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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Chiral edge state control of thermoelectric effects

Thermoelectric responses in two-dimensional electron gases subjected to magnetic fields have the potential to provide unique information about quasiparticle statistics. In this study, we show that chiral edge states play a key role in thermoelectric Hall bar measurements by completely controlling the direction of the internal thermal gradient. To this end, we perform measurements of the magnetothermoelectric responses of cadmium arsenide quantum wells. The magnetothermoelectric responses in the quantum Hall regime agree with theoretical predictions if one considers the role of chiral edge states, which flow in opposite directions on either side of the Hall bar and establish an internal temperature gradient that is perpendicular to the externally applied thermal gradient. We show that the results are self-consistent within this picture under different measurement conditions. We discuss potential applications of the findings, such as in nanoscale control of local temperature gradients and thermoelectric effects along with the characterization of other topological systems with chiral edges states.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Modeling and Investigations on Surface Colors of Wings on the Performance of Albatross-Inspired Mars Drones and Thermoelectric Generation Capabilities

Thermal effects of wing color for Albatross-inspired drones performing in the Martian atmosphere are investigated during the summer and winter seasons. This study focuses on two useful consequences of the thermal effects of wing color: the drag reduction and the thermoelectric generation of power. According to its color, each wing side has a certain temperature affecting the drag. Investigations of various configurations have shown that the thermal effect on the wing boundary layer skin drag is insignificant because of the low atmospheric pressure. However, the total drag varies as much as 12.8% between the highest performing wing color configuration and the lowest performing configuration. Additionally, the large temperature differences between the top and the bottom wing surfaces show great potential for thermoelectric power generation. The maximum temperature differences between the top and bottom surfaces for the summer and winter seasons are, respectively, 65 K and 30 K. The drag reduction and the power generation via thermoelectric generators both contribute to enhancing the endurance of drones. Future drone designs will benefit from increased endurance through optimizing the wing color configuration.

Rice, Devyn↗
DOE OSTI2020

Crystalline Structure-Dependent Mechanical and Thermoelectric Performance in Ag 2 Se 1–x S x System

Self-powered wearable electronics require thermoelectric materials simultaneously with a high dimensionless figure of merit (zT) and good flexibility to convert the heat discharged by the human body into electricity. Ag 2 (S,Se)-based semiconducting materials can well satisfy these requirements, and thus, they are attracting great attention in thermoelectric society recently. Ag 2 (S,Se) crystalizes in an orthorhombic structure or monoclinic structure, depending on the detailed S/Se atomic ratio, but the relationship between its crystalline structure and mechanical/thermoelectric performance is still unclear to date. In this study, a series of Ag 2 Se 1–x S x (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.45) samples were prepared and their mechanical and thermoelectric performance dependence on the crystalline structure was systematically investigated. x = 0.3 in the Ag 2 Se 1–x S x system was found to be the transition boundary between orthorhombic and monoclinic structures. Mechanical property measurement shows that the orthorhombic Ag 2 Se 1–x S x samples are brittle while the monoclinic Ag 2 Se 1–x S x samples are ductile and flexible. In addition, the orthorhombic Ag 2 Se 1–x S x samples show better electrical transport performance and higher zT than the monoclinic samples under a comparable carrier concentration, most likely due to their weaker electron-phonon interactions. This study sheds light on the further development of flexible inorganic TE materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1974

Thermoelectric properties of 80 a/o Si-20 a/o Ge alloy

This paper discusses the time and temperature dependence of the thermoelectric properties of n- and p-type 80 at. % Si-20 at. % Ge alloy. It is shown that the time-temperature behavior of the properties of both polarity types of this alloy can be described by means of a diffusion-limited dopant precipitation model due to Lifshitz and Slyozov (1961). An experimental program for the determination of the long-term behavior of the properties of the alloy is described in terms of the Lifshitz-Slyozov model, and the thermoelectric properties of the alloy are given for temperatures in the range from room temperature to 1000 C as a function of time up to and including twelve years. The data given for the p-type alloy represent the first time-dependent thermoelectric property data ever published for the p-type silicon-germanium alloys.

Raag, V.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Tests and evaluation of multihundred watt thermoelectric generators at JPL

The multihundred watt (MHW) thermoelectric generator, based on silicon-germanium thermoelectric technology, delivers a nominal power output of 150 watts with an efficiency of about 6%. The two Voyager space probes each use three such generators assembled in tandem on a boom. A total of seven MHW type thermoelectric generators were tested at JPL in support of the Voyager project. The tests consisted of: (1) parametric evaluation of the electrical characteristics of the devices over a wide range of output voltage for different values of input power, different operating ambients (air, vacuum), and different internal environments (argon, helium, xenon, mixture of these gases, and vacuum) at different pressures to allow evaluation of the influences of both gas and pressure on the performance of the generator; (2) tests to determine the transient behavior of the generators; and (3) operation of the generator in conjunction with the Voyager spacecraft.

