Thermoelectric power generator module of 16×16 Bi_2Te_3 and 0.6% ErAs:(InGaAs)_(1-x)(InAlAs)_x segmented elements

摘要

We report the fabrication and characterization of thermoelectric power generator modules of 16×16 segmented elements consisting of 0.8 mm thick Bi_2Te_3 and 50 μm thick ErAs:(InGaAs)_(1-x)(InAlAs)_x with 0.6% ErAs by volume. An output power up to 6.3 W was measured when the heat source temperature was at 610 K. The thermoelectric properties of (InGaAs)_(1-x)(InAlAs)_x were characterized from 300 up to 830 K. The finite element modeling shows that the performance of the generator modules can further be enhanced by improving the thermoelectric properties of the element materials, and reducing the electrical and thermal parasitic losses.