High Temperature Thermoelectric Generator Based on SiGe Alloys

Abstract

The article provides general information on the composition and working principle of the thermoelectric generator (TEG). The main nodes of the TEG are the thermocouple and the thermoelectric module. The article describes the construction and operating principle of the thermocouple and provides a schematic representation of a monolithic thermoelectric module containing 16 thermocouples. It also shows the dependence of the coefficient of performance of the thermoelectric material on its efficiency and the temperature difference between hot and cold ends. The viability for thermoelectric SiGe alloys for the development of high-temperature TEGs as well as the advantages of using SiGe alloys with low germanium content to produce widely used TEGs are demonstrated. The article describes the technology of making n - and p-type Si0.95Ge0.05 alloys, forming their commutative transitions and creating a monolithic thermoelectric module operating at the temperature of 900 °C. 6 modules containing 16 thermoelements are made using the mentioned technologies that have electrical insulation nodes connected to the cold ends. The article provides the energy characteristics of one of the thermoelectric modules that are measured under the conditions of using gas heater and water cooler. Prospective directions for the use of a TEG created based on the thermoelectric SiGe alloys are indicated.