Glass-ceramic thermoelectric module

摘要

The invention is directed to a thermoelectric module that utilizes a glass-ceramic material in place of the alumina and aluminum nitride that are commonly used in such modules. The glass-ceramic has a coefficient of thermal expansion of <10 x 10- 7 /°C. The p- and n-type thermoelectric materials can be any type of such materials that can withstand an operating environment of up to 1000 °C, and they should have a CTE comparable to that of the glass-ceramic. The module of the invention is used to convert the energy wasted in the exhaust heat of hydrocarbon fueled engines to electrical power.