Thermoelectric generator for exhaust systems and contact member for a thermoelectric generator

摘要

A thermoelectric generator includes a first channel for passing a warm fluid along a direction of flow, a second channel for passing a cold fluid, a plurality of thermocouple elements disposed along the direction of flow between the first and second channels, a first member includes portions disposed between the elements and the first channel and associated with the individual elements for providing a heat coupling between the associated element and the first channel, and a second member including portions disposed between the elements and the second channel and associated with the individual elements for providing a heat coupling between the associated element and the second channel. The sum of the thermal resistances of those portions that are associated with a first element positioned upstream of a second element is bigger than the sum of the thermal resistances of those portions that are associated with the second element.