MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY OF SEMICONDUCTOR THERMOELECTRIC MODULES
The qualitative difference of the modules produced by our company is due to the use of original technology developed by our specialists, and constantly improved using advanced scientific and technical achievements.
The presence of a full production cycle of thermoelectric modules, starting from the process of growing ingots of thermoelectric material and ending with the testing processes of finished modules, made it possible to fully realize the possibilities for optimizing the parameters of modules intended for each specific application, since we start this optimization technologically as early as at the stage of growing thermoelectric material.
Production and measurement of thermoelectric material characteristics
For the production of thermoelectric material, original technological equipment developed and manufactured by our company is used, which makes it possible to vary the parameters of the technological process of manufacturing the material over a wide range, which in turn makes it possible to obtain a material with the required optimal properties.
WE USE THE BASE COMPOSITION OF SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL:
Bi2Te3-Bi2Se3
Bi2Te3-Sb2Te3
However, for different operating temperature ranges and different operating conditions of modules, our technologists select a specific composition of source materials and doping impurities, which allows us to ensure maximum possible module parameters for operating modes selected by the customer. A separate technological process is used to produce thermoelectric material intended for the production of generator modules.
Below are the main characteristics, namely the temperature dependences of the Seebeck coefficient α, electric conductivity σ, thermal conductivity к and figure of merit Z of typical Bi2Te3-based materials produced by our company for cooling and generating modules.
Specialists in the field of thermoelectricity can use these dependences to calculate the designs and characteristics of the modules that can be custom-made by INTERM.
Properties of Materials for Cooling Modules
Temperature dependencies of the Seebeck coefficient α, electrical conductivity σ, thermal conductivity κ, and figure of merit Z of n- and p-type Bi2Te3-based materials.
properties of materials for generating modules
Temperature dependencies of the thermoEMF coefficient, electrical conductivity, heat conductivity, and figure of merit Z of n- and p-type Bi2Te3-based materials.
All produced ingots of semiconductor thermoelectric material undergo the operation of measuring the Seebeck coefficient (α, mV/K) and electric conductivity (σ, 1/Ohm cm). The measurement of characteristics is carried out automatically along the entire length of the ingot with an interval of 1 cm. The measurement system, developed and manufactured by our specialists, makes it possible to analyze the distribution of parameters along the length of the ingot in order to prevent inappropriate material from entering the next technological operations.
The results of the ingot parameter measurements are displayed on the monitor screen as graphs:
Production of thermoelectric modules
The manufacturing quality of thermoelements is ensured by high-precision equipment, which makes it possible to set and obtain the required dimensions of thermoelements. Developed by our specialists, a special technology for applying a protective layer allows creating a reliable anti-diffusion barrier that ensures durability and temperature stability of modules.
A carefully thought-out sequence of technological and control operations used during the assembly of thermoelectric modules allows for 100% interoperational control, which ensures the high quality of finished products.
Quality control of finished products
100% of manufactured modules are subject to acceptance tests, including control of appearance and geometric dimensions, checking the electrical and thermoelectric parameters of modules. Sealed modules undergo 100% leak testing.
When checking the appearance and geometric dimensions, the overall dimensions, flatness and parallelism of the cold and hot sides of the module are controlled. The electric parameters are controlled by the AC bridge, and the thermoelectric efficiency of the modules is measured by the Harman method.
Each new batch of modules undergoes testing for resistance to mechanical factors (impact resistance, linear acceleration, vibration, shear, compression) and climatic factors (increased humidity, elevated and reduced temperatures).
Additionally, a methodology for testing modules for cyclic on-off of the operating current has been developed and introduced. The information obtained as a result of testing is analyzed and used to improve technological processes for the production of modules.
