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Metallic Junction Thermoelectric Device SimulationsThermoelectric junctions made of semiconductors have existed in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) for deep space missions, but are currently being adapted for terrestrial energy harvesting. Unfortunately, these devices are inefficient, operating at only 7% efficiency. This low efficiency has driven efforts to make high-figure-of-merit thermoelectric devices, which require a high electrical conductivity but a low thermal conductivity, a combination that is difficult to achieve. Lowered thermal conductivity has increased efficiency, but at the cost of power output. An alternative setup is to use metallic junctions rather than semiconductors as thermoelectric devices. Metals have orders of magnitude more electrons and electronic conductivities higher than semiconductors, but thermal conductivity is higher as well. To evaluate the viability of metallic junction thermoelectrics, a two dimensional heat transfer MATLAB simulation was constructed to calculate efficiency and power output. High Seebeck coefficient alloys, Chromel (90%Ni-10%Cr) and Constantan (55%Cu-45%Ni), produced efficiencies of around 20-30%. Parameters such as the number of layers of junctions, lateral junction density, and junction sizes for both series- and parallel-connected junctions were explored.
Document ID
20170003222
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Duzik, Adam J.
(National Inst. of Aerospace Hampton, VA, United States)
Choi, Sang H.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
April 7, 2017
Publication Date
March 25, 2017
Subject Category
Solid-State Physics
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-25356
Meeting Information
Meeting: SPIE Smart Structures/NDE 2017
Location: Portland, OH
Country: United States
Start Date: March 25, 2017
End Date: March 29, 2017
Sponsors: International Society for Optical Engineering
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 392259.02.07.8937.15
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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