A plate-type thermoelectric power generator with an oxidized bi-metal interface for power generation from a small temperature difference

Hironori Tohmyoh, Toshinori Daimon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A plate-type thermoelectric power generator was fabricated from an Fe plate. The Fe plate was initially oxidized. Next, an Al layer was deposited on the plate, which had been partially covered with an SiO2 layer for electrical insulation, and a bi-metal interface with oxidation was formed. The thermoelectromotive force due to the temperature gradient in the generator was measured for the open circuit condition, and the thermoelectromotive force of the generator with the oxidized interface was about 3 times greater than that of the generator without oxidation. The maximum powers of the generators with and without oxidation were determined from the current-voltage characteristics measured for the closed circuit condition, and it was verified that oxidizing the bi-metal interface was effective in enhancing the performance of the thermoelectric power generator. For example, the maximum power of the generator with the oxidized bi-metal interface was about 0.3 μW at a temperature difference as low as 40 K, and this value was greater than that of the generator without oxidation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-41
Number of pages4
JournalMicroelectronic Engineering
Volume159
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Jun 15

Keywords

  • Bi-metal interface
  • Fe
  • Oxidation
  • Seebeck effect
  • Thermoelectric power generator

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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