Evaluation of Efficiency for Miniscale Thermoelectric Converter under the Influence of Electrical and Thermal Resistance of Contacts

Mass-produced thermoelectric modules are mainly fabricated with Bi2Te3-based materials. Due to the limited world reserves and high price of tellurium, it must be saved. The miniaturization converters is one modern trends diminish use reduce cost expand range their applications. main disadvantage miniature operating in cooling or generating modes low energy efficiency, caused by effect electrical thermal resistances contacts, interconnectors insulating plates. We propose an improved method for evaluating maximum efficiency that takes into consideration impact these unwanted resistances. This can also used design optimal structure generation, not only study performance. undesirable on made materials analyzed. It shown significantly if reduced rational values. decrease contact resistance predominant factor. values which advisable have been determined. In development miniscale module technology, necessary focus such