Tailoring effective thermoelectric tensors and high-density power generation in a tubular Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/Ni composite with cylindrical anisotropy

Transverse thermoelectric responses in heterogeneous composites made of periodically laminated Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/Ni in a tubular shape were investigated. Numerical calculations quantitatively clarify the relationship between geometrical parameters and effective thermoelectric tensors. In the present tubular heterogeneous composites, the temperature gradient across the radial direction yields a transverse voltage along the axial direction due to the unnatural cylindrical anisotropy. The tubular configuration allows for direct and efficient heat transfer from fluid heat sources. A high-density power generation of 417W m(-2) was achieved under the small temperature difference of 83 K. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4732142]