Oxide thermoelectrics: From materials to module

In this chapter, thermoelectrics is introduced, with special focus on oxide materials. The history of thermoelectrics is briefly described, after which the thermoelectric effect and different thermoelectric materials are discussed in detail. The relevant material parameters for various oxide thermoelectric materials are also given. After this, thermoelectric devices, such as leg, unicouples, and modules are discussed, along with their efficiencies. A numerical model for calculating the efficiency of a thermoelectric system, if material properties are known, is also presented. Advanced ways to improve the performance of thermoelectric devices, such as segmentation of legs or cascaded designs are also discussed in detail. Finally, the joining of thermoelectric materials and the associated detrimental effect of contact resistance on thermoelectric performance is discussed.