Development of TEG-module using β-FeSi2 thermocouples [thermoelectric generator]

A TEG-module was prepared by using sintered β-FeSi₂ thermocouples composed of p-type Fe_0.929 Mn_0.071Si_1.948Al_0.052 and n-type Fe_0.94Co_0.06Si_2.00. A thermal insulation brick with dimension of 115 mm×115 mm×35 mn was used for the body of the module, and 43 pieces of thermocouples with special shape and thickness were buried into a thermal insulation brick in order to generate a large output per unit weight from the thermocouple. Furthermore, a portion of electric generation output was used for driving a fan motor that cools the low temperature side of the module in order to obtain larger output. When the module was inserted in an electric furnace wall and the furnace interior was heated up to 1273 K, output 1.45 W was obtained from the module