Low-Cost, Highly Efficient Thermoelectric Coolers

The need to maintain stable temperatures, or to change temperature in response to changing situations, is an almost universal requirement in engineered systems. This project will develop a working thermoelectric module that will provide a complete thermal management system for various sensors and electronic devices, resulting in substantial energy saving. The approach involves the development of a scaleable technique for the mass-production of iron silicide and doped iron silicide nanoparticles, which will be used to fabricate a thermoelectric cooling module. Phase I will synthesize doped and undoped FeSix nanoparticles, using a previously-developed proprietary method. This will be followed by consolidation of the nanoparticles using plasma pressure compaction technology. Phase II will be aimed at standardizing the parameters for synthesis of the iron-silicide-based components and at fabricating, testing, and optimizing a prototype cooling module. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Improvements in the efficiency of thermal management should result in significant energy savings. Examples of systems that can be served by the thermoelectric module include computers, industrial control systems, refrigeration modules (military or civilian), biomedical storage units, space vehicles, space vehicle sensors, and even bionic mechanisms.