Abstract A planar thermoelectric generator (TEG) could be used as an energy harvester for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Its planar configuration offers the advantages of miniaturization and low-cost fabrication. Herein, we report the fabrication of a device based on a co-evaporated thick film of Bi–Te. Before fabrication we studied quantitative optimization dimensions for the planar TEG via finite element method (FEM) simulations. The planar TEG was also used in a high-performance solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) that concentrated heat from solar radiation via a solar absorber to generate a temperature difference (ΔT) between two thermoelectric and electrode junctions. When exposed to a solar simulator, the STEG produced a ΔT of about 6 °C and generated 2.3 μW of power. The demonstrated high flexibility and mechanical stability of this device suggests applications in wearable electronics.

中文翻译：

---

用于高性能太阳能热电发电机的平面热电发电机的优化与制造

摘要 平面热电发电机 (TEG) 可用作无线传感器网络 (WSN) 的能量收集器。其平面配置具有小型化和低成本制造的优势。在此，我们报告了基于 Bi-Te 共蒸发厚膜的器件的制造。在制造之前，我们通过有限元方法 (FEM) 模拟研究了平面 TEG 的定量优化尺寸。平面 TEG 还用于高性能太阳能热电发电机 (STEG)，该发电机通过太阳能吸收器将太阳辐射的热量集中，以在两个热电结和电极结之间产生温差 (ΔT)。当暴露于太阳模拟器时，STEG 产生约 6 °C 的 ΔT 并产生 2.3 μW 的功率。