Simulation of Si/Ge based thermoelectric generator

Abstract

A thermoelectric generator based on a SiGe superlattice was simulated using the COMSOL Multiphysics software platform. Based on the created model, a prototype generator sample can be made.The output power of a single thermoelectric generator was 0.048 μW with a temperature difference ΔT = 50 K. The generator area was 32 mm2, and the thickness was 1 mm.This makes it possible to combine 100 or 500 single generators into one on a flexible basis.This type of a TEG can be used as an energy source for different type of autonomous devices, for example, sensors or microdevices.