Integration of CuO Thin Film and Bi_2Te_3 for Enhancing the Thermoelectric Conversion Efficiency of Thermoelectric Generator

摘要

The paper deals with a coating CuO thin film coating on the surface of semiconductor thermo-elements (Bi_2Te_3). In addition, the recycled external exhaust heat is used to generate electric power, further enhancing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric generator (TEG). By using electrophoresis deposition, a CuO nanofluid with high suspension stability and good dispersion is deposited on an aluminum foil at a thickness of 0.1mm. This film is conjugated with the top and base of a semiconductor thermo-elements (Bi_2Te_3), and a thermoelectric generator is assembled in parallel with the modified thermoelectric material. Experimental results show that the CuO nanofilm coating on the surface of semiconductor thermo-elements can enhance the overall heat conduction and thermoelectric conversion efficiency of thermoelectric generators by as much as 30%.