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Hiroshi Tsukamoto - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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fabrication and characterization of bismuth telluride based alloy thin film Thermoelectric Generators by flash evaporation method
Sensors and Actuators A-physical, 2007Co-Authors: Masayuki Takashiri, Toshiteru Shirakawa, Koji Miyazaki, Hiroshi TsukamotoAbstract:Abstract Bismuth–telluride-based alloy thin film Thermoelectric Generators are fabricated by a flash evaporation method. We prepare Bi 0.4 Te 3.0 Sb 1.6 (p-type) and Bi 2.0 Te 2.7 Se 0.3 (n-type) powders for the fabrication of the flash evaporated thin films. The overall size of the thin film Thermoelectric Generators, which consist of seven pairs of legs connected by aluminum electrodes, is 20 mm by 15 mm. Each leg is 15 mm long, 1 mm wide and 1 μm thick. We measure the output voltage and estimate the maximum output power near room temperature as a function of the temperature difference between hot and cold junctions of the thin film Thermoelectric Generators. In order to improve the performance of the Generators, a hydrogen annealing process is carried out at several temperatures from 25 °C to 250 °C. The highest output voltage of 83.3 mV and estimated output power of 0.21 μW are obtained from a hydrogen annealing temperature of T a = 250 °C and a temperature difference of Δ T = 30 K. The hydrogen annealing temperature of T a = 250 °C also results in the best electrical performance for both p-type thin film (Seebeck coefficient = 254.4 μV/K, resistivity = 4.1 mΩ cm, power factor = 15.9 μW/cm K 2 ) and n-type thin film (−179.3 μV/K, 1.5 mΩ cm, 21.5 μW/cm K 2 ).
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fabrication and characterization of bismuth telluride based alloy thin film Thermoelectric Generators by flash evaporation method
Sensors and Actuators A-physical, 2007Co-Authors: Masayuki Takashiri, Toshiteru Shirakawa, Koji Miyazaki, Hiroshi TsukamotoAbstract:Abstract Bismuth–telluride-based alloy thin film Thermoelectric Generators are fabricated by a flash evaporation method. We prepare Bi 0.4 Te 3.0 Sb 1.6 (p-type) and Bi 2.0 Te 2.7 Se 0.3 (n-type) powders for the fabrication of the flash evaporated thin films. The overall size of the thin film Thermoelectric Generators, which consist of seven pairs of legs connected by aluminum electrodes, is 20 mm by 15 mm. Each leg is 15 mm long, 1 mm wide and 1 μm thick. We measure the output voltage and estimate the maximum output power near room temperature as a function of the temperature difference between hot and cold junctions of the thin film Thermoelectric Generators. In order to improve the performance of the Generators, a hydrogen annealing process is carried out at several temperatures from 25 °C to 250 °C. The highest output voltage of 83.3 mV and estimated output power of 0.21 μW are obtained from a hydrogen annealing temperature of T a = 250 °C and a temperature difference of Δ T = 30 K. The hydrogen annealing temperature of T a = 250 °C also results in the best electrical performance for both p-type thin film (Seebeck coefficient = 254.4 μV/K, resistivity = 4.1 mΩ cm, power factor = 15.9 μW/cm K 2 ) and n-type thin film (−179.3 μV/K, 1.5 mΩ cm, 21.5 μW/cm K 2 ).
Gang Chen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators with a peak efficiency of 7.4%
Nature Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Qing Jie, Weishu Liu, Lee A. Weinstein, James Loomis, Kenneth Mcenaney, Feng Cao, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:Concentrating solar power normally employs mechanical heat engines and is thus only used in large-scale power plants; however, it is compatible with inexpensive thermal storage, enabling electricity dispatchability. Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) have the advantage of replacing the mechanical power block with a solid-state heat engine based on the Seebeck effect, simplifying the system. The highest reported efficiency of STEGs so far is 5.2%. Here, we report experimental measurements of STEGs with a peak efficiency of 9.6% at an optically concentrated normal solar irradiance of 211 kW m^−2, and a system efficiency of 7.4% after considering optical concentration losses. The performance improvement is achieved by the use of segmented Thermoelectric legs, a high-temperature spectrally selective solar absorber enabling stable vacuum operation with absorber temperatures up to 600 ^∘C, and combining optical and thermal concentration. Our work suggests that concentrating STEGs have the potential to become a promising alternative solar energy technology. Solar Thermoelectric Generators are a promising technology for converting solar energy into electricity, however their efficiency has been limited to 5.2%. Kraemer et al. report a solar Thermoelectric generator with an efficiency of 9.6%, resulting in 7.4% efficiency in a concentrating solar Thermoelectric system.
