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Transient numerical modelling of a thermoelectric generator system used for automotive exhaust waste heat recovery

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  • Luo, Ding
  • Wang, Ruochen
  • Yan, Yuying
  • Yu, Wei
  • Zhou, Weiqi

Abstract

The automotive thermoelectric generator system is a promising technology of exhaust waste heat recovery, but reasonable theoretical models to predict its dynamic performance are lacking. In this work, a transient fluid-thermal-electric multiphysics coupling field numerical model is proposed for the first time, and the model is used to evaluate the dynamic performance of a simplified automotive thermoelectric generator system under vehicle driving cycles. The transient numerical model, which takes into account the dynamic characteristics, fluid-thermal-electric multiphysics field coupling effects, and material temperature dependence, is thus far the most complete model ever. Numerical results reveal that there is a delay in output response with the change of exhaust temperature, and the change of output voltage and output power is often accompanied by the change of exhaust mass flow rate. The small and short-term fluctuation of exhaust gases has a slight influence on output performance. With the transient variation of exhaust characteristics, the output voltage and output power show more stable changes and slower responses, but the situation is the opposite for conversion efficiency. The output power predicted by steady-state numerical simulation is 12.6% higher than that of transient numerical simulation. Moreover, the proposed transient numerical model is recommended to investigate the dynamic performance of automotive thermoelectric generator systems.

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  • Luo, Ding & Wang, Ruochen & Yan, Yuying & Yu, Wei & Zhou, Weiqi, 2021. "Transient numerical modelling of a thermoelectric generator system used for automotive exhaust waste heat recovery," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 297(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:297:y:2021:i:c:s0306261921005894
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117151
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    Cited by:

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    3. Daniel Sanin-Villa & Oscar D. Monsalve-Cifuentes, 2023. "A Methodological Approach of Predicting the Performance of Thermoelectric Generators with Temperature-Dependent Properties and Convection Heat Losses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-24, October.
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    5. 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).
    6. 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.
    7. Hong, Bing-Hua & Huang, Xiao-Yan & He, Jian-Wei & Cai, Yang & Wang, Wei-Wei & Zhao, Fu-Yun, 2023. "Round-the-clock performance of solar thermoelectric wall with phase change material in subtropical climate: Critical analysis and parametric investigations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    8. Zhu, Xingzhuang & Zuo, Zhengxing & Wang, Wei & Jia, Boru & Zhan, Tianzhuo, 2023. "Experimental research and optimization of a thermoelectric generator excited by pulsed combustion mode under limited heat dissipation for combined heat and power supply," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 349(C).
    9. Liu, Xun & Zhang, Chen-Feng & Zhou, Jian-Gang & Xiong, Xin & Wang, Yi-Ping, 2022. "Thermal performance of battery thermal management system using fins to enhance the combination of thermoelectric Cooler and phase change Material," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    10. 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).
    11. Xiaoyu Liu & Chong Zhao & Hao Guo & Zhongcheng Wang, 2022. "Performance Analysis of Ship Exhaust Gas Temperature Differential Power Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-17, May.
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    13. Sourav Bhakta & Balaram Kundu, 2024. "A Review of Thermoelectric Generators in Automobile Waste Heat Recovery Systems for Improving Energy Utilization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-49, February.

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