Segmented thermoelectric device

摘要

According to some embodiments, a thermoelectric system includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements forming a thermoelectric array, the thermoelectric elements having a cooling side and a heating side. The system further includes at least one heat exchanger on at least one of the cooling side and the heating side, the heat exchanger being in thermal communication with at least some of the thermoelectric elements. In addition, the system includes a substrate generally positioned between the thermoelectric elements and the heat exchange element. The substrate comprises an electrical isolation layer, a support element configured to receive the heat exchanger and a plurality of interconnecting tabs configured to place adjacent thermoelectric elements in electrical communication with one another.

主权项

1. A thermoelectric system comprising:
a plurality of thermoelectric elements forming a thermoelectric array, the thermoelectric elements having a cooling side and a heating side; at least one heat exchanger on at least one of the cooling side and the heating side, the heat exchanger being in thermal communication with at least some of the thermoelectric elements; a substrate generally positioned between the thermoelectric elements and the heat exchange element, the substrate comprising:
a gap-free electrical isolation layer;at least one support element configured to receive the at least one heat exchanger; anda plurality of interconnecting tabs configured to place adjacent thermoelectric elements in electrical communication with one another; wherein the substrate is configured to alleviate thermal stress on said substrate when the thermoelectric elements are electrically energized; wherein portions of the substrate do not include at least one of a support element and an interconnecting tab along the same lateral location of the substrate; wherein at least some portions of the substrate do not include a support element and an interconnecting tab, wherein such portions of the substrate that do not include a support element and an interconnecting tab are at least partially laterally aligned along at least one gap; wherein the substrate comprises at least one bridge configured to connect at least two adjacent support segments positioned on either side of the at least one gap; wherein the at least one support element comprises at least two support segments, wherein the at least one support element is provided in the substrate as a unitary member such that the at least two support segments are connected by the at least one bridge; wherein the electrical isolation layer of said substrate is positioned between the at least one support element and the plurality of interconnecting tabs, said electrical isolation layer comprising a film that comprises a continuous, unitary structure that extends across the at least one gap and across spaces formed between adjacent interconnecting tabs; and wherein the at least one bridge is integrally formed and substantially planar with the at least one support element and extends past an edge of the at least one support element.