Effects of High Figure of Merit Bi₂Te₃ Based Superlattices on Thermoelectric Power Generation

We have investigated the power generation characteristics of thermoelectric devices made from high Figure of Merit p-type Bi₂Te₃/Sb₂Te₃ and n-type Bi₂Te₃/Bi₂Te_2.7Se_0.3 superlattice materials. The Figure of Merit, ZT (where Z is a measure of the material’s thermoelectric properties and T is the absolute temperature) of the p-type and n-type superlattices were each measured at 300K and found to be 2.4 and 1.2 respectively [1]. Sixteen p-n couples were developed using these superlattice materials and they were configured into a 4×4 thermoelectric module. The electrical measurements (Current, Voltage, and Power) of the 4×4 superlattice thermoelectric modules under various resistive loads and temperature differentials in a standard pressure environment are presented and from these, we have determined the peak power and internal resistance of the module. We also discuss other opportunities to further investigate this device as well as its suitability for power applications.