Device testing and characterization of thermoelectric nanocomposites

摘要: It has become evident in recent years that developing clean, sustainable energy technologies will be one of the world’s greatest challenges 21 century. Thermoelectric materials can potentially make a contribution by increasing efficiency some systems. may play role large scale industry, specifically applications refrigeration and waste heat recovery. In this work novel thermoelectric material tested for conversion efficiency. A Bi2Te3 nanocomposite been developed joint effort Prof. Gang Chen’s group at MIT Zhifeng Ren’s Boston College. The exhibits enhanced properties from optimized nanoscale structures easily manufactured quantities. order to better characterize its performance power measurement system measure directly. design described detail; important considerations addressed such as measuring flux, optimizing load matching condition reducing electrical contact resistance. Finally measured compared calculated temperature-dependent model. shown Ni layer must attached allow soldering testing. Results show is higher than commercial standard. Electrical remains challenge realizing potential Thesis Supervisor : Chen Title Professor Mechanical Engineering