We consider the problem of determining effective thermoelectric characteristics (namely, thermal and electrical conductivity, thermopower, and Q factor) of composite media. We assume that the characteristic size of inclusions is quite large (exceeds 20-30 nm), which makes it possible to disregard charge tunneling and photon scattering at the boundaries of various media. We investigate layered, fibrous, and granular composites. The choice of boundary conditions based on the Prigogine principle is substantiated in detail. By way of example, we analyze the properties of a composite medium consisting of a MgAg0.97Sb1 matrix with cylindrical or spherical SnSe inclusions.
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