Title :
Optimal design of thermoelectric generator
Author_Institution :
Herff Coll. of Eng., Memphis Univ., TN, USA
Abstract :
Thermoelectric generators have been the topic of research among the NASA scientists in order to develop high efficiency thermoelectric generators. This article suggests an innovative method of preparing semiconductor material to obtain high thermoelectric power. It is shown that material with lower Fermi energy yields a higher thermoelectric coefficient. An analytical expression is derived, discussed, and compared with the work of other researchers
Keywords :
Fermi level; semiconductor materials; thermoelectric conversion; thermoelectric power; Fermi energy; optimal design; semiconductor material; thermoelectric coefficient; thermoelectric generator; thermoelectric power; Conducting materials; Conductors; Engines; Equations; Semiconductor materials; Temperature dependence; Temperature sensors; Thermal conductivity; Thermoelectricity; Voltage;
Conference_Titel :
Southeastcon 2000. Proceedings of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
Nasville, TN
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-6312-4
DOI :
10.1109/SECON.2000.845590