Evaluation of the Thermoelectric Module Consisting of W-Doped Heusler Fe2VAl Alloy

Power generation performance of a thermoelectric module consisting of the Heusler Fe2VAl alloy was evaluated. For construction of the module, W-doped Fe2VAl alloys were prepared using powder metallurgy process. Power generation tests of the module consisting of 18 pairs of p-n junctions were conducted on a heat source of 373-673 K in vacuum. The reduction of thermal conductivity and improvement of thermoelectric figure of merit by W-doping enhanced the conversion efficiency and the output power. High output power density of 0.7 W/cm(2) was obtained by virtue of the high thermoelectric power factor of the Heusler alloy. The module exhibited good durability, and the relatively high output power was maintained after temperature cycling test in air.