of the set of the generator clusters in the third embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  shows a cross sectional view of the set of the generator clusters of the third embodiment; 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  shows a top view of a generator cluster in a fourth embodiment; 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  shows a side view of the set of the generator clusters of the fourth embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  shows a cross sectional view of the set of the generator clusters of the fourth embodiment; 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  shows a heat pump cluster of the first embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  shows a side view of the set of heat pump clusters of the first embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 22  shows a holding frame for a set of heat pump clusters of the first embodiment; 
           [0046]      FIG. 23  shows streams of non-electro conductive liquid in a set of the clusters; 
           [0047]      FIG. 24  shows streams of cooling non-electro conductive liquid in a set of the clusters; 
           [0048]      FIG. 25  shows a heat pump cluster of the second embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 26  shows a side view of the set of heat pump clusters of the second embodiment; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 27  shows a cross sectional view of the set of heat pump clusters of the second embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts, an apparatus of the present invention is generally shown at  10 . Based on various designs and intended industrial applications, the apparatus  10  of the present invention can perform various functions. The apparatus  10  can be utilized as a generator for converting thermal energy to electrical energy and a heat pump for transferring heat from a low temperature reservoir to a higher temperature reservoir. Numerous other industrial applications may employ the design of the present apparatus  10  without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
         [0052]    The apparatus  10  includes a cluster of a combination of a plurality of active elements or layers  12 . The active layers  12  are fabricated in a shape of a washer and are positioned in the apparatus  10  in pairs of N- (negative) and P- (positive) types of conductivity thereby forming pairs or sets. The active layers  12  alternating between one another or between N- and P-type of conductivity, are elastically tightened along a plurality of guiding rails  14  extending from and mechanically engaged with a holding frame  16 . The active layers  12  are sandwiched between thermoelectric conductors  18 . The thermoelectric conductors  18  are forced against one another and connected with one another by an elastic element  20  such as spring. The shape of the guiding rails  14  of the holding frame  16  can also be defined in accordance with the specification, i.e. may be straight, curved up into a closed ring, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , or spiral. Those skilled in mechanical art will appreciate that other resilient devices can be used in order to impact and hold the thermoelectric conductors  18  against one another. Other types and configurations of the frames  16  and rails  14  can be used as well. The particular design as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3  and disclosed herewith is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, the thermoelectric elements  18  are fixed from moving in other directions with the guiding rails  14  formed of non-electro conductive material or are electrically isolated from the thermoelectric conductors  18  by insulators  22 . The peripheral thermoelectric conductors  28  presents a single contact surface and have a stop insulator  32  and also include the connection element  30  connected thereto and to the electric circuit. 
         [0053]    The thermoelectric conductors  18  are also alternating in the fashion wherein some of the thermoelectric conductors  18  are positioned to receive heat by means of direct heat exchange with hot heat carrier and transfer heat to the active layers  12 , and the other thermoelectric conductors  18  are configured to receive heat from the active layers  12  then pass it through and further by means of direct heat exchange with a cold heat carrier. The hot heat carrier can be presented by infrared radiation, vapor-gaseous medium, non-electro conductive fluid. The cold heat carrier can be presented by vapor-gaseous medium, non-electro conductive fluid. Another important aspect of the present invention, as best illustrated in  FIG. 1A , are interconnecting layers  24  or thermoelectric sliding contacts. The interconnecting layer  24  is sandwiched between opposite surfaces of each active layer  12  and the thermoelectric conductors  18 . The interconnecting layers  24  are formed from at least one of deformable substance of electro and thermo conductivity and a solder having a melting temperature point below operating temperature thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of said apparatus  10  wherein the solder transforms between a deformable stage and a solid stage. The deformable substance is further defined by a soft paste-like material spreadable along the active layers  12  and connected to the thermoelectric conductors  18  thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors  18  to expand and contract relative to one another. Other connecting method may be used with the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. The active layers  12  formed in a shape of a washer. The active layer  12  may present circular configuration and a non-circular configuration without limiting the scope of the present invention. The thickness may be even smaller as a thin film and may be less than 0.1  MM.  The thickness will depend upon various thermo-environments as applied to the active layer  12 . For example, the thinner is the thickness of the active layer  12  then less of expensive thermoelectric materials will be used in application and production of the active layer  12 . 
