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Using the Compatibility Factor to Design High Efficiency Segmented Thermoelectric Generators

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

G. Jeffrey Snyder  and
T. Caillat
G. Jeffrey Snyder
Affiliation:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology 4800, Oak Grove Drive, MS 277–207, Pasadena, CA 91109
T. Caillat
Affiliation:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology 4800, Oak Grove Drive, MS 277–207, Pasadena, CA 91109
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Abstract

Using thermoelectric compatibility, efficient thermoelectric generators are rationally designed. With examples, compatible and incompatible systems are explained and materials proposed for targeted development. The compatibility factor explains why segmentation of TAGS with SnTe or PbTe produces little extra power, while filled skutterudite increases the efficiency from 10.5% to 13.6%. High efficiency generators are designed with compatible n-type La2Te3, and similar p-type material, while incompatible SiGe alloys actually reduce the efficiency. A refractory metal with high p-type thermopower (> 100 μV/K) is required for development. The Chevrel compound Cu4Mo6Se8 is a compatible p-type metal that provides a modest increase in efficiency. A fully segmented generator using Bi2Te3-type, PbTe, TAGS, Zn4Sb3, skutterudite, La2Te3, and Chevrel compounds between 25° C and 1000° C will achieve 18.1% conversion efficiency.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 793: Symposium S – Thermoelectric Materials 2003 - Research and Applications , 2003 , S2.1
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2004

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References

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