Work

Direct Evaluation of the Figure of Merit of Thermoelectric Devices by Guarded Hot Plate Method

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: An apparatus for the evaluation of the figure of merit (ZT) of thermoelectric devices has been developed andZTvalues have been estimated for a thermoelectric device. The most challenging problem inZTvalue evaluation in this apparatus was measuring the thermal conductivity of the devices precisely. We have solved the problem by introducing a primary thermal conductivity measurement technique, a guarded hot plate method, which makes it possible to obtain directly and simultaneously four physical parameters related to theZT, namely the thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and absolute temperature. TheZTevaluation was performed by a single scan of the temperature difference between the top and bottom surfaces of the device. We also addressed the thermoelectric properties and the power generation efficiency of a commercial thermoelectric device. The evaluation uncertainty of theZTvalue was assessed to secure reliability of the apparatus and was found to be 3.59%.

Source: Japanese Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.7567/jjap.52.036602

Authors: Su Yong Kwon, Yong-Gyoo Kim, Sanghyun Lee, Jong Chul Kim

Institution: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Awards: G1104890883, G5696195918