Review of Development Status of Bi₂Te₃-Based Semiconductor Thermoelectric Power Generation

Table 5

Comparison of properties of different thermoelectric generators.

Thermoelectric generator type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Radioisotope temperature difference TEG	Long life, reliable performance, no environmental impact, no maintenance	High cost and low conversion efficiency
Residual (waste) thermal temperature difference TEG	Low cost, energy saving and reliable performance	Low conversion efficiency
In-plane-type miniature TEG	Large temperature difference can be established at both ends of the device	Heat is easily lost and complex manufacturing process
Cross-plane miniature TEG	High voltage can be achieved with small temperature difference	Low-temperature difference and complex manufacturing process
Cylindrical micro-TEG	Uniform large temperature difference	Complex manufacturing process