Experimental results confirming improved performance of systems using thermal isolation

Results are presented of a design verification study demonstrating the system efficiency increase in thermoelectric systems that utilize thermal isolation. Three devices ranging from 40 to 2500 watts of electrical input power are described. Test results for these devices are compared to the theoretical best values for conventional thermoelectric systems. Demonstrated performance gains are at least 50% greater than the theoretical best coefficients of performance (COP) for conventional systems. Measured performance ranges from 60 to 90% of the theoretical COP for thermal isolation geometries. Loss mechanisms that reduce the performance from theoretical values are discussed.