Determination of thermoelectric module parameters

Abstract

Figure of merit and resistance are fundamental parameters used to define the quality of a thermoelectric module. These parameters are often measured by a computer-aided system that uses a modern modification of the Harman method. The parameter values have to be corrected to take account of a heat exchange between the module under test and the environment. Usually the account of a heat exchange is rather difficult and approximate and this study has been done to evaluate the degree of credence to the corrected parameter values. Several different groups each consisting of single-type modules have been formed. Each module from the group was tested under different heat exchange conditions and/or under various directions and magnitudes of the test current. The corrected values of parameters were calculated for the module using a computer program on the basis of parameters measured by a computer-aided system and measurement conditions. An analysis of the results is presented.