Critical parameters in integration of thermoelectric generators and phase change materials by numerical and Taguchi methods. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rezania, Alireza; Atouei, Saeed Ahmadi; Rosendahl, Lasse
• Is Part Of: Materials today energy. Volume 16(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Thermoelectric generator -- Phase change material -- Multiphysics simulation -- Taguchi method; Energy development -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Energy development; Energy industries; Energy policy; Power resources; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2019.100376
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-6069

Abstract

Abstract: Using phase change materials (PCMs) is an efficient technique to thermal management of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) system. In this paper a TEG, integrated with PCMs, is investigated and optimized to achieve maximum thermal to electrical conversion efficiency by the TEG. Finite element simulation of the system performance is implemented in Multiphysics simulation environment. The electrical output of the system is compared with the results of experimental procedure, while the experimental and numerical results are in a good agreement. For the optimization process, Taguchi method is used to investigate five critical parameters effective on the system performance to achieve the maximum efficiency. The results show, length to height ratio of the thermoelectric legs has the greatest effect, and length to width ratio of the PCM box has the least effect on the conversion efficiency of the system. While 540 kJ thermal energy is applies to the system during 1800 s, an average conversion efficiency of 4.28% is obtained during 6000 s of the heating and cooling stages. Highlights: A novel hybrid energy harvesting system is evaluated. Thermoelectric generator and phase change material are integrated. Taguchi method is used to investigate critical parameters and system performance. Average conversion efficiency of 4.28% is obtained during heating/cooling stages.