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concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators with a peak efficiency of 7 4
Nature Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Qing Jie, Weishu Liu, Lee A. Weinstein, James Loomis, Kenneth Mcenaney, Feng Cao, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:Concentrating solar power normally employs mechanical heat engines and is thus only used in large-scale power plants; however, it is compatible with inexpensive thermal storage, enabling electricity dispatchability. Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) have the advantage of replacing the mechanical power block with a solid-state heat engine based on the Seebeck effect, simplifying the system. The highest reported efficiency of STEGs so far is 5.2%. Here, we report experimental measurements of STEGs with a peak efficiency of 9.6% at an optically concentrated normal solar irradiance of 211 kW m−2, and a system efficiency of 7.4% after considering optical concentration losses. The performance improvement is achieved by the use of segmented Thermoelectric legs, a high-temperature spectrally selective solar absorber enabling stable vacuum operation with absorber temperatures up to 600 ∘C, and combining optical and thermal concentration. Our work suggests that concentrating STEGs have the potential to become a promising alternative solar energy technology. Solar Thermoelectric Generators are a promising technology for converting solar energy into electricity, however their efficiency has been limited to 5.2%. Kraemer et al. report a solar Thermoelectric generator with an efficiency of 9.6%, resulting in 7.4% efficiency in a concentrating solar Thermoelectric system.
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Modeling and optimization of solar Thermoelectric Generators for terrestrial applications
Solar Energy, 2012Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Kenneth Mcenaney, Matteo Chiesa, Gang ChenAbstract:Abstract In this paper we introduce a model and an optimization methodology for terrestrial solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs). We describe, discuss, and justify the necessary constraints on the STEG geometry that make the STEG optimization independent of individual dimensions. A simplified model shows that the Thermoelectric elements in STEGs can be scaled in size without affecting the overall performance of the device, even when the properties of the Thermoelectric material and the solar absorber are temperature-dependent. Consequently, the amount of Thermoelectric material can be minimized to be only a negligible fraction of the total system cost. As an example, a Bi 2 Te 3 -based STEG is optimized for rooftop power generation. Peak efficiency is predicted to be 5% at the standard spectrum AM1.5G, with the Thermoelectric material cost below 0.05 $/W p . Integrating STEGs into solar hot water systems for cogeneration adds electricity at minimal extra cost. In such cogeneration systems the electric current can be adjusted throughout the day to favor either electricity or hot water production.
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modeling of concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators
Journal of Applied Physics, 2011Co-Authors: Kenneth Mcenaney, Daniel Kraemer, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:The conversion of solar power into electricity is dominated by non-concentrating photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal systems. Recently, it has been shown that solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) are a viable alternative in the non-concentrating regime. This paper addresses the possibility of STEGs being used as the power block in concentrating solar power systems. STEG power blocks have no moving parts, they are scalable, and they eliminate the need for an external traditional thermomechanical generator, such as a steam turbine or Stirling engine. Using existing skutterudite and bismuth telluride materials, concentrating STEGs can have efficiencies exceeding 10% based on a geometric optical concentration ratio of 45.