Rouklove, P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Solar thermoelectric generators

The methods, the findings and the conclusions of a study for the design of a Solar Thermoelectric Generator (STG) intended for use as a power source for a spacecraft orbiting the planet Mercury are discussed. Several state-of-the-art thermoelectric technologies in the intended application were considered. The design of various STG configurations based on the thermoelectric technology selected from among the various technologies was examined in detail and a recommended STG design was derived. The performance characteristics of the selected STG technology and associated design were studied in detail as a function of the orbital characteristics of the STG in Mercury and throughout the orbit of Mercury around the sun.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1979

Solar thermoelectric power generation for Mercury orbiter missions

Mercury orbiter mission study results have shown that conventional silicon solar cell array technology is not adequate to produce power because of expected temperatures which range from -90 C to +285 C in about 50 minutes for 16 sun eclipses/day. The solar thermoelectric generator (STG), which requires relatively high temperatures, is being developed as a replacement power source. Several thermoelectric technologies (i.e., lead telluride alloys, bismuth telluride, selenide, and silicon-germanium alloys have been examined for their suitability. Solar concentrator configurations (i.e., flat plate, Fresnel lens, mini-cone, and Cassegrain types) were also studied as candidates for increasing incident radiation during Mercury orbital operations. Detailed results are presented, and show that an STG design based on the use of silicon-germanium alloy thermoelectric material and using high-voltage thermopiles with individual miniconical concentrators presents the optimum combination of technology and configuration for minimizing power source mass.

Swerdling, M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ionic conductivity and thermoelectric power of pure and Al2O3-dispersed AgI

Ionic and electronic conductivities, and thermoelectric power have been measured for AgI and AgI containing a dispersion of submicron size Al2O3 particles. While the dispersion of Al2O3 enhances the ionic conductivity significantly, it does not affect the electronic properties of the matrix. The enhancement is a strong function of the size and concentration of the dispersoid. Various models have been tested to account for the enhanced conduction. However, the complex behavior of the present results points out the need for more sophisticated theoretical models. Ionic conduction and thermoelectric power data suggest that the dispersed Al2O3 generates an excess of cation vacancies and thereby enhances the conductivity and suppresses the thermoelectric power of the matrix. The individual heats of transport of cation interstitials and vacancies have been estimated and compared to their respective migration energies.

Shahi, K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

An experimental investigation into the feasibility of a thermoelectric heat flux gage

An experiment was conducted to determine the feasibility of using a commerically available thermoelectric device as a heat flux gage. In certain research applications, the thermoelectric heat flux gage can provide a relatively simple means to model a warm fluid--cold wall. The experiment showed that heat flux through the gage could be correlated within two percent to the applied thermoelectric current through the device and the hot and cold side temperature with a simple algebraic equation.

Jones, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Thermoelectric refrigeration for temperatures below 100 K: A study of titanium sesquioxide

Previous measurements of the specific heat of V-doped Ti2O3 at low temperatures were explained by a model which also suggested the material would have a high thermoelectric figure-of-merit. The sample preparation, experimental apparatus, and the results of measurements on the thermal conductivity, thermoelectric power, and electrical resistivity of a single crystal Ti2O3 - 4% V sample are described. The results are used to derive the thermoelectric figure-of-merit between 5 and 300 K. The figure-of-merit is much smaller than expected and of little practical value because of the very high phonon thermal conductivity.

Redebaugh, R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Experimental feasibility study of a thermoelectric heat flux gage

An experiment was conducted to determine the feasibility of using a commercially available thermoelectric device as a heat flux gage at near ambient conditions. In certain research applications, the thermoelectric heat flux gage can provide a relatively simple means to model a warm fluid cold wall convection environment. The experiment showed that heat flux through the gage could be correlated within 2.5 percent with a simple algebraic equation which considered the thermoelectric current through the device and the hot and cold side temperatures.

Vanfossen, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Hybrid thermoelectric solar collector design and analysis

A flat-plate solar collector is conceived where energy cascades through thermoelectric power modules generating direct-current electricity. The intent of this work was to choose a collector configuration and to perform a steady-state thermal performance assessment. A set of energy balance equations were written and solved numerically for the purpose of optimizing collector thermal and electrical performance. The collector design involves finned columns of thermoelectric modules imbedded in the absorber plate (hot junction) over a parallel array of vertical tubes. The thermoelectric power output is limited by the small hot-junction/cold-junction temperature difference which can be maintained under steady-state conditions. The electric power per unit tube pass area is found to have a maximum as a function of a geometric parameter, while electric power is maximized with respect to an electric resistance ratio. Although the electric power efficiency is small, results indicate that there is sufficient electric power production to drive a coolant circulator, suggesting the potential for a stand-alone system.

