Journal article
Authors list: Ziolkowski, Pawel; Blaschkewitz, Przemyslaw; Mueller, Eckhard
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Measurement
Volume number: 177
ISSN: 0263-2241
eISSN: 1873-412X
Open access status: Green
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2021.109247
Publisher: Elsevier
Abstract:
Traceability and the definition of uncertainty budgets are considered as necessary prerequisites for a meaningful characterization of thermoelectric generator modules (TEM). Due to the lag of standardized measurement techniques and characterization guidelines users and developers of measurement facilities cannot express uncertainty budgets on a normative base, but can only rely on own experiences and act according to best practise approaches. Reference samples are an appropriate method to investigate the accuracy of measurements and to provide insides into strengths and weaknesses of the employed characterization methods. Such references are still not available to date for measurements on TEM. In order to overcome this deficit this article discusses the applicability of commercially available Bi2Te3-based TEM to serve as metrological reference samples. Four TEM types from different manufacturers were investigated with regard to their stability, which was assessed on the base of the internal electric resistance Ri in the course of different experiments. The modules have been tested under constant temperature differences (Delta T = 150 degrees C / 175 degrees C) but variable mechanical pressure (2 MPa < p < 3.5 MPa). Further experiments have been conducted under constant pressure (p = 3 MPa) and variable temperature differences in order to determine the short-term stability. The long-term stability was assessed from thermal cycling experiments with observation times between 117 h and 443 h in dependence of the observed module stability. Significant differences could be observed regarding the stability of Ri, which ranged from very stable module types with maximum changes of Delta Ri 2.5% to modules with a relatively weak stability showing Delta Ri 13%. The sample-to-sample variation (homogeneity) of Ri was tested in a last step on five modules from two most stable types.
Citation Styles
Harvard Citation style: Ziolkowski, P., Blaschkewitz, P. and Mueller, E. (2021) Validation of commercial Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric generator modules for application as metrological reference samples, Measurement, 177, Article 109247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2021.109247
APA Citation style: Ziolkowski, P., Blaschkewitz, P., & Mueller, E. (2021). Validation of commercial Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric generator modules for application as metrological reference samples. Measurement. 177, Article 109247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2021.109247
Keywords
BISMUTH TELLURIDE; CONVERSION EFFICIENCY; PARAMETER OPTIMIZATION; Pressure sensitivity; Reference sample; ROUND-ROBIN; SEEBECK COEFFICIENT; THERMAL INTERFACE MATERIALS; Thermoelectric generator module; TRANSPORT-PROPERTIES; Uncertainty budget; WASTE HEAT-RECOVERY