Masayuki Takashiri - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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power generation in slope type thin film Thermoelectric Generators by the simple contact of a heat source
THE Coatings, 2019Co-Authors: Hiroki Yamamuro, Masayuki TakashiriAbstract:To conveniently generate electric energy for next-generation smart network monitoring systems, we propose the design and fabrication of slope-type thin-film Thermoelectric Generators by the simple contact of a heat source. N-type Bi2Te3 films and p-type Sb2Te3 films were formed on a stainless-steel substrate employing potentiostatic electrodeposition using a nitric acid-based bath, followed by a transfer process. In order to naturally induce a temperature difference (ΔT) between the ends of the generator, slope blocks made by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were prepared and then inserted between the Generators and heat sources. The performance of the Generators, the open circuit voltage (Voc), and the maximum output power (Pmax), were measured using PDMS slope angles as the temperature of the heat source was increased. The ΔT of the Generators increased as the slope angle was increased. The generator with the highest slope angle (28°) exhibited a Voc of 7.2 mV and Pmax of 18.3 μW at ΔT of 15 K for a heat source temperature of 42 °C. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of slope-type thin-film Thermoelectric Generators, which can be fabricated with a low manufacturing cost.
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multi layered stack Thermoelectric Generators using p type sb2te3 and n type bi2te3 thin films by radio frequency magnetron sputtering
Vacuum, 2017Co-Authors: K Takayama, Masayuki TakashiriAbstract:Abstract To provide power to electronic sensors operating at low power, we prepared multi-layered-stack Thermoelectric Generators using radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. Prior to the preparation of Thermoelectric Generators, Sb 2 Te 3 and Bi 2 Te 3 thin films were deposited on glass substrates followed by carrying out thermal annealing at temperatures ranging from 200 to 400 °C in order to investigate and improve their Thermoelectric properties. Both the films exhibited the maximum power factor values measured at room temperature, namely, 12.7 μW/(cm·K 2 ) for Sb 2 Te 3 and 10.2 μW/(cm·K 2 ) for Bi 2 Te 3 , at an annealing temperature of 300 °C. Therefore, the films annealed at 300 °C are suitable for fabricating multi-layered-stack Thermoelectric Generators. To prepare Thermoelectric Generators, Sb 2 Te 3 and Bi 2 Te 3 thin films were deposited on the top and bottom sides of 0.3 mm-thick glass substrates, respectively. Eleven sample pieces were connected in series by spraying silver paste to obtain the multi-layered-stack Thermoelectric Generators. Generators with dimensions of 20 × 30 mm 2 and a thickness of 7 mm were fabricated. The Thermoelectric Generators exhibited an open circuit voltage of 32 mV and maximum output power of 0.15 μW at a temperature difference (on both ends) of 28 K.
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fabrication and characterization of bismuth telluride based alloy thin film Thermoelectric Generators by flash evaporation method
Sensors and Actuators A-physical, 2007Co-Authors: Masayuki Takashiri, Toshiteru Shirakawa, Koji Miyazaki, Hiroshi TsukamotoAbstract:Abstract Bismuth–telluride-based alloy thin film Thermoelectric Generators are fabricated by a flash evaporation method. We prepare Bi 0.4 Te 3.0 Sb 1.6 (p-type) and Bi 2.0 Te 2.7 Se 0.3 (n-type) powders for the fabrication of the flash evaporated thin films. The overall size of the thin film Thermoelectric Generators, which consist of seven pairs of legs connected by aluminum electrodes, is 20 mm by 15 mm. Each leg is 15 mm long, 1 mm wide and 1 μm thick. We measure the output voltage and estimate the maximum output power near room temperature as a function of the temperature difference between hot and cold junctions of the thin film Thermoelectric Generators. In order to improve the performance of the Generators, a hydrogen annealing process is carried out at several temperatures from 25 °C to 250 °C. The highest output voltage of 83.3 mV and estimated output power of 0.21 μW are obtained from a hydrogen annealing temperature of T a = 250 °C and a temperature difference of Δ T = 30 K. The hydrogen annealing temperature of T a = 250 °C also results in the best electrical performance for both p-type thin film (Seebeck coefficient = 254.4 μV/K, resistivity = 4.1 mΩ cm, power factor = 15.9 μW/cm K 2 ) and n-type thin film (−179.3 μV/K, 1.5 mΩ cm, 21.5 μW/cm K 2 ).
