Abstract
We propose a flexible thermoelectric (TE) device. Our device consists of n- and p-type thin films placed between two polyimide sheets, and it can generate electricity from temperature difference applied between surfaces of the device. We fabricated prototype devices to confirm our concept experimentally. Open circuit voltage and output electrical power from the device were measured at room temperature with applying temperature difference to the device. We confirmed that the device could generate electricity form the heat passing through the device. We also confirmed our concept by computer simulation using FEM (Finite Element Method). The calculated performance of the device was in good agreement with experimental result, indicating the FEM-based simulation is effective to predict and improve the device performance.
