Performance of a Thermoelectric Module Based onn-Type (La0.12Sr0.88)(0.95)TiO(3-delta)andp-Type Ca3Co4-xO9+delta

摘要

Here, we present the performance of a thermoelectric (TE) module consisting ofn-type (La0.12Sr0.88)(0.95)TiO(3)andp-type Ca(3)Co(4-x)O(9+delta)materials. The main challenge in this investigation was operating the TE module in different atmospheric conditions, sincen-type has optimum TE performance at reducing conditions, whilep-type has optimum at oxidizing conditions. The TE module was exposed to two different atmospheres and demonstrated higher stability in N(2)atmosphere than in air. The maximum electrical power output decreased after 40 h when the hot side was exposed to N(2)at 600 degrees C, while only 1 h at 400 degrees C in ambient air was enough to oxidize (La0.12Sr0.88)(0.95)TiO(3)followed by a reduced electrical power output. The module generated maximum electrical power of 0.9 mW (similar to 4.7 mW/cm(2)) at 600 degrees C hot side and delta T similar to 570 K in N-2, and 0.15 mW (similar to 0.8 mW/cm(2)) at 400 degrees C hot side and delta T similar to 370 K in air. A stability limit of Ca(3)Co(3.93)O(9+delta)at similar to 700 degrees C in N(2)was determined by in situ high-temperature x-ray diffraction.