6533b7d1fe1ef96bd125cd31
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Long term stability testing of oxide unicouple thermoelectric modules
Tore VehusKjell WiikPeter Hugh MiddletonGunstein SkomedalMari-ann EinarsrudNikola KanasSathya Prakash Singhsubject
010302 applied physicsWork (thermodynamics)Materials scienceOxidechemistry.chemical_element02 engineering and technology021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology01 natural sciencesElectrical contactsNickelchemistry.chemical_compoundVDP::Teknologi: 500Thermoelectric generatorchemistry0103 physical sciencesThermoelectric effectComposite material0210 nano-technologyEnergy harvestingPower densitydescription
Thermoelectric devices based on oxides are good candidates for energy harvesting technologies for use in aggressive conditions where the materials should withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments over prolonged time. This leads to a natural concern for the stability of the electrical contacts, especially on the hot side of the module. In this work, we have assembled several prototype unicouple thermoelectric modules made by pyrolyzed and spark plasma sintered n-type CaMnO3 and p-type Ca3Co4O9 and then tested under different conditions mimicking end-user applications. For baseline experiments we have chosen to use nickel as the contact material in order to show the effect of its oxidation on performance. In later work we will utilize more oxidation resistant contact materials. A maximum specific power output of 56 mW/cm2 with a temperature difference of 760°C was obtained. Cycling test between 400 to 800°C during a period of 1 week showed a reduction in power output of more than 50% mainly due to crack-formation and oxidation near the nickel/oxide interface © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-01-01 |