UNDERSTANDING THERMOELECTRIC BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS USING COMSOL®

Thermoelectric behavior of Bismuth Telluride, Lead Telluride and Cobalt Triantimonide has been investigated using the heat transfer module of COMSOL Multiphysics® simulation package. Four different parameters, namely, temperature distribution throughout the length of the sample, potential distribution across the sample, isothermal contours and the current vs temperature distribution for all the three materials have been studied. The results of the modelling and simulation have revealed the potential use of Bismuth Telluride and Lead Telluride in Peltier cooling applications and the use of Cobalt Triantimonide in thermoelectric power generation.