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Theoretical analysis of performance of variable cross-section thermoelectric generators: Effects of shape factor and thermal boundary conditions

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  • Liu, Hai-Bo
  • Wang, Shuo-Lin
  • Yang, Yan-Ru
  • Chen, Wei-Hsin
  • Wang, Xiao-Dong

Abstract

Variable cross-section legs have been recently used to replace conventional legs for improving the thermoelectric generator (TEG) performance. However, some contradictory results have been reported and not fully understood. In this study, a comprehensive theoretical analysis is conducted to investigate the performance of variable cross-section TEGs via the one-dimensional energy equilibrium approach. The emphasis is placed on the influence of boundary conditions applied to the hot and cold ends of TEGs. A shape factor, m, is proposed to characterize various complex leg shapes, which connects the thermal and electric resistances of variable cross-section legs to those of conventional legs. Analytical expressions of the maximum output power, conversion efficiency, and working current of the conventional and variable cross-section TEGs under eight possible combinations of boundary conditions are respectively derived. On the basis of these expressions, it is concluded that, as compared with conventional legs, variable cross-section legs always enhance the maximum conversion efficiency, and maintain or reduce the maximum working current; however, they may improve or deteriorate the maximum output power, depending on the type of boundary conditions. The shape factor is found to determine the degree of performance enhancement or deterioration.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Hai-Bo & Wang, Shuo-Lin & Yang, Yan-Ru & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Wang, Xiao-Dong, 2020. "Theoretical analysis of performance of variable cross-section thermoelectric generators: Effects of shape factor and thermal boundary conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:201:y:2020:i:c:s0360544220307672
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.117660
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    Cited by:

    1. Ge, Ya & He, Kui & Xiao, Liehui & Yuan, Wuzhi & Huang, Si-Min, 2022. "Geometric optimization for the thermoelectric generator with variable cross-section legs by coupling finite element method and optimization algorithm," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 294-303.
    2. Lan, Yuncheng & Lu, Junhui & Wang, Suilin, 2023. "Study of the geometry and structure of a thermoelectric leg with variable material properties and side heat dissipation based on thermodynamic, economic, and environmental analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    3. Zhu, WenChao & Yang, Wenlong & Yang, Yang & Li, Yang & Li, Hao & Shi, Ying & Yan, Yonggao & Xie, Changjun, 2022. "Economic configuration optimization of onboard annual thermoelectric generators under multiple operating conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 486-499.
    4. Zhu, WenChao & Weng, Zebin & Li, Yang & Zhang, Leiqi & Zhao, Bo & Xie, Changjun & Shi, Ying & Huang, Liang & Yan, Yonggao, 2022. "Theoretical analysis of shape factor on performance of annular thermoelectric generators under different thermal boundary conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PD).
    5. Junpeng Liu & Yajing Sun & Gang Chen & Pengcheng Zhai, 2023. "Performance Analysis of Variable Cross-Section TEGs under Constant Heat Flux Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-16, June.
    6. Weng, Zebin & Liu, Furong & Zhu, Wenchao & Li, Yang & Xie, Changjun & Deng, Jian & Huang, Liang, 2022. "Performance improvement of variable-angle annular thermoelectric generators considering different boundary conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PA).
    7. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Lin, Yen-Kuan & Luo, Ding & Jin, Liwen & Hoang, Anh Tuan & Saw, Lip Huat & Nižetić, Sandro, 2023. "Effects of material doping on the performance of thermoelectric generator with/without equal segments," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).
    8. Zou, Wen-Jiang & Shen, Kun-Yang & Jung, Seunghun & Kim, Young-Bae, 2021. "Application of thermoelectric devices in performance optimization of a domestic PEMFC-based CHP system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).

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