         [0054]    The active layers  12  are surrounded by a resilient element such as, for example, O-ring  26 , to protect the active layers  12  and the sliding contact or interconnecting layer  24  from the external conditions, impacts, debris, fluids, etc. The positioning protective element, such the O-ring  26 , is made in a shape of a silicone ring and placed in depressions or grooves defined in each thermoelectric conductor  18 . The thermoelectric conductors  18  are formed from any type of thermo and electro conductive material having properties that are not affected by temperature of heat and electrical current going therethrough thereby providing the thermoelectric conductors  18  that are non destructible and able to function under all thermal conditions. 
         [0055]      FIG. 4-8  shows generator of a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 4 through 8 , wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts, an apparatus of the present invention is generally shown at  10 . Based on various designs and intended industrial applications, the apparatus  10  of the present invention can perform various functions. Numerous other industrial applications may employ the design of the present apparatus  10  without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
         [0056]    The apparatus  10  includes a cluster of a combination of a plurality of active elements or layers  12 . The active layers  12  are fabricated in a shape of a washer and are positioned in the apparatus  10  in pairs of N- (negative) and P- (positive) types of conductivity thereby forming pairs or sets. The active layers  12  alternating between one another or between N- and P-type of conductivity, are elastically tightened along a plurality of guiding rails  14  extending from and mechanically engaged with a holding frame  16 . The active layers  12  are sandwiched between thermoelectric conductors  18 . The thermoelectric conductors  18  are forced against one another and connected with one another by an elastic element  20  such as spring. The shape of the guiding rails  14  of the holding frame  16  is straight. Other types and configurations of the frames  16  and rails  14  can be used as well. The particular design as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 8  and disclosed herewith is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, the thermoelectric elements  18  are fixed from moving in other directions with the guiding rails  14  formed of stainless steel and are electrically isolated from the thermoelectric conductors  18  by insulators  22 . 
         [0057]    The thermoelectric conductors  18  are also alternating in the fashion wherein some of the thermoelectric conductors  18  are positioned to receive heat by means of direct heat exchange with hot heat carrier and transfer heat to the active layers  12 , and the other thermoelectric conductors  18  are configured to receive heat from the active layers  12  then pass it through and further by means of direct heat exchange with cold heat carrier. In apparatus  10 , the hot heat carrier is presented by infrared radiation. The cold heat carrier is presented by non-electro conductive liquid. Another important aspect of the present invention, as best illustrated in  FIG. 1A , is an interconnecting layers  24  or thermoelectric sliding contacts. The interconnecting layer  24  is sandwiched between opposite surfaces of each active layer  12  and the thermoelectric conductors  18 . The interconnecting layers  24  are formed from at least one of deformable substance of electro and thermo conductivity and a solder having a melting temperature point below operating temperature thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of said apparatus  10  wherein the solder transforms between a deformable stage and a solid stage. The deformable substance is further defined by a soft paste-like material spreadable along the active layers  12  and connected to the thermoelectric conductors  18  thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors  18  to expand and contract relative to one another. Other connecting method may be used with the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. The active layers  12  formed in a shape of a washer. The active layer  12  may present circular configuration and a non-circular configuration without limiting the scope of the present invention. The thickness may be even smaller as a thin film and may be less than 0.1  MM.  The thickness will depend upon various thermo-environments as applied to the active layer  12 . For example, the thinner is the thickness of the active layer  12  then less of expensive thermoelectric materials will be used in application and production of the active layer  12 . The peripheral thermoelectric conductors  28  present a single contact surface and have a stop insulator  32 . 
         [0058]    The active layers  12  are surrounded by a resilient element such as, for example, O-ring  26 , to protect the active layers  12  and the sliding contact or interconnecting layer  24  from the external conditions, impacts, debris, fluids, etc. The positioning protective element, such the O-ring  26 , is made in a shape of a silicone ring and placed in depressions or grooves defined in each thermoelectric conductor  18 . 
