APPARATUS FOR REVERSIBLY CONVERTING THERMAL ENERGY TO ELECTRIC ENERGY

摘要

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 against the temperature gradient (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.