Author:
Li Yuemei,Zhang Zhiguo,Zhang Haojie,Gu Xueliang,Chang Shaolong
Abstract
Thermoelectric harvesting technology is a clean and friendly energy-conversion technology. In the π-type traditional thermoelectric module (TEM), n- and p-type thermoelectric legs are electrically connected in a series to generate large temperature differences in the heat flow direction and to achieve a better module performance. However, damages to one thermoelectric leg could lead to the failure of the thermoelectric system. This work proposes a novel forked-finger electrode-structured thermoelectric module (FFTEM), which enables a simultaneous parallel electrical connection and thermal transfer in a homogeneous material’s thermoelectric leg set. The four thermoelectric legs share a common pair of electrodes, and this parallel structure makes the FFTEM benefit from low internal resistance, a high operating current, and high output power. The internal resistance and output power of the TEM are 4.25 mΩ and 1.766 mW, respectively, at a temperature difference of 40 °C. The internal resistance of the FFTEM is reduced to 0.81 mΩ, and the output power is increased to 13.81 mW. The FFTEM’s maximum output power achieved under temperature-dependent conditions is nine times that of the TEM’s output power. This FFTEM design provides a configuration to obtain a much higher output power, which could benefit future applications of thermoelectric devices.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Subject
Energy (miscellaneous),Energy Engineering and Power Technology,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment,Electrical and Electronic Engineering,Control and Optimization,Engineering (miscellaneous),Building and Construction