Work

Inhomogeneous thermal conductivity enhances thermoelectric cooling

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: We theoretically investigate the enhancement of thermoelectric cooling performance in thermoelectric refrigerators made of materials with inhomogeneous thermal conductivity, beyond the usual practice of enhancing thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of materials. The dissipation of the Joule heat in such thermoelectric refrigerators is asymmetric which can give rise to better thermoelectric cooling performance. Although the thermoelectric figure of merit and the coefficient-of-performance are slightly enhanced, both the maximum cooling power and the maximum cooling temperature difference can be enhanced significantly. This finding can be used to increase the heat absorption at the cold end. We further find that the asymmetric dissipation of Joule heat leads to thermal rectification.

Source: AIP Advances

DOI: 10.1063/1.4903547

Authors: Tingyu Lu, Jun Zhou, Nianbei Li, Ronggui Yang, Baowen Li

Institutions: Tongji University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado System, National University of Singapore

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,350