ISSN:
1356-5362
Source:
Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
Topics:
Electrical Engineering, Measurement and Control Technology
Notes:
Purpose - Possible application of mixed (thick/thin film) thermopiles to supply autonomous microsystems. Design/methodology/approach - PdAg/AG or PdAg/TSG thermocouples were deposited onto a circular alumina or LTCC substrates. Their thermoelectric power, resistance as well as output electrical power were characterized vs temperature gradient and chosen parameters of thermopile fabrication process. Findings - Semiconductors have high Seebeck coefficient, so investigated kind of thermopile has high output electrical power ET. It achieves 50?mV per single junction for temperature difference of about 200°C. Research limitations/implications - The problem is very high resistivity of germanium alloys, even after burn-in process. Therefore output electrical power P is seriously reduced. To improve thermocouples properties, optimization process is required. For example, thin film layers quality can be improved, semiconductive arms width can be increased or shorter arms can be used. Originality/value - Application of mixed thick/thin film technology for fabrication of miniaturized thermoelectric generators.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/13565360510592153
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