Comparison of Peltier-Seebeck and Nernst-Ettingshausen energy converters in intermediate magnetic fields

Abstract

The Peltier-Seebeck and Nernst-Ettingshausen figures of merit have been calculated for a simple isotropic two-band model at intermediate magnetic field strengths. The results suggest that Peltier-Seebeck devices are likely to be more effective than Nernst-Ettingshausen devices. Furthermore, it appears that Peltier-Seebeck couples for use in a magnetic field may, with advantage, be composed solely of n-type materials. The active branch of each couple would then be lightly doped while the passive branch would be heavily doped. Criteria for the choice of materials are discussed.