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Optimizing the Transient Performance of Thermoelectric Generator with PCM by Taguchi Method

Author

Listed:
  • Zhaochun Shi

    (State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China)

  • Guohua Wang

    (State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
    Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emission and Economizing Energy, Chongqing 401122, China)

  • Chunli Liu

    (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emission and Economizing Energy, Chongqing 401122, China)

  • Qiang Lv

    (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emission and Economizing Energy, Chongqing 401122, China)

  • Baoli Gong

    (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emission and Economizing Energy, Chongqing 401122, China)

  • Yingchao Zhang

    (State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China)

  • Yuying Yan

    (Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

Abstract

Phase change material (PCM) is an effective thermal management method to improve the thermoelectric conversion performance of a system. PCM can not only absorb excessive thermal energy at high temperature to protect the thermoelectric module (TEM) and increase the maximum available temperature range, but also compensate for intermittent energy to extend the working time of the TEM. In the paper, the transient performance is improved by adding PCM to a traditional thermoelectric generator (TEG) system. Due to the low thermal conductivity of PCM, metal fins are used to improve the thermal conductivity of PCM. To achieve maximum efficiency of the TEG system, the Taguchi method is employed. Four factors are heat source thermal power, PCM type, height of the PCM box, and filling ratio of the PCM, respectively. The results show that heat source thermal power has the greatest effect, and PCM has the least effect on the conversion efficiency of the TEG system. Conversion efficiency from thermal to electricity is about 1.472% during 2300 s of the heating and cooling stages.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhaochun Shi & Guohua Wang & Chunli Liu & Qiang Lv & Baoli Gong & Yingchao Zhang & Yuying Yan, 2023. "Optimizing the Transient Performance of Thermoelectric Generator with PCM by Taguchi Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:2:p:805-:d:1031129
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    References listed on IDEAS

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