Electric power generation method using thermoelectric power generation element, thermoelectric power generation element and method of producing the same, and thermoelectric power generation device

摘要

The present invention provides an electric power generation method using a thermoelectric power generation element, a thermoelectric power generation element, and a thermoelectric power generation device, each of which has higher thermoelectric power generation performance than conventional ones and can be used for more applications. The thermoelectric power generation element includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are disposed to oppose each other, and a laminate that is interposed between the first and second electrodes and that is electrically connected to both the first and second electrodes, where the laminate has a structure in which Bi₂Te₃ layers and metal layers containing Al, Cu, Ag, or Au are laminated alternately, a thickness ratio between the metal layer and the Bi₂Te₃ layer is in a range of metal layer:Bi₂Te₃ layer=400:1 to 20:1, lamination surfaces of the Bi₂Te₃ layers and the metal layers are inclined at an inclination angle θ of 15° to 60° with respect to a direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode oppose each other, and a temperature difference applied in a direction perpendicular to the direction in the element generates a potential difference between the first and second electrodes. The electric power generation method and thermoelectric power generation device each use the element.