Effects of temperature-dependent thermal properties and the side leg heat dissipation on the performance of the thermoelectric generator. (15th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lan, Yuncheng; Lu, Junhui; Li, Junming; Wang, Suilin
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 243(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03-15
• Subjects: Temperature-dependent properties -- Radiation dissipation -- Convection dissipation -- Thermoelectric generator -- Thomson heat; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.123035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Thermoelectric power generation is an important technology in the field of energy conversion, which contributes to the goal of carbon neutralization. The prediction accuracy of thermoelectric generator's (TEG) performance is critical to optimize the design and carbon emission evolution. In this paper, a novel one-dimensional model is developed with comprehensive consideration of the Joule heat, conduction heat, Thomson heat, temperature-dependent properties and side leg dissipation. The numerical solution of the proposed model is compared with the available experimental data and theoretical results. The comparison between the proposed model and experimental data for output power and efficiency of TEG are 3.0–12.0% and 0.9–17.5% respectively, when the temperature difference is within 68–149 K. This implies that the developed model exhibits an improved accuracy, as the published models commonly possess a deviation greater than 20% for the temperature difference higher than 103 K. It is also found that the temperature-dependent properties and side leg heat dissipation have a pronounced effect on TEG performance, when the temperature difference exceeds 68 K. The most influential factor leading to the uneven distribution of temperature and heat flux is the temperature-dependent properties of thermoelectric material, and followed by Thomson heat. Highlights: A novel model was proposed for performance calculation of thermoelectric leg. The model takes the temperature-dependent material properties into account. It takes the side leg heat dissipation into account. The developed model exhibits an improved accuracy for prediction.