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Multi-objective thermal analysis of a thermoelectric device: Influence of geometric features on device characteristics

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  • Ibrahim, Amin
  • Rahnamayan, Shahryar
  • Vargas Martin, Miguel
  • Yilbas, Bekir

Abstract

Proper assessment of geometric features of a thermoelectric generator is important to design devices with improved performance features such as high efficiency and output power. In the present study, three the-state-of-the-art multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, namely, NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II), GDE3 (Generalized Differential Evolution generation 3), and SMPSO (Speed-constrained Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization) are used to optimize the geometric features of a thermoelectric generator for improved efficiency and output power while incorporating different operating conditions. The parameters assessing geometric features of the device include shape factor and pin length size while operating parameters include temperature ratio and external load parameter. Thermal analysis incorporating geometric features and operating parameters of the device is introduced prior to the optimization study. The findings are validated against the results reported in the open literature. It is found that shape factor and pin length size have significant effect on the device performance. Increasing shape factor (S ≤ 0.5) first increases thermal efficiency to reach its maximum (∼17%), and furthermore, an increase in shape factor (S ≥ 0.5) lowers thermal efficiency significantly (∼8%). Device output power behaves similar to that of efficiency for small increment in shape factor, provided that further increase in shape factor does not influence output power of the device. A unique design configuration is present for a fixed operating condition of a thermoelectric generator; in which case, thermal efficiency and output power of the device attain high values.

Suggested Citation

  • Ibrahim, Amin & Rahnamayan, Shahryar & Vargas Martin, Miguel & Yilbas, Bekir, 2014. "Multi-objective thermal analysis of a thermoelectric device: Influence of geometric features on device characteristics," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 305-317.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:77:y:2014:i:c:p:305-317
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.08.041
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    2. N. Kanagaraj & Hegazy Rezk & Mohamed R. Gomaa, 2020. "A Variable Fractional Order Fuzzy Logic Control Based MPPT Technique for Improving Energy Conversion Efficiency of Thermoelectric Power Generator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-18, September.
    3. Fan, Shifa & Gao, Yuanwen, 2018. "Numerical simulation on thermoelectric and mechanical performance of annular thermoelectric generator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 38-48.
    4. Wijesekara, Waruna & Rezania, A. & Rosendahl, Lasse, 2015. "Simple engineering design for complex thermoelectric generators based on reduced current approach," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 455-466.
    5. Ali, Haider & Yilbas, Bekir Sami & Al-Sharafi, Abdullah, 2017. "Innovative design of a thermoelectric generator with extended and segmented pin configurations," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 367-379.
    6. Yilbas, Bekir Sami & Akhtar, S.S. & Sahin, A.Z., 2016. "Thermal and stress analyses in thermoelectric generator with tapered and rectangular pin configurations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 52-63.
    7. Zhou, Junle & Chen, Lingen & Ding, Zemin & Sun, Fengrui, 2016. "Analysis and optimization with ecological objective function of irreversible single resonance energy selective electron heat engines," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 306-312.
    8. 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).
    9. Twaha, Ssennoga & Zhu, Jie & Yan, Yuying & Li, Bo, 2016. "A comprehensive review of thermoelectric technology: Materials, applications, modelling and performance improvement," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 698-726.
    10. Shen, Zu-Guo & Wu, Shuang-Ying & Xiao, Lan & Yin, Gang, 2016. "Theoretical modeling of thermoelectric generator with particular emphasis on the effect of side surface heat transfer," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 367-379.
    11. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Chiou, Yi-Bin, 2020. "Geometry design for maximizing output power of segmented skutterudite thermoelectric generator by evolutionary computation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).

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