Durability of Thermoelectric Modules and Development of Generation Systems

The durability against high temperature and heat cycling, and vibration of thermoelectric modules composed of p-type Ca2.7Bi0.3Co4O9 and n-type CaMn0.98Mo0.02O3 devices was investigated quantitatively. Long life time tests under power generation have been carried out for the oxide modules up to 1073 K of the heat source temperature by water circulation at 293 K under the air atmosphere. No degradation in the continuous power generation is confirmed up to 1073 K (T-H). The durability against heat cycling between 373 and 873 K of T-H was investigated in air. The maximum out-put power is kept constant during 700 times of the heat cycling.