Analysis of (Bi2Te3-PbTe) hybrid thermoelectric generator for effective power generation

Due to the increasing demand of electrical power and faster depletion of non-renewable energy resources, an alternate method to generate the required electrical power is the need of the hour. For small scale electrical power production, thermoelectric generators (TEG) evolve as a boon to the competitive world. In the present study, a hybrid TEG composed of both n-type Bismuth Telluride and p-type Lead Telluride semiconductor materials capable of operating up to 350°C is considered. Various performance parameters such as voltage, current, output power and load resistance are theoretically analyzed. The results showed that a maximum power output of 21.7W has been obtained with the use of one hybrid thermoelectric generator for a temperature difference of 320°C between the hot and cold side of the thermoelectric generator. It is also observed that the hybrid thermoelectric generator works best for the difference in temperature range varying from 220° C to 360°C between the hot and cold side of the TEG and offer superior performance over 260° C of the hot side temperature.