Modelling a Segmented Skutterudite-Based Thermoelectric Generator to Achieve Maximum Conversion Efficiency

Yusuf, Aminu; Ballıkaya, Sedat

doi:10.3390/app10010408

Cited by 18 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…In recent years, some CoSb 3 -based TE modules (uni-couple [238][239][240][241] and multipair [236,237,[242][243][244][245][246][247][248][249][250])…”

Section: Cosb 3 -Based Te Devicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of CoSb3-based skutterudite thermoelectric materials

et al. 2020

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The binary skutterudite CoSb3 is a narrow bandgap semiconductor thermoelectric (TE) material with a relatively flat band structure and excellent electrical performance. However, thermal conductivity is very high because of the covalent bond between Co and Sb, resulting in a very low ZT value. Therefore, researchers have been trying to reduce its thermal conductivity by the different optimization methods. In addition, the synergistic optimization of the electrical and thermal transport parameters is also a key to improve the ZT value of CoSb3 material because the electrical and thermal transport parameters of TE materials are closely related to each other by the band structure and scattering mechanism. This review summarizes the main research progress in recent years to reduce the thermal conductivity of CoSb3-based materials at atomic-molecular scale and nano-mesoscopic scale. We also provide a simple summary of achievements made in recent studies on the non-equilibrium preparation technologies of CoSb3-based materials and synergistic optimization of the electrical and thermal transport parameters. In addition, the research progress of CoSb3-based TE devices in recent years is also briefly discussed.

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“…In recent years, some CoSb 3 -based TE modules (uni-couple [238][239][240][241] and multipair [236,237,[242][243][244][245][246][247][248][249][250])…”

Section: Cosb 3 -Based Te Devicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of CoSb3-based skutterudite thermoelectric materials

et al. 2020

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“…The yielding stress of skutterudite and Bi2Te3 were selected to be 146 and 112 MPa, respectively according to the previous studies 35,36 . To achieve high TE performance in STEGs, compatibility factor(s) of less than 2 are necessary according to 47,54,55 . Compatibility analysis of the TE materials selected in this study is described in Supplementary section.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…35,36 To achieve high TE performance in STEGs, compatibility factor(s) of less than 2 are necessary according to. 47,54,55 Compatibility analysis of the TE materials selected in this study is described in Supplementary section.…”

Section: Design Of Segmented Te Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical analysis of energy conversion efficiency and thermal reliability of novel, unileg segmented thermoelectric generation systems

Aljaghtham

Çelik

2021

Int J Energy Res

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Despite their great potential to recover waste heat, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) find limited usage since thermoelectric materials are only efficient within a limited temperature range. Using multiple materials in segmented TEGs can significantly enhance the overall energy conversion efficiency. However, thermal reliability is questionable in these systems especially at elevated temperatures and in annular configurations. This study explores the feasibility of utilizing unileg (single material) segmented TEG configuration as a remedy for the thermal stress problem. This study introduces the concept of unileg, segmented thermoelectric configurations (flat and annular) for the first time, and three-dimensional finite element simulations are conducted to investigate the thermoelectric performance and thermal reliability analysis in comparison with the conventional unicouple (dual material) systems. Results indicate that thermal stresses are significantly lowered in unileg systems compared to the unicouple configuration. In addition to the enhanced thermal reliability, power generation and thermoelectric conversion efficiency are higher in unileg systems since the material with higher performance is used solely eliminating the need of poorly performing, second thermoelectric leg material.

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“…At steady state, if the Thomson effect is neglected that is the properties of thermoelectric materials are assumed constant, α h = α c = α, neglecting heat and contact losses, Equations ( 5)-( 8) and ( 15)-( 21) can be reduced to the ideal non-equilibrium thermodynamic equations given in Ref. 35.…”

Section: Nonequilibrium Thermodynamic Equationsmentioning

confidence: 99%