         [0059]    Alluding to the above, the receiving thermoelectric conductors  18 , positioned on one side of the apparatus  10 , are made as a whole piece out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. All receiving thermoelectric conductors  18  have nielloed surface for receiving the infrared radiation. This design eliminates electrical contact between adjacent thermoelectric conductors  18  and provides a continuous closure of the infrared radiation reception area, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . All so called giving thermoelectric conductors  18 , positioned on the other side of the apparatus  10 , are also made out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. At the same time, they are made hollow to allow the circulation of cooling non-electro conductive liquid. Every giving thermoelectric conductor  18  is supplemented with a segment of a collector  34 , made out of a non-electro conductive material, to form a channel for a liquid flow. The segments of the collector  34  are removably interconnected with the apparatus  10 . A pair of periphery or terminal segments of the collector  36  conduct electricity and include the connection element  30  connected thereto and to the electric circuit. 
         [0060]    The thermoelectric conductors  18  are aligned in a single row presenting a channel inside each of the thermoelectric conductors  18  and are cooled by non-electro conductive fluid circulated therethrough. The channels are defined by a hollow configuration of each wedge with each hollow configuration of each of the wedges being fluidly communicated with one another wherein non-electro conductive fluid directly thermally engages inner surface of each the inclined surfaces and side surfaces of each of the wedges thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of the apparatus  10 . The collector  34  for receiving and circulating non-electro conductive fluid are connected with each of the thermoelectric conductors  18  and each of the collectors  34  are removably connected with one another. The thermoelectric conductors  18  are further defined by heat thermoelectric conductors and cold thermoelectric conductors wherein the cold thermoelectric conductors are alternated with the heat thermoelectric conductors thereby defining a cold side of the apparatus  10  and a heat side of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0061]    When assembled in groups, the thermoelectric conductors  18  and the active layers  12  are connected in the successive circuit by electricity conductive bridges  40  and are aligned in such a way that the direction of electric current in the adjacent group are mutually opposite, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The guiding rails  14  of all the groups are strait, made of stainless steel and integrated into the holding frame  16 . Here, each thermoelectric conductor  18  is isolated from the guiding rails  14  by the ceramic insulator  22  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0062]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , arrows  42  show flows of cooling non-electro conductive liquid into the groups or clusters comprising the thermoelectric conductors  18  and the active layers  12 . Arrows  44  show flows of cooling non-electro conductive liquid in the groups of collectors  46 , flexibly interconnected in the groups by three. The non-electro conductive liquid that is heated by the giving thermoelectric conductors  18  is cooled down by discharging into the atmosphere through two radiators with forced blow by two fans (not illustrated). The circulation of fluid is executed by an electric pump. Additionally, the device has a case, an expansion tank, a plug load, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a heat indicator and an overload indicator. 
         [0063]    Referring no to  FIG. 9 , a generator of the second alternative embodiment is generally shown at  200 . The generator  200  includes six clusters including six pairs of the thermoelectric conductors  218  and the active layers  212 . The thermoelectric conductors  218  are alternating in the fashion wherein some of the thermoelectric conductors  18  are positioned to receive heat by means of direct heat exchange with a hot heat carrier and transfer heat to the active layers  12 , and the other thermoelectric conductors  18  are configured to receive heat from the active layers  12  then pass it through and further by means of direct heat exchange with a cold heat carrier. In apparatus  200 , the hot heat carrier is presented by non-electro conductive fluid. The cold heat carrier is presented by non-electro conductive fluid. Similar to the apparatus  10 , the receiving thermoelectric conductors  218  are made out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. All receiving thermoelectric conductors  218  include a hollow body to allow the circulation of heating non-electro conductive liquid inside the conductors  218 . Every receiving thermoelectric conductor  218  is supplemented with a segment of the collector  234 , made out of a non-electro conductive material, to form a channel for a liquid flow. The segments of the collector  234  are flexibly interconnected in a set for the entire group of the thermoelectric conductors  218  and the active layers  212 . Similarly, the giving thermoelectric conductors  218  are also made out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. At the same time, these thermoelectric conductors  218  present a hollow configuration in order to allow the circulation of cooling non-electro conductive liquid inside these thermoelectric conductors  218 . The peripheral thermoelectric conductors  228  present a single contact surface and have a stop insulator  232 . Every giving thermoelectric conductor  218  is supplemented with the segment of the collector  234 , made out of a non-electro conductive material, to form a channel for a liquid flow. The segments of the collector  234  are flexibly interconnected in a set for the entire group of the thermoelectric conductors  218  and the active layers  212 . Periphery segments of the collector  236  conduct electricity and possess the connection element  230  to the electric circuit. 
