Thermoelectric Efficiency and Compatibility

The intensive reduced efficiency η_r is derived for thermoelectric power generation (in one dimension) from intensive fields and currents, giving η_r=E·J/-∇T·J_S. The overall efficiency is derivable from a thermodynamic state function, Φ=1/u+αT, where we introduce u=J/κ∇T as the relative current density. The method simplifies the computation and clarifies the physics behind thermoelectric devices by revealing a new materials property s=((1+zT)-1)/(αT), which we call the compatibility factor. Materials with dissimilar compatibility factors cannot be combined by segmentation into an efficient thermoelectric generator because of constraints imposed on u. Thus, control of the compatibility factor s is, in addition to z, essential for efficient operation of a thermoelectric device, and thus will facilitate rational materials selection, device design, and the engineering of functionally graded materials.