Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
High Coefficient of Performance HgCdTe And Metallic Superlattice-Based Thermoelectric Coolers, Phase I
Project Introduction
We propose the development of nanoscale superlattices (SLs) as the active elements of high efficiency thermoelectric coolers. Recent models predict that the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT can reach 4 for elements fabricated from HgCdTe-based SLs and could exceed 6 for related metal/semiconductor SLs. The feasibility of using HgCdTe and metal-based SL materials with embedded nanodefects for increased hot-carrier transport during thermoelectric cooling will be demonstrated in the proposed Phase 1 effort. We will perform calculations to optimize the material parameters of HgCdTe- and metal-based SL structures to maximize ZT. Next, we will use our extensive experience in molecular beam epitaxy to grow the designed structures. Finally, we will develop device structures and metallization methods appropriate for performing ZT measurements, measure the ZTs of fabricated devices and compare results with theory.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPIR Technologies, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Bolingbrook, Illinois |
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Illinois
-
Maryland
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- EPIR Technologies, Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Silviu Velicu
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2011
End: Sep 2011
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX12 Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing
- TX12.1 Materials
- TX12.1.6 Materials for Electrical Power Generation, Energy Storage, Power Distribution and Electrical Machines
Target Destinations
The Sun, Earth, The Moon, Mars, Others Inside the Solar System, Outside the Solar System
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