NOVELTY - A thermoelectric generating element (10) consists of electrodes (E1 and E2) which are mutually arranged opposite to each other, laminated component (10L) having main surface (a1) and main surface (26), and end surface (25) and end surface (27) which are located between the main surfaces (a1 and 26) and electrically connected to the electrodes (E1 and E2). The laminated component has structure comprising alternately laminated layer (20) made of material (i), and layer (22) made of a material having higher Seebeck coefficient and lower heat conductivity than the material (ii).    USE - Element is used for tubes for thermoelectric power generation unit (all claimed) and small-sized portable generator for motor vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The thermoelectric generating element has excellent usability.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A thermoelectric generating element consists of electrodes which are mutually arranged opposite to each other, laminated component having a main surface (a1) and main surface (a2), and end surface (25) and end surface (27) which are located between the main surfaces (a1 and 26) and electrically connected to the electrodes. The laminated component has a structure comprising alternately laminated layer (20) made of material (i) comprising metal and particles which are dispersed in the metal, and layer (22) made of a material (ii) having higher Seebeck coefficient and lower heat conductivity than the material (i). The particles have lower heat conductivity than the metal. The lamination planes between the layers (20) and layers (22) are inclined relative to the direction along which the electrodes (E1 and E2) face each other. A potential difference is generated between the electrodes (E1 and E2) due to a temperature difference between the surfaces (a1 and 26). INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) tube, which consists of thermoelectric power generating element in which the laminated component has a tubular form;    (2) thermoelectric power generation unit, which consists of a container for accommodating tubes having inner/outer peripheral surfaces, and flow path in which electromotive force is generated in axial direction of the tube by a temperature difference between the outer surface and the inner peripheral surface; and    (3) manufacture of thermoelectric power generating element.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic view of thermoelectric generating element.    Thermoelectric power generating element (10)    Laminated component (10L)    Layers (20, 22)    End surface (25, 27)    Main surface (26)    Electrodes (E1 and E2)