Performance calculations of thermoelectric module p-type leg composed of (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1-x

Abstract

The paper presents the results of numerical and simple analytical performance investigations of p-type leg of thermoelectric module (TEM). Calculations of (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1-x p-type leg for different chemical compositions (x=0.16,0.20,0.24,0.26) have been carried out to estimate the power output and conversion efficiency. Study has been performed for constant and temperature dependent thermoelectric parameters: Seebeck coefficient α, electrical resistivity ρ and thermal conductivity k. Results of modelling for constant material parameters fit very well with the analytical solution, pointing that numerical tools can be useful in development of thermoelectric modules and generators.