Characterization of thermoelectric generators by measuring the load-dependence behavior

Solid-state thermoelectric generators (TEGs) based on the Seebeck effect to convert temperature gradients, DT [K], into electrical energy are being used in an increased number of stand-alone microsystems applications. These generators are composed by at least one pair of p- and n-type thermoelectric elements with high figures-of-merit, ZT, to perform such a conversion. The exact behavior knowledge of generators is mandatory in order to decide the most suitable for the target application. The focus of this paper is to present a methodology to characterize thermoelectric generators, by measuring their behavior for different types of loads. The measurements were done with the help of commercial thermoelectric generators (thermoelectric modules TEC1-12707) and a measurement setup composed by a controlled hot-plate, a controlled cooling fan (above an heat dissipator),

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