IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/appene/v293y2021ics0306261921004219.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Mathematical model of a thermoelectric system based on steady- and rapid-state measurements

Author

Listed:
  • Buchalik, Ryszard
  • Nowak, Grzegorz
  • Nowak, Iwona

Abstract

The paper presents the development of a complete analytical model of a thermoelectric generator (TEG). Based on data coming from a small number of easily obtainable measurements, the model makes it possible to determine basic parameters of the TEG. Owing to measurements performed in the steady state and immediately after a rapid change of the TEG electrical state, the following quantities can be established analytically: the Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity and thermal resistance between heat exchangers and the TEG. The applied rapid method is based on the large difference in inertia between the electric and the thermal field. A rapid change from the short-circuit to the open-circuit electrical state makes it possible to record the voltage for the system thermal state corresponding to the short circuit. Experimental tests were carried out on a commercially available thermoelectric generator and the results proved the developed model usefulness. The simulation results show that the thermal resistance of the contact layers between the heat exchangers and the thermoelectric generators caused a loss of the temperature difference of the junctions from 30% at the recommended mechanical load to even over 50% if the clamping force was too low. Due to that, the determined power ratio, being an indicator of the utilization of the theoretical power capacity of a system burdened with thermal resistance, reaches values lower than 40% for the required clamping force and is below 20% for improper contact conditions The impact of the accuracy of the measurements on the values of the system parameters obtained from the model is evaluated by means of sensitivity analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Buchalik, Ryszard & Nowak, Grzegorz & Nowak, Iwona, 2021. "Mathematical model of a thermoelectric system based on steady- and rapid-state measurements," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 293(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:293:y:2021:i:c:s0306261921004219
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.116943
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261921004219
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.116943?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Compadre Torrecilla, Marcos & Montecucco, Andrea & Siviter, Jonathan & Knox, Andrew R. & Strain, Andrew, 2019. "Novel model and maximum power tracking algorithm for thermoelectric generators operated under constant heat flux," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    2. Kim, Shiho, 2013. "Analysis and modeling of effective temperature differences and electrical parameters of thermoelectric generators," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 1458-1463.
    3. Brutschin, Elina & Fleig, Andreas, 2016. "Innovation in the energy sector – The role of fossil fuels and developing economies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 27-38.
    4. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Liao, Chen-Yeh & Hung, Chen-I & Huang, Wei-Lun, 2012. "Experimental study on thermoelectric modules for power generation at various operating conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 874-881.
    5. Wang, Yiping & Li, Shuai & Xie, Xu & Deng, Yadong & Liu, Xun & Su, Chuqi, 2018. "Performance evaluation of an automotive thermoelectric generator with inserted fins or dimpled-surface hot heat exchanger," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 391-401.
    6. Lee, Heonjoong & Sharp, Jeff & Stokes, David & Pearson, Matthew & Priya, Shashank, 2018. "Modeling and analysis of the effect of thermal losses on thermoelectric generator performance using effective properties," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 987-996.
    7. Zaher, M.H. & Abdelsalam, M.Y. & Cotton, J.S., 2020. "Study of the effects of axial conduction on the performance of thermoelectric generators integrated in a heat exchanger for waste heat recovery applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(C).
    8. Saim Memon & Khawaja Noman Tahir, 2018. "Experimental and Analytical Simulation Analyses on the Electrical Performance of Thermoelectric Generator Modules for Direct and Concentrated Quartz-Halogen Heat Harvesting," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-17, November.
    9. Darkwa, J. & Calautit, J. & Du, D. & Kokogianakis, G., 2019. "A numerical and experimental analysis of an integrated TEG-PCM power enhancement system for photovoltaic cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C), pages 688-701.
    10. Hansen, Kenneth & Breyer, Christian & Lund, Henrik, 2019. "Status and perspectives on 100% renewable energy systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 471-480.
    11. Luo, Ding & Wang, Ruochen & Yu, Wei & Zhou, Weiqi, 2019. "Performance evaluation of a novel thermoelectric module with BiSbTeSe-based material," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 1299-1311.
    12. Wang, Ruochen & Yu, Wei & Meng, Xiangpeng, 2018. "Performance investigation and energy optimization of a thermoelectric generator for a mild hybrid vehicle," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1016-1028.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Nan, Bohang & Guo, Tao & Deng, Hao & Zhang, Guangbing & Shi, Ran & Xin, Jiakai & Tang, Chen & Xu, Guiying, 2024. "Output performance improvement for thermoelectric transistor with the consideration of the Thomson effect and geometry optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 357(C).
