NOVELTY - Electric power is generated using a thermoelectric power generating element (1) which generates a temperature difference in the perpendicular direction to obtain electric power. The element consists of electrodes (11,12) pinchingly supporting a laminate (13) of bismuth telluride layer (14) and metal layer (15) containing nickel or cobalt. The ratio of thicknesses of metal layer and bismuth telluride layer is 20:1-0.5:1. The lamination surfaces of both layers are inclined by an angle of 10-60 degrees with respect to the direction where the electrodes oppose.    USE - Electric power generation in remote areas, space, and military applications.    ADVANTAGE - The method improves efficiency of energy conversion between heat energy and electrical energy. High thermoelectric power generation characteristics are achieved. The method can be applied to generators using heat of e.g. waste gas emitted from motor vehicles and factories, or small-sized portable generators.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Electric power is generated using a thermoelectric power generating element which generates a temperature difference in the perpendicular direction to obtain electric power. The element consists of mutually opposing electrodes (I,II) and pinchingly supporting a laminate electrically connected to both electrodes. The laminate has a structure where a bismuth telluride layer and a metal layer containing nickel or cobalt are laminated alternately. The ratio of thickness of metal layer and thickness of bismuth telluride layer is 20:1-0.5:1. The lamination surfaces of bismuth telluride layer and metal layer are inclined by an angle of 10-60 degrees with respect to the direction where the electrodes oppose. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) thermoelectric power generating element;    (2) manufacture of thermoelectric power generating element; and    (3) thermoelectric power generating device.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic view of the thermoelectric power generating element.    Thermoelectric power generating element (1)    Electrodes (11,12)    Laminate (13)    Bismuth telluride layer (14)    Metal layer (15)