Thermoelectric power generation materials: Technology and application opportunities

Abstract

Thermoelectric power sources have consistently demonstrated their extraordinary reliability and longevity for deep space missions (67 missions to date, more than 30 years of life) as well as terrestrial applications where unattended operation in remote locations is required. The development of new, more efficient materials and devices is the key to improving existing space power technology and expanding the range of terrestrial applications. The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is leading collaborative research and development on novel advanced bulk materials capable of long-term operation at temperatures up to 1,300 K at more than 20% conversion efficiency. The research areas include refractory rare earth compounds and bulk three-dimensional nanostructures that emulate results obtained on low dimensional superlattices through “force engineering” and “self-assembling” techniques. Recent experimental results will be highlighted, and progress in transitioning thermoelectric technology to a more flexible, lower-cost modular array configuration suitable for various application opportunities will be discussed.