Performance of Composite Peltier Junctions of Bi2Te3

Abstract
An experimental Peltier refrigerator utilizing thermoelements of annular configuration has been designed, constructed, and operated. The thermoelectric materials used are p‐ and n‐type Bi2Te3 with ρp=2×10−3 ohm‐cm, ep=180 μvolts/°C, ρn=8.5×10−4 ohm‐cm, and en=−150 μvolts/°C. The device has been operated under ``no‐load'' conditions over a range of power inputs and has exhibited a maximum ΔT of 49°C. A simple theory relating to the performance of Peltier thermocouples is derived. Experimental performance of the device is shown to agree with theoretical predictions within experimental error.

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