         [0064]    The interconnecting layer  224  is sandwiched between opposite surfaces of each active layer  212  and the thermoelectric conductors  218 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The layers  224  are connected to the active layers  212  and the thermoelectric conductors  218 . The interconnecting layers  224  are formed from at least one of deformable substance of electro and thermo conductivity and a solder having a melting temperature point below operating temperature thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of the apparatus  200 . The deformable substance is further defined by a soft paste-like material spreadable along the active layers  212  and connected to the thermoelectric conductors  218  thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors  218  to expand and contract relative to one another. Other connecting method may be used with the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. The active layers  212  are formed in a shape of a washer have a diameter of 23 mm and a thickness of 1.55 mm. The thickness may be even smaller as a thin film and may be less than 0.1 mm. The thickness will depend upon various thermo-environments as applied to the active layer  212 . For example, the thinner is the thickness of the active layer  212  then less of expensive thermoelectric materials will be used in application and production of the active layer  212 . The active layers  212  are manufactured out of bismuth telluride obtained by powder metallurgical technique. To obtain the sliding contact  224  between the active layers  212  and the thermoelectric conductors  218 , an alloy Rose with a melting point of 90 degrees Celsius is used. As the thermoelectric conductors  218  are flexibly pressed against the active layers  212 , the elastic element  220 , including six springs. Various other springs with different forces may be applied herewith without limiting the scope of the present invention and can be used based on rigidity of the thermoelectric materials. 
         [0065]    The active layers  212  are surrounded by a resilient element such as, for example, O-ring  226 , to protect the active layers  212  and the sliding contact or interconnecting layer  224  from the external conditions, impacts, debris, fluids, etc. The positioning protective element, such the O-ring  226 , is made in a shape of a silicone ring and placed in depressions or grooves defined in each thermoelectric conductor  218 . 
         [0066]    The hollow configuration of the receiving thermoelectric conductors  218  are conjugated with heated non-electro conductive fluid collectors  234  and the hollow configuration of the giving thermoelectric conductors  218  are conjugated with cold non-electro conductive collectors  234 . The device consists of six groups or clusters positioned side by side to each other so that the hot side of all the clusters points in one direction and the cold side points in the opposite direction, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . When assembled in groups, the thermoelectric conductors  218  and the active layers  212  are connected in the successive circuit by electricity conductive bridges  240  and are aligned in such a way that the direction of electric current in the adjacent group are mutually opposite but other orientations may be used without limiting the scope of the present invention. The guiding rails  214  of all the groups are strait, made of stainless steel and integrated into the holding frame  216 . Here, each thermoelectric conductor  218  is isolated from the guiding rails  214  by the ceramic insulator  222 . 
         [0067]    On  FIG. 12 , arrows  242  show the flow of heating non-electro conductive liquid in clusters. Arrows  244  show the flow of heating non-electro conductive liquid in the groups of uniting collectors  246 , flexibly interconnected in the groups by three. On  FIG. 13 , arrow&#39;s  242  show the flow of cooling non-electro conductive liquid in the group or the clusters. Arrows  244  show the flow of cooling non-electro conductive liquid in the groups of uniting collectors  246 , flexibly interconnected in the groups by three. The non-electro conductive liquid that is heated by the giving thermoelectric conductors is cooled down by discharging into the atmosphere through two radiators with forced blow by two fans. The circulation of cooling and heating fluids is executed by electric pumps. Additionally, the device has a case, an expansion tank, a plug load, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a heat indicator and an overload indicator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other components may be used without limiting the scope of the present invention. The components such as the aforementioned case, the expansion tank, the plug load, the ammeter, the voltmeter, the heat indicator and the overload indicator are used here with for exemplary purposes as one of the components to be used without any intent to limit the application of the present invention. 
