Thermoelectric power generation using Li-doped NiO and (Ba, Sr)PbO3 module

A prototype of oxide thermoelectric (TE) module by p-n coupled oxide elements has been fabricated for the first time, for the application of power generation at high-temperatures in air. For the single couple, the ir-shaped joints of sintered bodies of Li-doped NiO (p-type) and (Ba, Sr)PbO3 (n-type) were used. TE performance of both single couple and the module were investigated in the temperature range from 440 to 1060 K. The maximum output power from a single couple was 7.91 mW with the operating temperature difference of 552 K. The assembled module with four elements showing almost four times larger power, 34.4 mW, than that of a single element. The reliability of this oxide couple at high-temperature in air, and an application of module for the power generation using the waste heat from a stove are also reported. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.