Simulation and Experiment on In-plane Carbon Nanotube Thermoelectric Generator in Parallel

Wenbin Huang,Peng Zhang,Wanling Li,Yaozhou Liu,Xiaopan Liu,Xiangjun Song,H.L Yuan,R.K Agarwal,E.X Wang,P Tandon

doi:10.1051/matecconf/20179502003

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of larger internal resistance of thin-film thermoelectric generator (TEG) in series, which could influence the output power and restrict the application, the in-plane carbon nanotube (CNT) TEG in parallel was ingeniously researched. Utilizing the parameters of output power, conversion and energy efficiencies, the ideal and actual models of TEG in parallel were established, respectively. The thermal conduction insulating layer was taken into account, which could provide the theoretical guidance for the experimental test and engineering applications. The CNT films were prepared by the floating-catalyst chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and the experiment and properties of TEG based on CNT films were investigated. The testing circuits of conventional and gas TEGs were designed, and the output powers of the serial and parallel connecting types were tested and compared. The correctness of theoretical model and numerical analysis was proved to be valid. The novel method could effectively enhance the output power, extend the applied range of TEG in MEMS/NEMS and had a fine prospect.

Highlights

Along the quick development of micro/nano systems and their extensive applications, the power source supplied by the storage battery cannot be adapted well to the rigorous environments and requests
When the thermal conduction insulating layer is considered in the parallel thermoelectric module (TEM), the actual schematic diagram is shown as Fig. 1(b)
The carbon nanotube (CNT) film is synthesized by a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method [13, 14]

Summary

Introduction

Along the quick development of micro/nano systems and their extensive applications, the power source supplied by the storage battery cannot be adapted well to the rigorous environments and requests. Since the discovery of CNT in 1991 [6, 7], the correlated research work has increased exponentially over the years owing to the splendid physical, chemical, structural and electrical properties [8,9]. It can generate electricity in the photic, thermic, magnetic or fluidic fields, which can be applied to a more complicated environment [10, 11]. It is significant to the TEG application in diverse fields

Ideal theoretical model

Actual theoretical model

Experiment and verification

Simulation and Analysis

Summary