         [0068]      FIG. 14 ,  15 ,  16  shows a third alternative embodiment of the generator, generally shown at  300 , is formed in to a circular closed ring. A third alternative embodiment of the generator includes at least one thermoelectric cluster that has thermoelectric conductors  318  heated up and cooled down by a liquid heat carriers and conductors that are respectively cooled down and heated up by a gas medium. Similar to the apparatus  10 , the inner thermoelectric conductors  318  are made out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. All inner thermoelectric conductors  318  directly contacting with the fluid include a hollow body to allow the circulation of thermo exchanging non-electro conductive liquid inside the inner thermoelectric conductors  318 . Every inner thermoelectric conductor  318  is supplemented with a segment of the collector  334 , made out of a non-electro conductive material, to form a channel for a liquid flow. The material for the collector  334  must preserve the structural strength qualities while the heating liquid gets in contact with the collector. Ceramics, for example, can be used. The segments of the collector  334  are flexibly interconnected in a set for the entire group of the inner thermoelectric conductors  318  and the active layers  312 . The outer thermoelectric conductors  318  are fabricated from aluminum alloys by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. At the same time, these outer thermoelectric conductors  318  present shape of wedges that are in contact with the gaseous medium are finned for better interaction with the medium. Periphery thermoelectric conductors  328  include a terminal isolator  332  and possess the connection element  330  to the electric circuit. 
         [0069]    The thermoelectric conductors  318  are also alternating in the fashion wherein some of the thermoelectric conductors  318  are positioned to receive heat and transfer heat to the active layers  312 , and the other thermoelectric conductors  318  are configured to receive heat from the active layers  312  and then pass it through and further. The interconnecting layer  324  is formed from electro and thermo conductive material and formed from at least one deformable substance of electro and thermo conductivity and a solder having a melting temperature point below operating temperature thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of the apparatus  300 . The deformable substance is further defined by a soft paste-like material spreadable along the active layers  312  and connected to the thermoelectric conductors  318  thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors  318  to expand and contract relative to one another. Other connecting method may be used with the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. The active layers  312  are formed in a shape of a washer have a diameter of 23 mm and a thickness of 1.55 mm. The active layers  312  are manufactured out of bismuth telluride obtained by powder metallurgical technique. To obtain the sliding contact  324  between the active layers  312  and the thermoelectric conductors  318 , an alloy Rose with a melting point of 90 degrees Celsius is used. As the thermoelectric conductors  318  are flexibly pressed against the active layers  312 , the elastic element  320 , including six springs. 
         [0070]    The active layers  312  are surrounded by a resilient element such as, for example, O-ring  326 , to protect the active layers  312  and the sliding contact or interconnecting layer  324  from the external conditions, impacts, debris, fluids, etc. The positioning protective element, such the O-ring  326 , is made in a shape of a silicone ring and placed in depressions or grooves defined in each thermoelectric conductor  318 . 
         [0071]    On  FIG. 16 , arrows  342  show the flow of non-electro conductive liquid in clusters. Arrows  344  show the flow of non-electro conductive liquid in the uniting collectors  346 . The device is designed is such a way that the direction of a heat flow can be reversed without losing the functionality of the device, i.e. receiving and giving thermoelectric conductors can swap roles. In this case, the polarity of the generated voltage will reverse. Additionally, the device has a case, an expansion tank, a plug load, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a heat indicator and an overload indicator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other components may be used without limiting the scope of the present invention. The components such as the aforementioned case, the expansion tank, the plug load, the ammeter, the voltmeter, the heat indicator and the overload indicator are used here with for exemplary purposes as one of the components to be used without any intent to limit the application of the present invention. 
