Various embodiments are directed to a thermoelectric device comprising a thermoelectric element, a first heat switch and a second heat switch. The thermoelectric element may comprise a first component in electrical contact with a second component at an interface. The first component may comprise a first material and the second component may comprise a second material different from the first material. The first heat switch may comprise a first terminal in thermal contact with the interface and a second terminal in thermal contact with a thermal reservoir. The second heat switch may comprise a first terminal in thermal contact with the interface and a second terminal in thermal contact with a thermal load.