Device Optimization and Large‐Scale Roll‐to‐Roll Manufacturability of Flexible Thin‐Film Thermoelectric Generators

Flexible Sheet-type Thermoelectric Generators for Energy Harvesting

We describe prototype production of sheet-type thermoelectric power generation modules using the printable thermoelectric materials and flexible sheet substrate. By the use of the printed electronics processes, the degree of freedom in designing the size and shape of the modules were improved. The power generation scale of a module has about 60 cm active area reached to sub m W order at a tempe...

Design and Optimization of Compatible, Segmented Thermoelectric Generators

The thermoelectric compatibility factor is used to rationally select materials for a segmented thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric potential is used for the exact analytic expressions for materials with temperature dependent thermoelectric properties. This calculation does not assume constant or averaged thermoelectric properties as is often done for analytic results. The calculations ...

Design, Manufacturing, and Assembly of a Flexible Thermoelectric Device

Efficiency of Inhomogeneous Thermoelectric Generators

We revisit the classical problem of the efficiency of inhomogeneous thermoelectric generators. The effects of different physical parameters on the efficiency of a generator are studied by solving the Domenicali’s equation numerically. It is found that the efficiency of a thermoelectric generator is insensitive to both the electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity. However, the efficiency ...

Dispenser Printed Thermoelectric Energy Generators

Thermoelectric energy generators are attractive as potential energy harvesters for converting waste thermal energy into electrical power. Optimized thermoelectric device designs require 100-200 μm element thicknesses currently unachievable with common manufacturing technologies. This work presents both a unique direct-write dispenser printing technique and novel polymer-composite thermoelectric...