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Isolator layer not isolating

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Good evening,

I have a model of a thermoelectric generator made of Bi2Te3 and isolated with alumina.

However, the isolator layer doesnt have constant voltage, despite the very low electrical conductivity value being 10 to the power of -20. The temperature profile seems fine.

I have attached the simulation for temperature and voltage.

Where have I made a mistake? How can I fix this?

Happy holidays and thank you in advance



3 Replies Last Post Jan 2, 2019, 5:16 a.m. EST
Edgar J. Kaiser Certified Consultant

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Posted: 6 years ago Dec 24, 2018, 1:27 p.m. EST

Maria,

you observe a potential distribution BECAUSE you are looking at an insulator. If you want to see spatially constant potential you must give the thing higher conductivity. I would say it is correct as it is.

Cheers Edgar

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Edgar J. Kaiser
emPhys Physical Technology
www.emphys.com
Maria, you observe a potential distribution BECAUSE you are looking at an insulator. If you want to see spatially constant potential you must give the thing higher conductivity. I would say it is correct as it is. Cheers Edgar

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Posted: 6 years ago Jan 2, 2019, 4:30 a.m. EST

Good morning Edgar,

I can't seem to understand why that is. I have increased the conductivy 10^40 times and the distribution remains uneven.

Could you indicate me to any literature where can I read on this phenomenon?

Thank you in advance

Best regards, Maria

Good morning Edgar, I can't seem to understand why that is. I have increased the conductivy 10^40 times and the distribution remains uneven. Could you indicate me to any literature where can I read on this phenomenon? Thank you in advance Best regards, Maria


Edgar J. Kaiser Certified Consultant

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Posted: 6 years ago Jan 2, 2019, 5:16 a.m. EST

Maria,

yes that is strange. Something else must be wrong in the model. You might consider to upload the model here or turn to the Comsol support. Unfortunately I won't be able to do much because we don't have the semiconductor module.

Cheers and HNY, Edgar

-------------------
Edgar J. Kaiser
emPhys Physical Technology
www.emphys.com
Maria, yes that is strange. Something else must be wrong in the model. You might consider to upload the model here or turn to the Comsol support. Unfortunately I won't be able to do much because we don't have the semiconductor module. Cheers and HNY, Edgar

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