Vikhor L. Theory of functionally graded thermoelements and modules on their basis

The work is dedicated to development of theory of functionally graded thermoelements and thermoelectric modules on their basis, research on characteristics of such modules in cooling and electric power generation systems, as well as to determination of the ways for improving efficiency of thermoelectric energy conversion due to creation and wide application of thermopiles made of inhomogeneous materials. A generalized theory is constructed for design of optimal functionally graded thermoelectric materials (FGTM) that are formed under the effect of one or several factors and improve the efficiency of stage, segmented, permeable thermoelectric structures in cooling and electric power generation modes. Theoretical foundations are elaborated and computer methods are created for solving optimization problems of FGTM thermoelements and modules for coolers and generators. Optimal distributions of current carri-ers concentration in Bi-Te, Pb-Te, Si-Ge based materials, as well as magnetic field induction for Bi-Sb are established, and conditions for improving efficiency of such FGTM modules are investigated in cooling and electric power generation modes.