Optimization of thermoelectric efficiency in graded materials

Z. Dashevsky, Y. Gelbstein, I. Edry, I. Drabkin, M. P. Dariel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

In order to achieve high thermoelectric conversion efficiency, it is necessary to make use of materials with a maximal figure of merit Z = S2xσ/k (S is the Seebeck coefficient, σ and k are the electrical and thermal conductivity, respectively) over a wide temperature range. AIVBVI (chalcogenides of group IV elements) semiconductors are well known materials that have found widespread applications in thermoelectric energy converters. The thermoelectric properties of semiconductors may be improved by designing crystals with a gradient of charge carrier concentration that is commensurate with the temperature gradient that prevails along the axis in an actual thermoelectric device. Recently graded n-type PbTe-based single crystals doped with indium have been shown to display promising thermoelectric properties. The thermoelectric efficiency of graded materials is usually not a direct measurable quantity. It seemed of interest to develop a theoretical model that would allow deriving this property. The present communication is concerned with the development of a simulation model for estimating the characteristics of a thermoelectric leg and based on determining the temperature profile along its length. The temperature distribution along a leg was calculated from the heat flux equation under steady state conditions for the 50-500°C temperature range. In the calculation, account was taken of the temperature dependence of S, σ and k, respectively, for graded n-type PbTe crystals doped with indium. A comparison to iodine-doped homogeneous PbTe crystals is presented as well. These calculations allow determining the dopant concentration profile along the thermoelectric leg that provides optimal efficiency. The results suggest the possibility, in principle, of achieving conversion efficiency higher than 12% by using graded n-type PbTe crystals doped with indium in the 50-600°C temperature range.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings ICT 2003 - 22nd International Conference on Thermoelectrics
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages421-424
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)078038301X
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2003
Event22nd International Conference on Thermoelectrics, ICT 2003 - La Grande Motte, France
Duration: 17 Aug 200321 Aug 2003

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Thermoelectrics, ICT, Proceedings
Volume2003-January

Conference

Conference22nd International Conference on Thermoelectrics, ICT 2003
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityLa Grande Motte
Period17/08/0321/08/03

Keywords

  • Conducting materials
  • Crystalline materials
  • Crystals
  • Indium
  • Leg
  • Semiconductor materials
  • Temperature distribution
  • Thermal conductivity
  • Thermoelectric devices
  • Thermoelectricity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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