A report presents some results of continuing efforts to develop advanced thermoelectric devices and, more particularly, thermoelectric unicouples for generating electric power from diverse thermal sources, including automotive exhausts and other waste-heat sources. The basic principles of operation and design of these devices were described in "Highly Efficient Thermoelectric Unicouples" (NPO-20872), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 24, No. 10 (October 2000), page 42. The report reiterates the basic principles and then goes on to describe two thermoelectric-unicouple designs, the first of which is theoretically optimal and similar to that of a segmented thermoelectric unicouple described in the cited previous article. The second design — a variant of the first design — is that of an experimental unicouple that was made from skutterudite (only) thermoelectric materials: CeFe4Sb12-based (p-type) and CoSb3-based (n-type) alloys. The report describes the fabrication and the thermal and electrical tests of the experimental unicouple. Among the reported test results are a thermal-to-electrical energy-conversion efficiency of as much as 9.8 percent during operation at hot- and cold-side temperatures of 863 and 363 K, respectively. The report projects that, in the future, more nearly optimal designs could yield efficiencies as large as 15 percent.
This work was done by Thierry Caillat, Jeff Snyder, Andrew Zoltan, and Leslie Zoltan of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, "Skutterudite Thermoelectric Unicouples for Power Applications," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Electronics & Computers category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to
Intellectual Property group
JPL
Mail Stop 202-233
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109
(818) 354-2240
Refer to NPO-30128, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Skutterudite Thermoelectric Unicouples for Generating Power
(reference NPO-30128) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a NASA Technical Support Package detailing advancements in thermoelectric devices, specifically focusing on skutterudite thermoelectric unicouples designed for generating electric power from various thermal sources, including automotive exhaust and other waste-heat sources. The report, prepared under the sponsorship of NASA, outlines the work conducted by a team from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of Technology, including notable inventors Andrew Zoltan, Jeffrey G. Snyder, Leslie D. Zoltan, and Thierry Caillat.
The report begins by reiterating the basic principles of thermoelectric operation and design, referencing previous work on highly efficient thermoelectric unicouples. It describes two specific designs: the first being a theoretically optimal segmented thermoelectric unicouple, and the second an experimental unicouple made solely from skutterudite materials, specifically CeFe₄Sb₁₂-based (p-type) and CoSb₃-based (n-type) alloys.
Key findings from the experimental tests are highlighted, including a thermal-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency of up to 9.8% achieved during operation at hot-side and cold-side temperatures of 863 K and 363 K, respectively. The report also projects that future designs could potentially reach efficiencies as high as 15%, indicating significant room for improvement and innovation in this field.
The document emphasizes the importance of this research in the context of energy conversion and waste heat recovery, which are critical for enhancing energy efficiency in various applications. It also notes that the contractor retains title to the invention, and inquiries regarding commercial use should be directed to the JPL Intellectual Property group.
Overall, the report serves as a comprehensive overview of the ongoing efforts to develop advanced thermoelectric devices, showcasing the potential of skutterudite materials in improving energy conversion efficiencies and contributing to sustainable energy solutions. The work is positioned as a significant step forward in the field of thermoelectric technology, with implications for both scientific research and practical applications in energy generation.
