A thermoelectric module may include a plurality of thermoelectric elements, a first side wall connected to a plurality of first conductor bridges in a thermally conductive manner, a second side all connected to a plurality of second conductor bridges in a thermally conductive manner, and at least one liquid metal layer disposed between the first conductor bridges and an outer side of the first side wall. The at least one liquid metal layer may face away from the first conductor bridges, and at least one spacer may be arranged in the at least one liquid metal layer. The thermoelectric elements may be electrically interconnected to and extend between the first and second conductor bridges.

A thermoelectric module may include a module housing surrounding a module interior. Thermoelectric elements and conductor bridges may be arranged in the module interior. A first side of the module housing may include a first side wall connected in a heat-conducting fashion to first conductor bridges. A second side of the module housing may include a second side wall connected in a heat-conducting fashion to second conductor bridges. The thermoelectric elements may extend between the first and second conductor bridges. A liquid metal layer and a first electrical insulation layer may be arranged between the first conductor bridges and the first side wall. At least one further liquid metal layer may be arranged between the first conductor bridges and the first electrical insulation layer. At least one other liquid metal layer may be arranged between the first electrical insulation layer and the first side wall.

A thermoelectric module assembly for thermally conditioning a component includes first and second members that are spaced apart from one another and are configured to respectively provide cold and hot sides. An insulator plate is arranged between the first and second members. A thermoelectric device is arranged within the insulator plate and is operatively engaged with the first and second members. A fastening element secures the first and second members to one another about the insulator plate in an assembled condition. The fastening element includes a temporarily compressible material that provides a compression limiter.

A thermoelectric device includes a printed circuit board, a component which is arranged on the printed circuit board, a cover which covers the printed circuit board, a thermoelectric generator, and a spring unit. The thermoelectric generator is thermally connected to the printed circuit board or metal paths on the printed circuit board and to the cover in order to generate an electric supply voltage for the component from the temperature difference between the printed circuit board and the cover. The spring unit elastically holds the thermoelectric generator between the printed circuit board and the cover.

A thermoelectric module pumps heat reversibly from one side to another side when energized with a voltage. The dimensions of the module may be configurable, allowing the thermal management area to be matched to the thermal load. The thickness of the module may be compressible, allowing for vibrational and clamped environments. The thermal connections of the module may allow for thermal expansion and contraction without physically stressing the thermoelectric elements.

The invention relates to a thermoelectric-based power generation system designed to be clamped onto the outer wall of a steam pipe or other heating pipe. The system can include a number of assemblies mounted on the sides of a pipe. Each assembly can include a hot block, an array of thermoelectric modules, and a cold block system. The hot block can create a thermal channel to the hot plates of the modules. The cold block can include a heat pipe onto which fins are attached.