Effects of temperature dependence of thermoelectric properties on the power and efficiency of a multielement thermoelectric generator

Taking temperature dependence of thermoelectric properties and external heat transfer irreversibility into account synchronously, an improved finite time thermodynamic model of a multi-element thermoelectric generator is established. The theoretical iterative functions of the hot and cold junction temperatures are obtained. The model is applied to the analysis of a multi-element thermoelectric generator, which is made of typical thermoelectric materials. The effects of output electrical current, length of thermoelectric element and ratio of thermal conductance allocation of heat exchangers on the power and efficiency are analyzed, along with the optimal variables. Comparing this temperature dependent model with the traditional temperature independent model, it is found that the temperature dependence of thermoelectric properties has significant effects on the power, efficiency and optimal variables. Specially, for a large temperature difference, the temperature independent model will cause a considerable error, so it is recommended to apply this temperature dependent model for the analysis of practical thermoelectric generator. Because of the effects of temperature dependence of thermoelectric properties, a limit of efficiency of about 7% can not be overrun. The model and calculation method provided in this paper may be applied to not only the calculation, prediction but also the design and optimization of thermoelectric generators. Copyright © 2012 International Energy and Environment Foundation All rights reserved.

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