ABSTRACT
Description of thermoelectric power conversion is the basis for the physics of thermoelectricity. This description employs physical models that are commonly called “thermoelements.” Traditionally, thermoelectricity employs thermoelements based on the effects of origination of thermoelectromotive forces. In doing so, the thermoelements are given the shape which corresponds to the simplest manifestation of such effects. In the manufacture of modules, thermoelectric material should be first cut into elements causing its large losses, and then connected into series electric circuits. It is therefore important to consider the construction of a possible general physical model of thermoelectric power converter. Thus, the spiral thermoelectric power converters are more adaptable to manufacture as compared with conventional thermocouple modules and are practically waste-free as regards the thermoelectric material employed, offer higher efficiency, and are much more reliable. The use of spiral thermoelements in a magnetic field is advisable when creating multifunctional sensors with thermoelectric signal modulation.