Roberts, A. S., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Thermoelectric conversion for space nuclear power

A lightweight, high performance nuclear reactor power system can offer significant advantages for many space missions. Conceptual design has been completed for the SP-100, a system which utilizes many thermoelectric converters and is capable of delivering 100 kilowatts of electrical power. A reference design, using thermoelectric materials with an average figure of merit of 0.001/K and a reactor heat pipe temperature of 1500 K, is presented which has a mass of 2280 kg not including contingency. The sensitivity of system mass to changes in the configuration and thermoelectric material properties are presented

Ewell, R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Thermoelectric and Thermionic Conversion Technology

Applied research and technology efforts in thermoelectric and thermionic programs were recommended that will enable space power systems for the nation's future space missions. Specifically it was argued that the effort in thermoelectric materials technology be broadened with the objective of obtaining a material with a Figure of Merit greater than 1.0 x 10(-3)/K for hot junction temperatures of 1100 to 1500 K. The recommended effort in thermionics is to pursue technology programs that will result in an understanding and lifetime prediction methodologies for fuel-emitter and sheath-insulator behavior as a function of operating time and temperature. Also it is recommended that an effort be initiated that combines the thermoelectric, thermionic and power electronic technologies into a program to develop the technology for high temperature, high radiation resistant, and high current electronic switches.

Mondt, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Development of advanced thermoelectric materials

The development of an advanced thermoelectric material for radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) applications is reported. A number of materials were explored. The bulk of the effort, however, was devoted to improving silicon germanium alloys by the addition of gallium phosphide, the synthesis and evaluation of lanthanum chrome sulfide and the formulation of various mixtures of lanthanum sulfide and chrome sulfide. It is found that each of these materials exhibits promise as a thermoelectric material.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effect of high-temperature annealing on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of GaP doped SiGe

Annealing of GaP doped SiGe will significantly alter the thermoelectric properties of the material resulting in increased performance as measured by the figure of merit Z and the power factor P. The microstructures and corresponding thermoelectric properties after annealing in the 1100 to 1300 C temperature range have been examined to correlate performance improvement with annealing history. The figure of merit and power factor were both improved by homogenizing the material and limiting the amount of cross-doping. Annealing at 1215 C for 100 hr resulted in the best combination of thermoelectric properties with a resultant figure of merit exceeding 1x10 to the -3 deg C to the -1 and a power factor of 44 microW/cm/deg C sq for the temperature range of interest for space power: 400 to 1000 C.

Draper, Susan L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Research In Thermoelectric Materials

Report reviews current research in thermoelectric materials with view towards development of materials of greater energy-conversion efficiency. Emphasis on effort to understand and manipulate microstructure to increase thermoelectric figure of merit, Z. Thermoelectric properties of three broad categories of materials discussed. First category includes alloys of group IV elements like silicon and germanium. Second category is rare-earth chalcogenides. Third category includes narrow-band semiconductors, especially boron carbides.

Wood, Charles↗
NASA NTRS1998

Thermoelectric materials development

A systematic search for advanced thermoelectric materials was initiated at JPL several years ago to evaluate candidate materials which includes consideration of the following property attributes: (1) semiconducting properties; (2) large Seebeck coefficient; (3) high carrier mobility and high electrical conductivity; (4) low lattice thermal conductivity; and (5) chemical stability and low vapor pressure. Through this candidate screening process, JPL identified several families of materials as promising candidates for improved thermoelectric materials including the skutterudite family. As part of an ongoing effort to develop skutterudite materials with lower thermal conductivity values, several solid solutions and filled skutterudite materials were investigated under the effort sponsored by DOE. The efforts have primarily focused on: (1) study of existence and properties of solid solutions between the binary compounds CoSb3 and IrSb3, and RuSb2Te, and (2) CeFe(4-x)Sb12 based filled compositions. For the solid solutions, the lattice thermal conductivity reduction was expected to be reduced by the introduction of the Te and Ru atoms while in the case of CeFe(4-x)Ru(x)Sb12 based filled compositions. For the solid solutions, the lattice thermal conductivity reduction was expected to be reduced by the introduction of the Te and Ru atoms while in the case of CeFe(4-x)Ru(x)Sb12 filled compositions, the reduction would be caused by the rattling of Ce atoms located in the empty voids of the skutterudite structure and the substitution of Fe for Ru. The details of the sample preparation and characterization of their thermoelectric properties are reported in this report.

Fleurial, J. P.↗