A local selection criterion for the composition of graded thermoelectric generators

We present a procedure that locally determines the composition (from a given set of available materials) of a segmented or graded thermoelectric generator leg in order to maximize its output power to a matched load. The method is based on a new interpretation of the electrical output relation, which is organized to resemble a differential output power along the device coordinate. The procedure is applied to calculate the segment length and output power of a segmented bismuth-telluride/iron-disilicide based thermoelectric generator leg.