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fabrication and characterization of bismuth telluride based alloy thin film Thermoelectric Generators by flash evaporation method
Sensors and Actuators A-physical, 2007Co-Authors: Masayuki Takashiri, Toshiteru Shirakawa, Koji Miyazaki, Hiroshi TsukamotoAbstract:Abstract Bismuth–telluride-based alloy thin film Thermoelectric Generators are fabricated by a flash evaporation method. We prepare Bi 0.4 Te 3.0 Sb 1.6 (p-type) and Bi 2.0 Te 2.7 Se 0.3 (n-type) powders for the fabrication of the flash evaporated thin films. The overall size of the thin film Thermoelectric Generators, which consist of seven pairs of legs connected by aluminum electrodes, is 20 mm by 15 mm. Each leg is 15 mm long, 1 mm wide and 1 μm thick. We measure the output voltage and estimate the maximum output power near room temperature as a function of the temperature difference between hot and cold junctions of the thin film Thermoelectric Generators. In order to improve the performance of the Generators, a hydrogen annealing process is carried out at several temperatures from 25 °C to 250 °C. The highest output voltage of 83.3 mV and estimated output power of 0.21 μW are obtained from a hydrogen annealing temperature of T a = 250 °C and a temperature difference of Δ T = 30 K. The hydrogen annealing temperature of T a = 250 °C also results in the best electrical performance for both p-type thin film (Seebeck coefficient = 254.4 μV/K, resistivity = 4.1 mΩ cm, power factor = 15.9 μW/cm K 2 ) and n-type thin film (−179.3 μV/K, 1.5 mΩ cm, 21.5 μW/cm K 2 ).
Kenneth Mcenaney - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators with a peak efficiency of 7.4%
Nature Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Qing Jie, Weishu Liu, Lee A. Weinstein, James Loomis, Kenneth Mcenaney, Feng Cao, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:Concentrating solar power normally employs mechanical heat engines and is thus only used in large-scale power plants; however, it is compatible with inexpensive thermal storage, enabling electricity dispatchability. Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) have the advantage of replacing the mechanical power block with a solid-state heat engine based on the Seebeck effect, simplifying the system. The highest reported efficiency of STEGs so far is 5.2%. Here, we report experimental measurements of STEGs with a peak efficiency of 9.6% at an optically concentrated normal solar irradiance of 211 kW m^−2, and a system efficiency of 7.4% after considering optical concentration losses. The performance improvement is achieved by the use of segmented Thermoelectric legs, a high-temperature spectrally selective solar absorber enabling stable vacuum operation with absorber temperatures up to 600 ^∘C, and combining optical and thermal concentration. Our work suggests that concentrating STEGs have the potential to become a promising alternative solar energy technology. Solar Thermoelectric Generators are a promising technology for converting solar energy into electricity, however their efficiency has been limited to 5.2%. Kraemer et al. report a solar Thermoelectric generator with an efficiency of 9.6%, resulting in 7.4% efficiency in a concentrating solar Thermoelectric system.
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concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators with a peak efficiency of 7 4
Nature Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Qing Jie, Weishu Liu, Lee A. Weinstein, James Loomis, Kenneth Mcenaney, Feng Cao, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:Concentrating solar power normally employs mechanical heat engines and is thus only used in large-scale power plants; however, it is compatible with inexpensive thermal storage, enabling electricity dispatchability. Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) have the advantage of replacing the mechanical power block with a solid-state heat engine based on the Seebeck effect, simplifying the system. The highest reported efficiency of STEGs so far is 5.2%. Here, we report experimental measurements of STEGs with a peak efficiency of 9.6% at an optically concentrated normal solar irradiance of 211 kW m−2, and a system efficiency of 7.4% after considering optical concentration losses. The performance improvement is achieved by the use of segmented Thermoelectric legs, a high-temperature spectrally selective solar absorber enabling stable vacuum operation with absorber temperatures up to 600 ∘C, and combining optical and thermal concentration. Our work suggests that concentrating STEGs have the potential to become a promising alternative solar energy technology. Solar Thermoelectric Generators are a promising technology for converting solar energy into electricity, however their efficiency has been limited to 5.2%. Kraemer et al. report a solar Thermoelectric generator with an efficiency of 9.6%, resulting in 7.4% efficiency in a concentrating solar Thermoelectric system.
