Flexible Micro Thermoelectric Generator based on Electroplated Bi2Te3

TL;DR

This paper introduces a flexible micro thermoelectric generator using electroplated Bi2Te3, demonstrating high performance and adaptability for curved surfaces, with experimental results aligning with model predictions.

Contribution

It presents a novel fabrication process for a flexible thermoelectric generator with electroplated Bi2Te3, enabling high performance on curved surfaces.

Findings

Generates 278 μW/cm² at ΔT=40K

Performance remains high on curved surfaces

Measurement results match model predictions

Abstract

We present and discuss the fabrication process and the performance of a flexible micro thermoelectric generator with electroplated Bi2Te3 thermocouples in a SU-8 mold. Demonstrator devices generate 278uWcm-2 at dTmeas=40K across the experimental set up. Based on model calculations, a temperature difference of dTG=21.4K across the generator is assumed. Due to the flexible design and the chosen generator materials, the performance stays high even for curved contact surfaces. The measurement results correlate well with the model based design optimization predictions.