Fabrication of a CoSb3-based thermoelectric module

A CoSb3-based thermoelectric module was fabricated using Ce0.45Co2.5Fe1.5Sb12 p-type leg and Yb0.25Co4Sb12/Yb2O3 n-type leg. Ag–Cu foil was used to construct the junction of hot side legs. With two p–n couples, the module generated a maximum output power (Pmax) of 140 mW and a maximum open-circuit voltage (Vo) of 210 mV under the thermal condition of hot side temperature Th=810 K and a temperature difference ΔT=490 K. No deterioration in output power in vacuum was seen when thermal cycle of five times for the module was carried out under Th=810 K and ΔT=490 K with natural cooling to room temperature, which shows the module has high durability.