Application Analysis of ZnSb/InSe-Based Thermoelectric Generator

A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a device in which a temperature difference between thermoelectric materials is exploited to generate electricity. The output power and conversion efficiency of TEGs mainly depend on the material properties. The thermal stress and deformation caused by the temperature difference between materials affect the working stability and service life of TEGs. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model was established for medium-temperature TEGs made of p-type Zn4Sb3 and n-type In4Se3 thermoelectric materials. The thermodynamic properties, output power, and conversion efficiency of ZnSb/InSe-based TEG modules with different numbers and arrangements of TEGs were evaluated using COMSOL Multiphysics. The results show that the interaction between thermoelectric pairs produces a circular, centrosymmetric distribution of the stress and deformation. Compared to BiTe, Zn4Sb3 and In4Se3 have more suitable thermomechanical properties for use in TEGs, such that the maximum stress and maximum deformation of ZnSb/InSe-based TEGs occur at the edge of the copper strip of each thermoelectric pair rather than at the center, increasing serviceability. The output power and conversion efficiency of a ZnSb/InSe-based TEG reaches 4.01 W and 5.66%, respectively, when there is a 460 & DEG;C temperature difference between the thermoelectric materials, and reach 1.34 W and 5.55%, respectively, over the optimal operating temperature range (which are 0.34 W and 1.03% higher than those of BiTe-based TEGs). A different combination scheme for medium-temperature TEGs is developed in this study, providing a research basis for practical engineering applications.

Automated summary

A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a device that uses the temperature difference between thermoelectric materials to generate electricity. In this study, the properties of Zn4Sb3 and In4Se3 thermoelectric materials were evaluated and found to be more suitable for TEGs compared to BiTe. The developed ZnSb/InSe-based TEG showed higher output power and conversion efficiency, making it a promising option for practical engineering applications.