Design of a high-precision heat flow meter to characterize the thermoelectric module

Accurate characterization of the thermoelectric module (TEM) is a prerequisite for its application. Among the physical parameters of the TEM, the heat flow is crucial but it is the most difficult parameter to measure. This paper summarizes the previously reported heat flow measurement methods and proposes a heat flow meter (HFM) for TEM characterization with a sandwich structure composed of copper-glass-copper. The key factors affecting the precision of the HFM are analyzed with the assistance of simulation to obtain its design principles and fabrication procedures. A self-designed calibration device is used to calibrate the HFM to understand the relationship between heat flow and temperature. The HFM can characterize the TEM’s heat flow with its normalized root mean square error of no more than 2%. The accurate characterization of the TEM shows great potential to contribute to the development of TEM technologies.