MxCuyBi2-x(Te1-zSez)3 Thermoelectric Material Power Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoelectric materials have limitations in efficiency, particularly for n-type Bi-Te-Se-based materials, which face challenges in reproducibility and power factor enhancement, hindering their application in widespread cooling and energy generation systems.
Innovation Solution
A Bi-Te-Se-based thermoelectric material with a compound formula MxCuyBi2-x(Te1-zSez) is developed, where M is a metal element like Ag, Au, Pd, Al, Ge, In, Ga, Cd, or Yb, and x, y, z are within specific ranges, enhancing the power factor and thermoelectric figure of merit through controlled doping and composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermoelectric materials are used, then the basic thermoelectric function is provided, but the power factor and thermoelectric figure of merit are insufficient for widespread application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing metal elements M (Groups 2, 10-14, or lanthanides) at controlled concentrations (x=0.001-0.1) into the Bi2(Te,Se)3 structure. This parameter modification optimizes the power factor and thermoelectric figure of merit, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity by enhancing material properties to achieve both stable performance and high cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite thermoelectric material by combining base Bi2(Te,Se)3 compounds with dopant metal elements M from specific periodic table groups. This composite approach integrates the beneficial properties of both the base material and dopant elements, achieving enhanced power factor and thermoelectric figure of merit that enable both reliable operation and high productivity in cooling applications
2Ease of operation
If n-type Bi-Te-Se-based materials are used, then thermoelectric cooling function is provided, but reproducibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific compositional parameters including metal element M from Groups 2, 10-14, or lanthanides with controlled concentration ranges (x=0.001-0.1, y=0.001-0.05), and Te/Se ratio (z=0-0.5). These defined parameters ensure reproducible synthesis and consistent thermoelectric performance across different batches, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermoelectric material efficiency is not improved, then current cooling systems can be maintained, but widespread application to residential and commercial cooling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes thermoelectric efficiency by modifying compositional parameters (metal element M type and concentration, Te/Se ratio) to enhance power factor and reduce thermal conductivity. This improves cooling efficiency by reducing energy loss, thereby enabling the technology to be competitive with conventional cooling systems and suitable for widespread residential and commercial applications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The enhanced power factor and thermoelectric figure of merit improve the performance of cooling and heating systems, as well as thermoelectric electricity generators, with increased efficiency and reproducibility, enabling broader applications including residential and commercial cooling and energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
The Seebeck effect can be used to provide electricity generation by using an electromotive force generated from a temperature difference between ends of a thermoelectric material
Implementation Method 2
The Peltier effect can be used to provide cooling by using a temperature difference between ends of a thermoelectric material. The temperature difference is driven by an externally applied electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric material including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1MxCuyBi2-x(Te1-zSez)3 (1)wherein in the Chemical Formula, M is at least one metal element, and x, y, and z independently satisfy the following ranges 0<x≦0.1, 0<y≦0.05, and 0≦z≦0.5.