Generating modules are used to convert heat flow into electric energy. The modules are made of Bi2Te3-based materials and are intended for operation in the temperature range from 20°C to 200°C.
THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MODULE ARE
thermoEMF which is generated
voltage, current and maximum power generated on an external load
It should be noted that the maximum power is generated at the optimal load resistance, which is equal to the resistance of the module (Rload=Rmodule).
Temperature Dependence
The main characteristics of the module depend on the temperatures Th and Tc, which are maintained on the heat-absorbing and heat-releasing surfaces, respectively.
Graphical Data for Selection
Graphs of dependences of thermoEMF, voltage, current, maximum power, and optimal resistance of external load on temperatures Th and Tc for generator modules developed by our company are given in the section THERMOELECTRIC HANDBOOK. These graphs are used to select a generator module that provides the required voltage and power on the external load with a given resistance at given temperatures Th and Tc.
Thermal Conductivity
The value of the thermal conductivity Kmodule of the module is also given. It is weakly dependent on temperature and makes it possible to estimate the value of the thermal power Qh required for the generation of electric energy in the ΔT = Th - Tc mode, using the formula Qh = KmoduleΔT.
Efficiency Estimation
To estimate the efficiency (efficiency = Wload/Qh, where Wload is the power on the external load) of the generating module in the operating mode, you can use the dependences of the efficiency on the temperatures Th and Tc , which are given in the THERMOELECTRIC HANDBOOK section.
