Power Generation Performance of Thermoelectric Module Consisting of Sb-Doped Heusler Fe<SUB>2</SUB>VAl Sintered Alloy

Abstract

Power generation performance of the thermoelectric module consisting of the Sb-doped Heusler Fe2VAl alloy was evaluated. For the construction of the module, conduction type controlled Fe2VAl alloys were prepared by adjusting the valence electron density. For the enhancement of thermoelectric properties of the n-type Sb-substituted Fe2VAl alloy, Al site was additionally substituted by Si. In order to change the conduction type from n-type to p-type, additional Ti substitution for the V site was examined and large positive Seebeck coefficient was obtained. Power generation test of the module consisting of these alloys was conducted on a hot plate of 573 K in air. The maximum output power of the thermoelectric module consisting of 18 pairs of p-n junction was estimated to be 2.5 W. The reduction of thermal conductivity by the Sb-doping increased temperature difference at thermoelectric elements, resulting in the enhancement of output power.