         [0072]      FIG. 17  illustrates a fourth embodiment, generally shown at  400 . There are fifteen pair of active layers  412  mounted on two guiding rails  414  that have the shape of a circular closed ring. The thermoelectric conductors  418  are also alternating in the fashion wherein some of the thermoelectric conductors  418  are positioned to receive heat by means of direct heat exchange with a hot heat carrier and transfer heat to the active layers  412 , and the other thermoelectric conductors  418  are configured to receive heat from the active layers  412  then pass it through and further by means of direct heat exchange with a cold heat carrier. The hot heat carrier is presented by infrared radiation. The cold heat carrier is presented by vapor-gaseous medium. The inner receiving thermoelectric conductors  418  are made out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. The outer giving thermoelectric conductors  418  are fabricated from aluminum alloys by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. At the same time, these outer giving thermoelectric conductors  418  present shape of wedges that are in contact with the gaseous medium are finned for better interaction with the medium. Periphery thermoelectric conductors  428  include a terminal isolator  432  and possess the connection element  430  to the electric circuit. 
         [0073]    The thermoelectric conductors  418  are flexibly pressed against the active layers  412  by the elastic element  420  including of one spring. The thermoelectric conductors  418  are also alternating in the fashion wherein some of the thermoelectric conductors  418  are positioned to receive heat and transfer heat to the active layers  412 , and the other thermoelectric conductors  418  are configured to receive heat from the active layers  412  and then pass it through and further. The interconnecting layer  424  is formed from electro and thermo conductive material and formed from at least one of deformable substance of electro and thermo conductivity and a solder having a melting temperature point below operating temperature thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of the apparatus  400 . The deformable substance is further defined by a soft paste-like material spreadable along the active layers  412  and connected to the thermoelectric conductors  418  thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors  418  to expand and contract relative to one another. Other connecting method may be used with the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. The active layers  412  are formed in a shape of a washer have a diameter of 23 mm and a thickness of 1.55 mm. The active layers  412  are manufactured out of bismuth telluride obtained by powder metallurgical technique. To obtain the sliding contact  424  between the active layers  412  and the thermoelectric conductors  418 , an alloy Rose with a melting point of 90 degrees Celsius is used. As the thermoelectric conductors  418  are flexibly pressed against the active layers  412 , the elastic element  420 , such as spring. 
         [0074]    The active layers  412  are surrounded by a resilient element such as, for example, O-ring  426 , to protect the active layers  412  and the sliding contact or interconnecting layer  424  from the external conditions, impacts, debris, fluids, etc. The positioning protective element, such the O-ring  426 , is made in a shape of a silicone ring and placed in depressions or grooves defined in each thermoelectric conductor  418 . 
         [0075]    The device consists of six identical clusters positioned one above the other forming a single cylindrical surface for reception of infrared radiation inside themselves, as shown in  FIG. 18 . When assembled in groups, the thermoelectric conductors  418  and the active layers  412  are connected in the successive circuit by electricity conductive bridges  440 . The source of the infrared radiation is an infrared finger burner. The axis of the burner coincides with the one of all the Clusters. 
         [0076]    Referring no to  FIGS. 20-24 , a heat pump of a first embodiment is generally shown at  500 . The heat pump  500  includes six clusters including six pairs of the thermoelectric conductors  518  and the active layers  512 . The thermoelectric conductors  518  are alternating in the fashion wherein some of the thermoelectric conductors  518  are positioned to receive heat by means of direct heat exchange with a hot heat carrier and transfer heat to the active layers  512 , and the other thermoelectric conductors  518  are configured to receive heat from the active layers  512  then pass it through and further by means of direct heat exchange with a cold heat carrier. In apparatus  500 , the hot heat carrier is presented by non-electro conductive fluid. The cold heat carrier is presented by non-electro conductive fluid. Similar to the apparatus  10 , the receiving thermoelectric conductors  518  are made out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. All receiving thermoelectric conductors  518  include a hollow body to allow the circulation of heating non-electro conductive liquid inside the conductors  518 . Every receiving thermoelectric conductor  518  is supplemented with a segment of the collector  534 , made out of a non-electro conductive material, to form a channel for a liquid flow. The segments of the collector  534  are flexibly interconnected in a set for the entire group of the thermoelectric conductors  518  and the active layers  512 . Similarly, the giving thermoelectric conductors  518  are also made out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. At the same time, these thermoelectric conductors  518  present a hollow configuration in order to allow the circulation of cooling non-electro conductive liquid inside these thermoelectric conductors  518 . The peripheral thermoelectric conductors  528  present a single contact surface and have a stop insulator  532 . 
