Geometry design and performance evaluation of thermoelectric generator

Abstract

A thermoelectric generator is a solid-state device that directly converts heat into electricity without any moving parts. The problem with these devices is that they are less efficient. The present study considers modeling and numerical simulation of a thermoelectric generator of different shapes to evaluate their efficacy. Effective material properties of TEG are used in CPM model of analysis. Different shapes of the leg have been simulated, keeping the same isothermal boundary conditions. The effect of the cross-section area of the leg and leg length. Hot-side and cold-side junction temperature and thermal stress developed are reported. Results shows that trapezoid generators are better from efficiency point of view where as square and circular cross-section leg produces more power.