Advanced Thermoelectric NanoMaterial Approach for Efficient Vehicle Waste Heat Recovery

Currently, the thermoelectric (TE) materials used in modules for vehicle waste heat recovery suffer from operation temperatures and figures of merits (FOM) that are too low. To address these problems, a new alloy semiconductor material system, based on a new alloy, has been identified. However, the potential for this new alloy system to replace currently used TE materials is limited by the alloy¿s macroscopic inhomogeneity, which is related to its fabrication. This project will develop an innovative nanomaterial fabrication approach for the alloy system. The new approach will eliminate the macroscopic inhomogeneity problem, significantly enhance the TE FOM, and improve the overall efficiency of the waste heat recovery. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: A high-performance bulk TE material system should significantly impact vehicle waste heat recovery, providing an overall efficiency of 30 percent. In addition, the material could be made into different kinds of TE modules for other industrials, including steel, building materials, and chemical manufacturing. The impact on energy saving should be great.