DISPENSER PRINTED THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATORS

Abstract: Thermoelectric energy generators are attractive as potential energy harvesters for converting waste thermal energy into electrical power. Optimized thermoelectric device designs require 100-200 µm element thicknesses currently unachievable with common manufacturing technologies. This work presents both a unique direct-write dispenser printing technique and novel polymer-composite thermoelectric materials for fabrication of optimized thermoelectric devices. Initial composite materials properties show the proposed method as a promising low-cost, scalable method for manufacturing of thermoelectric energy generators