    2. Ryszard Buchalik & Grzegorz Nowak & Iwona Nowak, 2024. "The Impact of Asymmetric Contact Resistance on the Operating Parameters of Thermoelectric Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-29, January.
    3. Cai, Yeyun & Ding, Ning & Rezania, A. & Deng, Fang & Rosendahl, L. & Chen, Jie, 2023. "A multi-objective optimization in system level for thermoelectric generation system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. He, Min & Wang, Enhua & Zhang, Yuanyin & Zhang, Wen & Zhang, Fujun & Zhao, Changlu, 2020. "Performance analysis of a multilayer thermoelectric generator for exhaust heat recovery of a heavy-duty diesel engine," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).
    2. Ryszard Buchalik & Grzegorz Nowak & Iwona Nowak, 2024. "The Impact of Asymmetric Contact Resistance on the Operating Parameters of Thermoelectric Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-29, January.
    3. Luo, Ding & Wang, Ruochen & Yu, Wei & Zhou, Weiqi, 2019. "Performance evaluation of a novel thermoelectric module with BiSbTeSe-based material," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 1299-1311.
    4. Ma, Xiaonan & Shu, Gequn & Tian, Hua & Xu, Wen & Chen, Tianyu, 2019. "Performance assessment of engine exhaust-based segmented thermoelectric generators by length ratio optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C), pages 614-625.
    5. Luo, Ding & Wang, Ruochen & Yu, Wei & Zhou, Weiqi, 2020. "A numerical study on the performance of a converging thermoelectric generator system used for waste heat recovery," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    6. Luo, Ding & Wang, Ruochen & Yu, Wei & Zhou, Weiqi, 2020. "Performance optimization of a converging thermoelectric generator system via multiphysics simulations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    7. Yu, Wei & Wang, Ruochen, 2019. "Development and performance evaluation of a comprehensive automotive energy recovery system with a refined energy management strategy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    8. Chen, Jie & Wang, Ruochen & Ding, Renkai & Luo, Ding, 2024. "Matching design and numerical optimization of automotive thermoelectric generator system applied to range-extended electric vehicle," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 370(C).
    9. Li, Yanzhe & Wang, Shixue & Zhao, Yulong & Yue, Like, 2022. "Effect of thermoelectric modules with different characteristics on the performance of thermoelectric generators inserted in the central flow region with porous foam copper," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 327(C).
    10. Luo, Ding & Yan, Yuying & Li, Ying & Yang, Xuelin & Chen, Hao, 2023. "Exhaust channel optimization of the automobile thermoelectric generator to produce the highest net power," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).
    11. Yang, Wenlong & Jin, Chenchen & Zhu, Wenchao & Li, Yang & Zhang, Rui & Huang, Liang & Xie, Changjun & Shi, Ying, 2024. "Taguchi optimization and thermoelectrical analysis of a pin fin annular thermoelectric generator for automotive waste heat recovery," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    12. Kwan, Trevor Hocksun & Wu, Xiaofeng, 2016. "Power and mass optimization of the hybrid solar panel and thermoelectric generators," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 297-307.
    13. Luo, Ding & Wang, Ruochen & Yan, Yuying & Sun, Zeyu & Zhou, Weiqi & Ding, Renkai, 2021. "Comparison of different fluid-thermal-electric multiphysics modeling approaches for thermoelectric generator systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 1266-1277.
    14. Luo, Ding & Sun, Zeyu & Wang, Ruochen, 2022. "Performance investigation of a thermoelectric generator system applied in automobile exhaust waste heat recovery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(PB).
    15. Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli, 2020. "Review of thermoelectric geometry and structure optimization for performance enhancement," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).
    16. Zhao, Yulong & Zhang, Guoyin & Wen, Lei & Wang, Shixue & Wang, Yulin & Li, Yanzhe & Ge, Minghui, 2024. "Experimental study on thermoelectric characteristics of intermediate fluid thermoelectric generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 365(C).
    17. Zhao, Yulong & Lu, Mingjie & Li, Yanzhe & Wang, Yulin & Ge, Minghui, 2023. "Numerical investigation of an exhaust thermoelectric generator with a perforated plate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PB).
    18. Zhao, Yulong & Lu, Mingjie & Li, Yanzhe & Ge, Minghui & Xie, Liyao & Liu, Liansheng, 2021. "Characteristics analysis of an exhaust thermoelectric generator system with heat transfer fluid circulation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).
    19. Garud, Kunal Sandip & Seo, Jae-Hyeong & Bang, You-Ma & Pyo, Young-Dug & Cho, Chong-Pyo & Lee, Moo-Yeon & Lee, Dong-Yeon, 2022. "Energy, exergy, environmental sustainability and economic analyses for automotive thermoelectric generator system with various configurations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PA).
    20. Sripadmanabhan Indira, Sridhar & Aravind Vaithilingam, Chockalingam & Narasingamurthi, Kulasekharan & Sivasubramanian, Ramsundar & Chong, Kok-Keong & Saidur, R., 2022. "Mathematical modelling, performance evaluation and exergy analysis of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal-solar thermoelectric system integrated with compound parabolic concentrator and parabolic trough con," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:293:y:2021:i:c:s0306261921004219. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/405891/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.