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Determination of the thermoelectric properties of a skutterudite-based device at practical operating temperatures by impedance spectroscopy

Author

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  • Yoo, Chung-Yul
  • Yeon, Changho
  • Jin, Younghwan
  • Kim, Yeongseon
  • Song, Jinseop
  • Yoon, Hana
  • Park, Sang Hyun
  • Beltrán-Pitarch, Braulio
  • García-Cañadas, Jorge
  • Min, Gao

Abstract

Skutterudite-based thermoelectric materials are promising candidates for waste heat recovery applications at intermediate temperatures (300–500 °C) owing to their high dimensionless figure of merit and power factor. Recently, several researchers have reported the high performance of skutterudite-based thermoelectric devices obtained by optimizing the crystal structure and microstructure of skutterudite materials and developing metallization layers for device fabrication. Despite extensive research efforts toward maximizing the power density and thermoelectric conversion efficiency of skutterudite-based devices, the thermoelectric properties of such devices after fabrication remain largely unknown. Here, we systematically investigated the factors that affect the thermoelectric properties of skutterudite-based devices within the range of practical operating temperatures (23–450 °C). We successfully prepared a two-couple skutterudite-based device with titanium metallization layers on both sides of the thermoelectric legs and characterized it using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and specific contact resistance measurements. Impedance spectroscopy measurements of the two-couple skutterudite-based device revealed the figure of merit of the device and enabled the extraction of three key thermoelectric parameters (Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity). The impedance spectra and extracted parameters depended strongly on the measurement temperature and were mainly attributable to the thermoelectric properties of skutterudite materials. These observations demonstrate the interplay between the properties of thermoelectric materials and devices and can aid in directing future research on thermoelectric device fabrication.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoo, Chung-Yul & Yeon, Changho & Jin, Younghwan & Kim, Yeongseon & Song, Jinseop & Yoon, Hana & Park, Sang Hyun & Beltrán-Pitarch, Braulio & García-Cañadas, Jorge & Min, Gao, 2019. "Determination of the thermoelectric properties of a skutterudite-based device at practical operating temperatures by impedance spectroscopy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C), pages 1-1.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:251:y:2019:i:c:3
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chenguang Fu & Shengqiang Bai & Yintu Liu & Yunshan Tang & Lidong Chen & Xinbing Zhao & Tiejun Zhu, 2015. "Realizing high figure of merit in heavy-band p-type half-Heusler thermoelectric materials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, November.
    2. Yoo, Chung-Yul & Kim, Yeongseon & Hwang, Juyeon & Yoon, Hana & Cho, Byung Jin & Min, Gao & Park, Sang Hyun, 2018. "Impedance spectroscopy for assessment of thermoelectric module properties under a practical operating temperature," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 834-839.
    3. Mesalam, Ramy & Williams, Hugo R. & Ambrosi, Richard M. & García-Cañadas, Jorge & Stephenson, Keith, 2018. "Towards a comprehensive model for characterising and assessing thermoelectric modules by impedance spectroscopy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C), pages 1208-1218.
    4. Fitriani, & Ovik, R. & Long, B.D. & Barma, M.C. & Riaz, M. & Sabri, M.F.M. & Said, S.M. & Saidur, R., 2016. "A review on nanostructures of high-temperature thermoelectric materials for waste heat recovery," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 635-659.
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    1. Beltrán-Pitarch, Braulio & Maassen, Jesse & García-Cañadas, Jorge, 2021. "Comprehensive impedance spectroscopy equivalent circuit of a thermoelectric device which includes the internal thermal contact resistances," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    2. Beltrán-Pitarch, Braulio & Vidan, Francisco & Carbó, Marc & García-Cañadas, Jorge, 2024. "Impedance spectroscopy analysis of thermoelectric modules under actual energy harvesting operating conditions and a small temperature difference," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 364(C).
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    5. He, Min & Wang, Enhua & Zhang, Yuanyin & Zhang, Wen & Zhang, Fujun & Zhao, Changlu, 2020. "Performance analysis of a multilayer thermoelectric generator for exhaust heat recovery of a heavy-duty diesel engine," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).

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