Periodic heating amplifies the efficiency of thermoelectric energy conversion

摘要: We show that the use of a periodic heat source, instead constant can improve conversion efficiency thermoelectric power generator (TPG). A source drives temperature difference across with an amplitude ΔT. While time average ΔT is identical to under equivalent energy input, (ΔT)2 larger, resulting in improved efficiency. Here we present experimental measurements on commercial device (bismuth telluride based) validate analytical and numerical models. These models maximum achieved when period much larger than thermal TPG. Under this quasi-steady condition, figure merit ZT still relevant parameter for material optimization. conventional = 1, operated sinusoidal square-wave sources (ΔT 100 K, TCold 300 K), achieve 140% 180% efficiency; or otherwise stated, perform like advanced materials 1.6 2.8. Even greater improvement, inaccessible through materials-based enhancements, be low duty cycle sources.