 Thermoelectric power factor

The thermoelectric power factor is the product $S^2\sigma$ of the squared Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity, with units $\mathrm{W}{\mathrm{m}}^{-1}{\mathrm{K}}^{-2}$. It combines a material's voltage response to a temperature gradient with its ability to carry electric current. For example, $S=200\mu \mathrm{V}{\mathrm{K}}^{-1}$ and $\sigma =10^5\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{m}}^{-1}$ give $S^2\sigma =0.004\mathrm{W}{\mathrm{m}}^{-1}{\mathrm{K}}^{-2}$.

At fixed geometry and imposed temperature difference, a constant-property thermoelectric generator behaves as a voltage source with internal electrical resistance. Matching the external electrical resistance to it maximizes output power; the material dependence of that maximum is proportional to the thermoelectric power factor. Maximizing thermal efficiency also requires controlling thermal conductivity, which is why the thermoelectric figure of merit includes the thermal denominator.^[ref]