YbSi2 Thermoelectric Material Production via Arc Melting and SPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoelectric materials lack high power factor P and figure of merit ZT in the middle temperature range of 150 degrees to 300 degrees, which is crucial for efficient energy harvesting and fuel efficiency in vehicles, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A producing method for a thermoelectric material with a high power factor P is developed by optimizing the composition ratio and crystal structure of YbSi-based silicides, reducing electric resistivity and maintaining a high Seebeck coefficient, achieved through an arc melting and spark plasma sintering process, allowing for efficient thermoelectric performance across the specified temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermoelectric materials are used, then production cost is reduced, but power factor P and figure of merit ZT are insufficient in the middle temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the composition parameters of silicide-based thermoelectric materials, specifically adjusting the ratio of group 14 elements (Si, Ge, Sn) and incorporating group 2 or 3 elements to achieve peak power factor in the middle temperature range while maintaining cost-effectiveness through abundant raw materials
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite thermoelectric materials by combining silicide-based compounds with specific element ratios, forming a composite structure that achieves high power factor and figure of merit through synergistic effects of different elements while remaining economically viable
2Reliability
If thermoelectric materials for high temperature applications are used, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but adaptability to middle temperature range (150-300°C) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the compositional parameters of thermoelectric materials to shift the peak power factor to the middle temperature range, achieving optimal thermoelectric performance at temperatures between 150-300°C through precise control of element ratios and doping concentrations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention develops thermoelectric materials with universal applicability across different temperature ranges by optimizing composition to achieve broad temperature range adaptability, allowing the same material system to function effectively in both middle temperature waste heat recovery and various industrial 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 method results in a thermoelectric material with a significantly improved power factor P and figure of merit ZT, enhancing energy conversion efficiency and reducing production costs, suitable for applications in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a base alloy is obtained by arc melting Si and Yb a plurality of times
Implementation Method 2
the obtained base alloy is ground and then sintered by an SPS method with a carbon tool, thereby a desired thermoelectric material is obtained
Implementation Method 3
a thermoelectric system using the Seebeck effect in which a voltage is generated by a temperature difference between materials
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(1)~2(3)
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a thermoelectric material including a compound which is formed of an element R belonging to alkaline earth metal and lanthanoid, and an element X belonging to any of Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements, and Group 15 elements. The composition ratio of the element R and the element X is selected to obtain the compound having an AlB2 type structure.The material is preferably YbSi2 and is made by first arc melting the starting materials, grinding the molten material and the sintering by SPS.