A High-temperature, High-efficiency Solar Thermoelectric Generator Prototype

High temperature thermoelectric efficiency in Ba8Ga16Ge30

The high thermoelectric figure of merit zT of Ba8Ga16Ge30 makes it one of the best n-type materials for thermoelectric power generation. Here, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a Czochralski pulled single crystal of Ba8Ga16Ge30 and polycrystalline disks. Measurements of the electrical conductivity, Hall effect, specific heat, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivit...

A High Temperature Experimental Characterization Procedure for Oxide-Based Thermoelectric Generator Modules under Transient Conditions

The purpose of this study is to analyze the steady-state and transient behavior of the electrical and thermal parameters of thermoelectric generators (TEGs). The focus is on the required wait-time between measurements in order to reduce measurement errors which may appear until the system reaches steady-state. By knowing this waiting time, the total characterization time can also be reduced. Th...

High Temperature Solar Concentrators

The use of solar energy in technical applications is often constrained due to its low energy density relative to the conventional sources of energy. Optical concentration is one option to increase the energy density of the solar radiation resulting in the possibility to use absorbers with small surfaces. Higher temperatures can be achieved under concentrated conditions, because heat losses are ...

Hybrid Solar Cell Integrating Photovoltaic and Thermoelectric Cell Elements for High Efficiency and Longevity

A 1 KW Thermoelectric Generator for Low-temperature Geothermal Resources

Most of the current thermal power-generation technologies must first convert thermal energy to mechanical work before producing electricity. Thermoelectric generation technology, as one entirely solid-state energy conversion method, can directly transform thermal energy into electricity by using thermoelectric transformation materials. A thermoelectric power converter has no moving parts, and i...