Approximation of Composition and Temperature Dependent Heat Conductivity and Optimization of Thermoelectric Energy Conversion in Silicon-Germanium Alloys

We analyze the efficiency as thermoelectric energy converter of a silicon-germanium alloy with composition and temperature dependent heat conductivity. The dependency on composition is determined by a non-linear regression method (NLRM), while the dependency on temperature is approximated by a first-order expansion in the neighborhood of three reference temperatures. The differences with respect to the case of thermal conductivity depending on composition only are pointed out. The efficiency of the system is analyzed under the assumption that the optimal energy conversion corresponds to the minimum rate of energy dissipated. The values of composition and temperature which minimize such a rate are calculated as well.

Automated summary

This study analyzes the efficiency of a silicon-germanium alloy as a thermoelectric energy converter, taking into account the influence of composition and temperature on thermal conductivity. The dependency on composition is determined using a non-linear regression method, while the dependency on temperature is approximated through a first-order expansion. The differences from the case of thermal conductivity depending solely on composition are highlighted. The efficiency of the system is analyzed based on the assumption that optimal energy conversion corresponds to the minimum rate of energy dissipation, and the composition and temperature values that minimize this rate are calculated.