A Thin-film Thermoelectric Generator will be Developed Using a Novel Manufacturing Approach

The Department of Energy is interested in increasing the performance and cost-effectiveness of thermoelectric generator modules intended for waste heat recovery systems. Although high-efficiency small-scale thermoelectric generators have been demonstrated in the laboratory, scaling to production-level devices has proven difficult. A team of researchers from Plasma Controls and Colorado State University will develop a thin-film superlattice thermoelectric generator module, appropriate for waste heat recovery applications, using a novel manufacturing approach. The module will have high efficiency, through a high thermoelectric figure of merit, and use low-cost materials appropriate for large-scale manufacturing. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The thermoelectric generator module is primarily intended for waste heat recovery in small-scale, less than 2 MW, engines. These include engines used in distributed power generation, pipeline pumping stations, long-haul trucks, marine vessels, locomotives, and lighter duty vehicles among others. A waste heat recovery system utilizing both thermoelectric generator modules and an organic Rankine cycle has the potential to increase power production efficiency by ten percent or more.