Electrical characterization of thermoelectric generators based on p-type Bi_(0.4)Sb_(1.6)Se_(2.4)Te_(0.6) and n-type Bi_2Se_(0.6)Te_(2.4) bulk thermoelectric materials

摘要

In this study, we fabricated two thermoelectric (TE) generation (TEG) devices based on p-Bi_(0.4)Sb_(1.6)Se_(2.4)Te_(0.6) and n-Bi_2Se_(0.6)Te_(2.4) bulk TE materials. The overall dimensions of these devices, which comprise 9 (D_1)-and 18(D_2)-couples of legs connected and attached to alumina substrates by Ag paste-Cu plate-Ag paste electrodes, are 50 mm × 25 mm and 50 mm × 50 mm, respectively. The open-circuit voltage (V_oc) and the maximum output power (P_max) were estimated in terms of the temperature difference (△T) between hot (T_H) and cold (T_C) junctions as well as the number of p-n couples of the TEG devices. The significance of the resistances, including the internal resistance (R_in) and contact resistance (R_c) between legs and electrodes, are discussed. Pmax obtained with the D_2 device was 273 mW under thermal conditions of T_H=523 K and △T=184 K.