Automated instrumentation for the determination of the high-temperature thermoelectric figure-of-merit
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Here we report the fabrication of high temperature measurement instrumentation to measure the thermoelectric figure of merit. This setup facilitates the simultaneous measurement of Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, and electrical resistivity required to evaluate the figure of merit. Measurement of temperature, as well as voltages using same thermocouples, simplified the design by minimizing sensors and wires. The limited number of components in the sample holder further simplify the design and make it small in size and lightweight. A dedicated thin heater has been constructed to minimize heat losses. Further, low heat loss is achieved by optimizing the insulator dimensions. To measure power delivered to the heater, the four-wire technique was used. Low cost and commonly available materials used in the fabrication of various components make it more accessible to the user as any parts can be easily replaced in case of damage. A dedicated program was built in the Python language to automate the measurement process. A p-type Bi0.36Sb1.45Te3 sample was used to calibrate the instrumentation. The measured values were in good agreement with the literature results.
Authors: Ashutosh Patel, Sudhir K. Pandey
Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Mandi
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2783398401