Long-term performance of a commercial thermoelectric power generator

In this work, thermoelectric device was made, using a commercially available ThermoElectric Generator (TEG), in order to measure the gained power and efficiency for long- term performance. The module was subjected to sequential hot side heating at 200°C (392 °F), and cooling for 6000 cycles, in order to measure the TEG's power and EMF change. A 14% increase in the TEG's material resistance was found, as well as a 5% reduction in the Seebeck coefficient. After the experiment, the module was disassembled and thermoelectric p- and n-legs were examined using JR spectroscopy. © 2009 Materials Research Society. 1166 21 26 21-26