Solar thermoelectric generation using bismuth telluride alloys
Abstract
The possibility of using thermocouples made from Bi2Te3 alloys in solar thermoelectric generators is investigated. Experiments have been carried out for two systems. The first employs a commercial thermoelectric module operating at the relatively low source temperatures that can be achieved with a flat plate collector. The second system uses an asymmetric stationary concentrator with thermocouples fabricated so as to withstand higher temperatures. Present overall efficiencies are less than one percent but this could rise to about three percent with improvements in the concentration system.
- Publication:
-
Solar Energy
- Pub Date:
- January 1980
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0038-092X(80)90311-4
- Bibcode:
- 1980SoEn...24..435G
- Keywords:
-
- Bismuth Tellurides;
- Semiconductors (Materials);
- Solar Collectors;
- Solar Generators;
- Thermocouples;
- Thermoelectric Generators;
- Concentrators;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Energy Technology;
- Flat Plates;
- Solar Energy Conversion