Studies on a Single Thermoelectric Couple Fabricated From Half-Heusler Alloy

Abstract

The paper deals with thermoelectric materials typically applied in thermoelectric generators or solid-state heat pumps. The thermoelectric p–n couple under investigation is constructed from p-type and n-type half-Hausler alloys. The alloys are engineered not only to maximize efficiency, but also to be optimized for environmentally friendly manufacturing, abundant elements in compositions, and large-scale applications. The research work was focused on the thermoelectric response of half-Hausler p–n couple in the temperature range from 297 to 310 K. The temperature range was adjusted to a reference Bi₂Te₃-based material to validate the outcomes for the alloys investigated. Commercial software tools offer thermoelectric models, which are developed and fully proven for Bi₂Te₃-based thermoelectric materials.