         [0077]    Every giving thermoelectric conductor  518  is supplemented with the segment of the collector  534 , made out of a non-electro conductive material, to form a channel for a liquid flow. The segments of the collector  534  are flexibly interconnected in a set for the entire group of the thermoelectric conductors  518  and the active layers  512 . Periphery segments of the collector  536  conduct electricity and possess the connection element  530  to the electric circuit. 
         [0078]    The interconnecting layer  524  is sandwiched between opposite surfaces of each active layer  512  and the thermoelectric conductors  518 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The layers  524  are connected to the active layers  512  and the thermoelectric conductors  518 . The interconnecting layers  524  are formed from at least one of deformable substance of electro and thermo conductivity and a solder having a melting temperature point below operating temperature thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of the apparatus  500 . The deformable substance is further defined by a soft paste-like material spreadable along the active layers  512  and connected to the thermoelectric conductors  518  thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors  518  to expand and contract relative to one another. Other connecting method may be used with the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. The active layers  512  are formed in a shape of a washer have a diameter of 23 mm and a thickness of 1.55 mm. The thickness may be even smaller as a thin film and may be less than 0.1 mm. The thickness will depend upon various thermo-environments as applied to the active layer  512 . For example, the thinner is the thickness of the active layer  512  then less of expensive thermoelectric materials will be used in application and production of the active layer  512 . The active layers  512  are manufactured out of bismuth telluride obtained by powder metallurgical technique. To produce the sliding contact  524  between the active layers  512  and the thermoelectric conductors  518  electricity conductive paste UVS (Universal High electroconductive lubricant) “Superkont” produced by OOO “Bers”, Ekaterinburg is used (http://www.smazelektro.ru/supercont.html). As the thermoelectric conductors  518  are flexibly pressed against the active layers  512 , the elastic element  520  such as spring. Various other springs with different forces may be applied herewith without limiting the scope of the present invention and can be used based on rigidity of the thermoelectric materials. 
         [0079]    The active layers  512  are surrounded by a resilient element such as, for example, O-ring  526 , to protect the active layers  512  and the sliding contact or interconnecting layer  524  from the external conditions, impacts, debris, fluids, etc. The positioning protective element, such the O-ring  526 , is made in a shape of a silicone ring and placed in depressions or grooves defined in each thermoelectric conductor  518 . 
         [0080]    The hollow configuration of the receiving thermoelectric conductors  518  are conjugated with heated non-electro conductive fluid collectors  534  and the hollow configuration of the giving thermoelectric conductors  518  are conjugated with cold non-electro conductive collectors  534 . The device consists of six groups or clusters positioned side by side to each other so that the hot side of all the clusters points in one direction and the cold side points in the opposite direction, as illustrated in  FIGS. 20-24 . When assembled in groups, the thermoelectric conductors  518  and the active layers  512  are connected in the successive circuit by electricity conductive bridges  540  and are aligned in such a way that the direction of electric current in the adjacent group are mutually opposite but other orientations may be used without limiting the scope of the present invention. The guiding rails  514  of all the groups are strait, made of stainless steel and integrated into the holding frame  516 . Here, each thermoelectric conductor  518  is isolated from the guiding rails  514  by the ceramic insulator  522 . 
         [0081]    On  FIG. 23 , arrows  542  show the flow of heating non-electro conductive liquid in Clusters. Arrows  544  show the flow of heating non-electro conductive liquid in the groups of uniting collectors  546 , flexibly interconnected in the groups by three. On  FIG. 24 , arrows  542  show the flow of cooling non-electro conductive liquid in the group or the clusters. Arrows  544  show the flow of cooling non-electro conductive liquid in the groups of uniting collectors  546 , flexibly interconnected in the groups by three. 