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Modeling and optimization of solar Thermoelectric Generators for terrestrial applications
Solar Energy, 2012Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Kenneth Mcenaney, Matteo Chiesa, Gang ChenAbstract:Abstract In this paper we introduce a model and an optimization methodology for terrestrial solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs). We describe, discuss, and justify the necessary constraints on the STEG geometry that make the STEG optimization independent of individual dimensions. A simplified model shows that the Thermoelectric elements in STEGs can be scaled in size without affecting the overall performance of the device, even when the properties of the Thermoelectric material and the solar absorber are temperature-dependent. Consequently, the amount of Thermoelectric material can be minimized to be only a negligible fraction of the total system cost. As an example, a Bi 2 Te 3 -based STEG is optimized for rooftop power generation. Peak efficiency is predicted to be 5% at the standard spectrum AM1.5G, with the Thermoelectric material cost below 0.05 $/W p . Integrating STEGs into solar hot water systems for cogeneration adds electricity at minimal extra cost. In such cogeneration systems the electric current can be adjusted throughout the day to favor either electricity or hot water production.
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modeling of concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators
Journal of Applied Physics, 2011Co-Authors: Kenneth Mcenaney, Daniel Kraemer, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:The conversion of solar power into electricity is dominated by non-concentrating photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal systems. Recently, it has been shown that solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) are a viable alternative in the non-concentrating regime. This paper addresses the possibility of STEGs being used as the power block in concentrating solar power systems. STEG power blocks have no moving parts, they are scalable, and they eliminate the need for an external traditional thermomechanical generator, such as a steam turbine or Stirling engine. Using existing skutterudite and bismuth telluride materials, concentrating STEGs can have efficiencies exceeding 10% based on a geometric optical concentration ratio of 45.
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Modeling of Solar Thermal Selective Surfaces and Thermoelectric Generators
2010Co-Authors: Kenneth McenaneyAbstract:A Thermoelectric generator is a solid-state device that converts a heat flux into electrical power via the Seebeck effect. When a Thermoelectric generator is inserted between a solar-absorbing surface and a heat sink, a solar Thermoelectric generator is created which converts sunlight into electrical power. This thesis describes the design and optimization of solar Thermoelectric Generators, with a focus on systems with high optical concentration which utilize multiple material systems to maximize efficiency over a large temperature difference. Both single-stage and cascaded (multi-stage) Generators are considered, over an optical concentration range of 0.1 to 1000X. It is shown that for high-concentration Bi2Te3/skutterudite solar Thermoelectric Generators, conversion efficiencies of 13% are possible with current Thermoelectric materials and selective surfaces. Better selective surfaces are needed to improve the efficiency of solar Thermoelectric Generators. In this thesis, ideal selective surfaces for solar Thermoelectric Generators are characterized. Non-ideal selective surfaces are also characterized, with emphasis on how the non-idealities affect the solar Thermoelectric generator performance. Finally, the efficiency limit for solar Thermoelectric Generators with non-directional absorbers is presented. Thesis Supervisor: Gang Chen Title: Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering
Daniel Kraemer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators with a peak efficiency of 7.4%
Nature Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Qing Jie, Weishu Liu, Lee A. Weinstein, James Loomis, Kenneth Mcenaney, Feng Cao, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:Concentrating solar power normally employs mechanical heat engines and is thus only used in large-scale power plants; however, it is compatible with inexpensive thermal storage, enabling electricity dispatchability. Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) have the advantage of replacing the mechanical power block with a solid-state heat engine based on the Seebeck effect, simplifying the system. The highest reported efficiency of STEGs so far is 5.2%. Here, we report experimental measurements of STEGs with a peak efficiency of 9.6% at an optically concentrated normal solar irradiance of 211 kW m^−2, and a system efficiency of 7.4% after considering optical concentration losses. The performance improvement is achieved by the use of segmented Thermoelectric legs, a high-temperature spectrally selective solar absorber enabling stable vacuum operation with absorber temperatures up to 600 ^∘C, and combining optical and thermal concentration. Our work suggests that concentrating STEGs have the potential to become a promising alternative solar energy technology. Solar Thermoelectric Generators are a promising technology for converting solar energy into electricity, however their efficiency has been limited to 5.2%. Kraemer et al. report a solar Thermoelectric generator with an efficiency of 9.6%, resulting in 7.4% efficiency in a concentrating solar Thermoelectric system.
