Simulation of Flexible Thermoelectric Generators Based on Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 Synthesized by Electrochemical Deposition Method

Abstract

Thermoelectric generator simulations and comparative analysis of output parameters have been carried out for two geometries (Y-structure and П-structure with a flexible base) at different temperatures. Electrochemically deposited films of bismuth telluride Bi2Te3 and antimony telluride Sb2Te3 were used as functional materials. The following results have been achieved: the maximal output power of a Y-structure generator at the temperature range from 10 to 100 0C made up P max = 324 μW, and the output power of П-structure generator made up P max = 118 μW. The specific maximal output power of a Y-structure generator made up P max /S = 12.47 μW/mm2, the specific maximal output power of a П-structure made up P max /S = 4.54 μW/mm2. The thermoelectric generator based on Y-structure has proved to possess the specific output power exceeding 2.7 times the one of the conventional structural thermal generator.