Result description
CEA makes available a unique expertise in thermoelectric energy harvesting facilities, with a strong focus on second generation thermoelectric materials:
- Sintered silicides, in particular MnSi, MgSi,Sn, SiGe
- Cast silicides, in particular SiGe
CEA offers its capacities in the improvement (thermal and electrical customisation) of such materials, their characterisation at meso, micro and nano scale, stability towards high temperature and oxidation and durability. Furthermore, CEA can measure the functionality of these materials in assembled TE modules, as well as the durability and reliability of these modules, on various test benches. CEA has a particular expertise on the hot-side performance of TE modules.
Technical offering
- Thermoelectric materials microstructure analysis (X-ray diffraction and SEM).
- Bulk thermoelectric materials characterization (cross-plane and in-plane properties): Seebeck coefficient, electrical properties (electrical resistivity, mobility and carriers concentration) and thermal properties (diffusivity, specific heat and thermal conductivity).
- Characterization of thermoelectric devices in controlled atmosphere: measurement of electrical resistance, output voltage and power. Devices failure analysis.
Main equipment
- ZEM3 and ZEM5 ULVAC equipment: Measurement of Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity
- LFA 457 MicroFlash®, Netzsch: thermal diffusivity
- DSC 404 F1 Pegasus, Netzsch specific heat with a differential scanning calorimetry
- SCANTEG600: dedicated test bench for thermoelectric devices properties with a large temperature gradient on a module in a controlled atmosphere
Typical applications
Development of thermoelectric materials and devices usable for energy harvesting or sensing. Thermoelectric generators can be used as an energy source for IoT. Thermoelectric sensors can be used for heat flow measurements, thermal mapping or monitoring.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Business partners – SMEs, Entrepreneurs, Large Corporations
- Use of research Infrastructure
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
- Research and Technology Organisations
- Academia/ Universities
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
CEA offers its capacities in the improvement (thermal and electrical customisation) of 2nd generation TE materials, their characterisation at all scales, stability and durability. Furthermore, CEA can measure the functionality of these materials in assembled TE modules, as well as the durability and reliability of these modules, on various test benches.
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