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concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators with a peak efficiency of 7 4
Nature Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Qing Jie, Weishu Liu, Lee A. Weinstein, James Loomis, Kenneth Mcenaney, Feng Cao, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:Concentrating solar power normally employs mechanical heat engines and is thus only used in large-scale power plants; however, it is compatible with inexpensive thermal storage, enabling electricity dispatchability. Concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) have the advantage of replacing the mechanical power block with a solid-state heat engine based on the Seebeck effect, simplifying the system. The highest reported efficiency of STEGs so far is 5.2%. Here, we report experimental measurements of STEGs with a peak efficiency of 9.6% at an optically concentrated normal solar irradiance of 211 kW m−2, and a system efficiency of 7.4% after considering optical concentration losses. The performance improvement is achieved by the use of segmented Thermoelectric legs, a high-temperature spectrally selective solar absorber enabling stable vacuum operation with absorber temperatures up to 600 ∘C, and combining optical and thermal concentration. Our work suggests that concentrating STEGs have the potential to become a promising alternative solar energy technology. Solar Thermoelectric Generators are a promising technology for converting solar energy into electricity, however their efficiency has been limited to 5.2%. Kraemer et al. report a solar Thermoelectric generator with an efficiency of 9.6%, resulting in 7.4% efficiency in a concentrating solar Thermoelectric system.
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Modeling and optimization of solar Thermoelectric Generators for terrestrial applications
Solar Energy, 2012Co-Authors: Daniel Kraemer, Kenneth Mcenaney, Matteo Chiesa, Gang ChenAbstract:Abstract In this paper we introduce a model and an optimization methodology for terrestrial solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs). We describe, discuss, and justify the necessary constraints on the STEG geometry that make the STEG optimization independent of individual dimensions. A simplified model shows that the Thermoelectric elements in STEGs can be scaled in size without affecting the overall performance of the device, even when the properties of the Thermoelectric material and the solar absorber are temperature-dependent. Consequently, the amount of Thermoelectric material can be minimized to be only a negligible fraction of the total system cost. As an example, a Bi 2 Te 3 -based STEG is optimized for rooftop power generation. Peak efficiency is predicted to be 5% at the standard spectrum AM1.5G, with the Thermoelectric material cost below 0.05 $/W p . Integrating STEGs into solar hot water systems for cogeneration adds electricity at minimal extra cost. In such cogeneration systems the electric current can be adjusted throughout the day to favor either electricity or hot water production.
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modeling of concentrating solar Thermoelectric Generators
Journal of Applied Physics, 2011Co-Authors: Kenneth Mcenaney, Daniel Kraemer, Zhifeng Ren, Gang ChenAbstract:The conversion of solar power into electricity is dominated by non-concentrating photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal systems. Recently, it has been shown that solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEGs) are a viable alternative in the non-concentrating regime. This paper addresses the possibility of STEGs being used as the power block in concentrating solar power systems. STEG power blocks have no moving parts, they are scalable, and they eliminate the need for an external traditional thermomechanical generator, such as a steam turbine or Stirling engine. Using existing skutterudite and bismuth telluride materials, concentrating STEGs can have efficiencies exceeding 10% based on a geometric optical concentration ratio of 45.