Q:

Construction of Peltier tiles

I'm learning about the construction of Peltier tiles from Wikpedia. However, some of the statements in the article are not at all clear. 

Here's the extract:

Two unique semiconductors, one n-type and one p-type, are used because
  they need to have different electron densities. The semiconductors are
  placed thermally in parallel to each other and electrically in series
  and then joined with a thermally conducting plate on each side. When a
  voltage is applied to the free ends of the two semiconductors there is
  a flow of DC current across the junction of the semiconductors causing
  a temperature difference. The side with the cooling plate absorbs heat
  which is then moved to the other side of the device where the heat
  sink is. Thermoelectric Coolers, also abbreviated to TECs are
  typically connected side by side and sandwiched between two ceramic
  plates. The cooling ability of the total unit is then proportional to
  the number of TECs in it.

What does "thermally in parallel to each other and electrically in series" mean for semiconductors? Also, why should they be arranged in this fashion?
Why does flow of DC current across the junction of semiconductors cause a temperature difference? Which "junction" are they talking about?

A:

If you look at your diagram, it shows the N and P semiconductors connected in pairs (look at the lower layer - the "interconnect"). So the electrical path is in series : the sum of the junctions to work on probably 12v.
And the heat transfer is through all the N and P junctions ie in parallel.

