THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS INVESTIGATION: THE STATISTICAL VARIATION OF THERMOELECTRIC PARAMETERS OF LEAD TELLURIDE
Abstract
The S beck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, figure of merit, generating c pacity, and m erial fficie cy were measured on 20 co erci l n-type PbTe thermoelectric elements. T e ffect on these properties of thermal cycling to simulate start-up and shut ow was determined. These mea ur ts were made to determine the variation that mig be e p cted in commercial products. The efficiency in converting heat to electricity was found to vary t o A XIMUM OF (% of the average). Therm l cycli g caus or variatio i erial efficiency than differences among individual elements. The eff c of geometrical shape on t ermoelectric performa ce was lso studied. It was conclude that, in so far a aterial efficiency is concerned, a truncated conical el nt having % less volume than a cylin rical el m t ca be substituted for the cylinder with only 7-1/2% power loss, provided the major diameter is the hot junction. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0275061
Entities
People
- L.a. Streit
- W.j. Greenert