METHOD FOR SEALING INTERNAL SPACES IN CENTRAL SECTIONS OF THERMOELECTRIC-GENERATOR HEAT- TRANSFER APPARATUS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: thermoelectric energy conversion. SUBSTANCE: proposed method may be used for sealing heat and cold generating plants equipped with liquid- coolant heat-transfer apparatuses and for air conditioning both in vehicles and in stationary systems, as well as for electrical and radio devices. In particular it is found useful for sealing joints in internal sections of thermoelectric- generator heat-transfer apparatus that has thermopiles built of n- and p-type semiconductor thermoelements by covering degreased contacting surface between central-section covers, frames, and separating partitions forming guide channels with sealing compound followed by uniform bracing of sections together with aid of fastening members disposed over perimeter of peripheral part in planar heat-transfer surfaces of apparatus covers; novelty is that sealing compound applied is reinforced in addition with at least one row of twisted natural-fiber thread such as silk thread arranged in the form of closed loop over perimeter of peripheral part on planar heat-transfer surfaces of covers, and central sections are uniformly drawn together by means of additional fastening members fitted over center lines of separating partitions and inside coolant-isolated axial holes of bosses disposed in inner space of central sections; in addition maximal deviation of roughness outline, thickness of continuous sealing compound layer applied on contacting surfaces are optimized before bracing sections together with aid of fastening members, and after that torque per fastening member is also optimized. Width of contacting surface over perimeter of covers is also optimized. In this way thermomechanical thrusts are compensated for due to highly efficient sealing of joints in narrow central sections of generator heat-transfer apparatus. EFFECT: enhanced operating reliability of generator. 4 cl, 3 dwg