Heat energy management scheme of thermoelectric generator using phase change material

This paper reports a thermoelectric generator (TEG) with a phase change material (PCM) that provides a function of heat energy storage. The energy conversion efficiency of conventional TEGs decreases rapidly when the heat source is removed from the hot junction. The proposed TEG is composed of thermocouples and a polymer substrate embedding a PCM. The embedded PCM can store heat energy dissipated from a heat source. The TEG, thus, can maintain energy conversion efficiency continuously after removal of the heat source.