Fabrication of 500°C Class Thermoelectric Module and Evaluation of its High Temperature Stability

Abstract

Thermoelectric generation technology that can convert thermal energy directly into electrical power has attracted a great deal of public attention as a system of waste heat recovery. To utilize waste heat in the 500-600 degC range effectively, it is necessary to develop a thermoelectric generation module which offers high performance, has a simple structure and can be used in air, etc. This paper describes the fabrication of a 500 degC class thermoelectric generation module, a stacked Bi-Te module and Pb-Te module; the properties of the Bi-Te and Pb-Te thermoelectric elements used, module efficiency and electrical power density for the module. Also the high temperature stability for a high temperature stage module with Pb-Te thermoelectric elements is presented