In order to realize further stability of a stack-type thermoelectric power generating\nmodule (i.e. no electrical connections inside), flexible materials of\nmetal springs and/or rods having restoring forces were installed between\nlower-temperature-sides of thermoelectric elements. These flexible materials\nwere expected to play three important roles of interpolating different thermal\nexpansions of the module components, enlarging heat removal area and penetration\nof any media through themselves. Then, a low-boiling-point medium\n(i.e. NOVEC manufactured by 3M Japan Ltd.) was also applied for a\nhigh-speed direct heat removal via its phase change from the lower-\ntemperature-sides of the thermoelectric elements in the proposing\nstack-type thermoelectric power generating module. No electrical disconnections\ninside the module were confirmed for more than 9 years of use, indicating\nfurther module stability. The power generating density was improved\nto about 120 mWâ?¢m-2 with SUS304 springs having 0.7 mm diameter. Increasing\npower generating density can be expected in terms of suitable selection\nof flexible metal with high Vickers hardness , cavities control on the\nspring surface, more vigorous multiphase flow with adding powders to the\nmedium and optimization of the module configurations according to numerical\nsimulations.
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