NOVELTY - A thermoelectric module comprises p- and n-conductive thermoelectric material (1) legs which are connected to one another alternately via electrically conductive contacts (4, 5), where at least some of the electrically conductive contacts on cold and/or warm sides of the thermoelectric module are formed between, or embedded into, the thermoelectric material legs composed of porous metallic materials.    USE - As thermoelectric module used in automotive exhaust gas line, heat pump, refrigerator, dryer, generator (claimed), automotive catalytic converter, and heating device; for conversion of automotive waste heat or exhaust gas waste heat.    ADVANTAGE - The thermoelectric module has flexibility and spring properties; is vibration-stable thermoelectric module; is possible to wind a strand of alternating p- and n-legs about a round or oval tube without breaking of the contacts; is inexpensive, rapid and simple integration of thermoelectric components; and has good thermal contact connection of the thermoelectric leg to the substrate.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A thermoelectric module comprises p- and n-conductive thermoelectric material (1) legs which are connected to one another alternately via electrically conductive contacts (4, 5), where at least some of the electrically conductive contacts on cold and/or warm sides of the thermoelectric module are formed between, or embedded into, the thermoelectric material legs composed of porous metallic materials; or p- and n-conductive thermoelectric material legs which are connected to one another alternately via electrically conductive contacts and have thermal contact connection to electrically insulated substrates, where at least some of the thermally conductive contacts on cold and/or warm sides of the thermoelectric module are formed between the thermoelectric material legs with electrical contact connection and an electrically insulated substrate composed of porous metallic materials. The porous metallic material comprises copper, silver, aluminum, iron, nickel, molybdenum, titanium, chromium, and/or cobalt. The porous metallic materials are selected from metal foam, non-woven, woven or knit. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for following:    (1) an automotive exhaust gas line with a thermoelectric module wound on it, in spiral form;    (2) a heat pump, refrigerator, dryer or generator with a thermoelectric module wound in spiral form onto a heat carrier line; and    (3) producing thermoelectric modules involving applying the thermally or electrically conductive contacts composed of porous metallic materials to the thermoelectric material legs by pressing, soldering, welding or foaming; or pressing a powder of the thermoelectric material onto the contacts composed of porous metallic materials and then sintering.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows view of structure of a thermoelectric component.    Thermoelectric material (1)    Layers (2, 3)    Contacts (4, 5)