Hybrid TE panel test results.

Abstract

Test results are presented for a nine couple (3 x 3 array) thermoelectric panel of hybrid thermocouples. In the hybrid couple, a hollow cylinder of p-type Si-Ge is used to encapsulate a segmented PbTe/Si-Ge n-leg. The hybrid couple is predicted to offer a 10 to 15% improvement in performance relative to all Si-Ge couples. The efficiency, output power, and internal resistance of the panel, as well as the resistances of the individual hybrid couples, are presented as a function of test time covering a period of more than 2600 hours. Initial test results indicated hybrid couple performance consistent with design predictions. However, the 10 to 15% improvement over all-Si-Ge couples demonstrated initially by the hybrid couple was offset by the high resistance that developed following a thermal cycle due to heater failure after 600 hours of testing.