A Resistance Ratio Analysis for CoSb3-Based Thermoelectric Unicouples

作者：Choi Soon Mok^*; Kim Kyoung Hun; Jeong Seong Min; Choi Hyoung Seuk; Lim Young Soo; Seo Won Seon; Kim Il Ho

来源：Journal of Electronic Materials, 2012, 41(6): 1004-1010.

DOI：10.1007/s11664-011-1871-y

• Skutterudite
• thermoelectric module
• a resistance ratio
• long-term durability

In the search for desirable materials for use in thermoelectric generators, CoSb3-based skutterudites have stimulated much scientific interest due to their high performance capabilities even at high temperatures. In this work, we tested the electrical power-generation characteristics of CoSb3-based unicouples. We manufactured power-generation unicouples using -type In0.25Co3.95Ni0.05Sb12 and -type In0.25Co3.0Fe1.0Sb12 legs. The dimensions of the thermoelectric legs were 10 mm in diameter and 10 mm in height, with Cu sheets and Cu/Mo alloy as the electrode materials. For our unicouples, we evaluated the resistance ratio ' (= (o)/), which represents the ratio of the load resistance to the internal resistance of the unicouple. From this analysis of the resistance ratio ', we obtained a considerable amount of information about the loss factors that caused the difference between the measured power output and the theoretical value. Through these analyses of two types of loss factors, we sought to improve the open-circuit voltage and internal resistance of a unicouple with CoSb3/Ti/electrode interfaces. In addition, a long-term durability test of the unicouple at high temperature was performed to test the stability of the thermoelectric materials and of the interface between the electrodes and the thermoelectric legs at the same time.

• 出版日期2012-6