Finite Element Evaluation of the Strength of Silicide-Based Thermoelectric Modules

Silicide-based thermoelectric modules (TEMs) for power generation operate at mid-high temperature range. In the operating conditions, thermal stresses in materials with different coefficient of thermal expansion may reduce the mechanical strength of the modules. In this work, a finite element (FE) evaluation of the mechanical strength of a 16 legs thermoelectric module prototype operating with 300 K temperature difference is presented.