Numerical Analysis of Bismuth Telluride-Based Thermoelectric Device Performance in Lunar Extreme Cold Environments

Xin Xu, Jiaxin Zheng, Licheng Sun (), Xiting Long (), Tianyi Gao, Biao Li, Qinyi Zhang, Cunbao Li, Jun Wang, Zhengyu Mo, Min Du and Heping Xie
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Xin Xu: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Jiaxin Zheng: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Licheng Sun: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Xiting Long: Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Tianyi Gao: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Biao Li: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Qinyi Zhang: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Cunbao Li: Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Jun Wang: Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Zhengyu Mo: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Min Du: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Heping Xie: State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, College of Water Resource & Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-16

Abstract: As lunar exploration missions advance, the need for safe and sustainable in situ energy systems has become increasingly critical. This study investigates the thermoelectric performance of Bi 2 Te 3 -based thermoelectric materials under the natural temperature variations on the lunar surface, aiming to illustrate the potential of thermoelectric generation technology in power supply for a crewed moon base. A numerical approach was employed to assess the energy conversion behavior and optimize the geometric design of a thermoelectric module couple consisting of a P-leg and N-leg. The results indicate that Bi 2 Te 3 -based modules exhibit promising functionality under cryogenic conditions, highlighting their potential as an in situ power source during the long lunar night. Furthermore, geometric optimization was shown to significantly enhance the overall thermoelectric performance. The present study illustrates that TEG technology offers a viable pathway toward reliable energy generation in extreme lunar environments, supporting future mission sustainability.

Keywords: Bi 2 Te 3 -based thermoelectric material; TEG technology; lunar environment; power supply; thermoelectric performance; cryogenic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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