Performance and application of thermoelectric modules for consumer use fabricated with (Bi,Sb)/sub 2/(Te,Se)/sub 3/ using a rapid solidification technique

Abstract

The thermoelectric modules for consumer use with (Bi,Sb)/sub 2/(Te,Se)/sub 3/ compounds have been developed to convert low grade and waste heat into electricity. Bismuth-telluride-based thermoelectric compounds with fine grains and unidirectional crystal orientation, which were prepared using a rapid solidification technique, exhibited high performance at a temperature range of 298 K to 473 K. With a temperature difference of 150 K (Tc=323 K, Th=473 K), a maximum conversion efficiency of 5.6% was obtained. An advanced thermoelectric module was applied to recover the waste heat from a bulb in a projector system. The proto-type projector installed with the thermoelectric power generating system was developed to operate cooling fans and other electric devices.