         [0082]    Cooling of the heated non-electro conductive liquid is done by releasing heat into the atmosphere through two radiators with forced blow by two fans. Heating of the cooled non-electro conductive liquid is done by taking away the heat from the closed space through a heat exchanger. Thus, there is a targeted cooling of a closed space. If necessary, the polarity of the electrical terminals can be reversed in order to heat this closed space. The circulation of both liquids is executed by an electric pump. Additionally, the device has a case, expansion tanks, and an operation control system of the heat pump. The device can stabilize the temperature in a closed thermo-insulated space where the installed equipment emits heat at a variable rate whereas the temperature outside varies as well. The components such as the aforementioned case, the expansion tanks, an operation control system of the heat pump are used here with for exemplary purposes as one of the components to be used without any intent to limit the application of the present invention. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 25-27  show a second alternative embodiment of the heat pump, generally shown at  600 , is formed in to a circular closed ring. A second alternative embodiment of the heat pump includes at least one thermoelectric cluster that has thermoelectric conductors  618  heated up and cooled down by a liquid heat carriers and conductors that are respectively cooled down and heated up by a gas medium. Similar to the apparatus  10 , the inner thermoelectric conductors  618  are made out of bronze by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. All inner thermoelectric conductors  618  directly contacting with the fluid include a hollow body to allow the circulation of thermo exchanging non-electro conductive liquid inside the inner thermoelectric conductors  618 . Every inner thermoelectric conductor  618  is supplemented with a segment of the collector  634 , made out of a non-electro conductive material, to form a channel for a liquid flow. The material for the collector  634  must preserve the structural strength qualities while the heating liquid gets in contact with the collector. Ceramics, for example, can be used. The segments of the collector  634  are flexibly interconnected in a set for the entire group of the inner thermoelectric conductors  618  and the active layers  612 . The outer thermoelectric conductors  618  are fabricated from aluminum alloys by a method of casting with moldable models followed by machining the contact surfaces. At the same time, these outer thermoelectric conductors  618  present shape of wedges that are in contact with the gaseous medium are finned for better interaction with the medium. Periphery thermoelectric conductors  628  include a terminal isolator  632  and possess the connection element  630  to the electric circuit. 
         [0084]    The thermoelectric conductors  618  are also alternating in the fashion wherein some of the thermoelectric conductors  618  are positioned to receive heat and transfer heat to the active layers  612 , and the other thermoelectric conductors  618  are configured to receive heat from the active layers  612  and then pass it through and further. The interconnecting layer  624  is formed from electro and thermo conductive material and formed from at least one deformable substance of electro and thermo conductivity and a solder having a melting temperature point below operating temperature thereby improving effectiveness and extending lifespan of the apparatus  600 . The deformable substance is further defined by a soft paste-like material spreadable along the active layers  612  and connected to the thermoelectric conductors  618  thereby allowing the thermoelectric conductors  618  to expand and contract relative to one another. Other connecting method may be used with the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. The active layers  612  are formed in a shape of a washer have a diameter of 23 mm and a thickness of 1.55 mm. The active layers  612  are manufactured out of bismuth telluride obtained by powder metallurgical technique. To produce the sliding contact  624  between the active layers  612  and the thermoelectric conductors  618  electricity conductive paste UVS (Universal High electroconductive lubricant) “Superkont” produced by OOO “Berl”, Ekaterinburg is used (http://www.smazelektro.ru/supercont.html). As the thermoelectric conductors  618  are flexibly pressed against the active layers  612 , the elastic element  620  such as spring. 
         [0085]    The active layers  612  are surrounded by a resilient element such as, for example, O-ring  626 , to protect the active layers  612  and the sliding contact or interconnecting layer  624  from the external conditions, impacts, debris, fluids, etc. The positioning protective element, such the O-ring  626 , is made in a shape of a silicone ring and placed in depressions or grooves defined in each thermoelectric conductor  618 . 
         [0086]    On  FIG. 27 , arrows  642  show the flow of non-electro conductive liquid in clusters. Arrows  644  show the flow of non-electro conductive liquid in the uniting collectors  646 . The device is designed is such a way that the direction of a heat flow can be reversed without losing the functionality of the device, i.e. receiving and giving thermoelectric conductors can swap roles. In this case, the polarity of the generated voltage will reverse. Additionally, the device has a case, an expansion tank, a plug load, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a heat indicator and an overload indicator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other components may be used without limiting the scope of the present invention. The components such as the aforementioned case, the expansion tank, the plug load, the ammeter, the voltmeter, the heat indicator and the overload indicator are used here with for exemplary purposes as one of the components to be used without any intent to limit the application of the present invention. 
         [0087]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.