Characterizing the thermal efficiency of thermoelectric modules

Abstract

An experimental setup was designed and utilized to measure the thermoelectric properties as functions of temperature of a commercially available, bismuth telluride thermoelectric module. Thermoelectric modules are solid state semiconducting devices that act reversibly as both a heat pump and a power generator. The experimental setup encased the modules in an insulating container and thermal power was provided by a variable power cartridge heater, using type-K thermocouples to measure the temperature difference across the module. The measured parameters were compared against published data on a similar type of module. The thermal conductivity was measured within 21% of the accepted value on average, the Seebeck coefficient within 16%, the figure of merit within a factor two, and the thermal efficiency within 20% for low [delta]T of less than 25°C.