Thermoelectric Micromodules for Small Heat Flows

Abstract—The parameters of micromodules for thermoelectric generators used at low heat fluxes have been calculated. For the branches of micromodules, our own developments of fine-crystalline materials based on the Sb2Te3–Bi2Te3 solid solution of p-type conductivity and the Bi2Te3–Bi2Se3 solid solution of n-type conductivity obtained by hot pressing and extrusion of powders prepared by grinding an ingot and by the melt rapid crystallization methods, that is, by melt spinning and crystallization of melt in a liquid, are considered. Calculations of the dependence of micromodule power on the temperature difference, thermoelectric properties (the Seebeck coefficient, specific electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity) of p- and n-branch materials, their number, cross-section, and height at the cold junction temperature of 17°C have been carried out. It was found that the generated power of the module is directly proportional to the cross-sectional area and inversely proportional to the height of the module branches.