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Enhanced Energy Harvesting from Thermoelectric Modules: Strategic Manipulation of Element Quantity and Geometry for Optimized Power Output

Author

Listed:
  • Chun-I Wu

    (Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Kung-Wen Du

    (Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yu-Hsuan Tu

    (Department of Green Energy and Information Technology, National Taitung University, Taitung 95092, Taiwan)

Abstract

Rising environmental concerns and increasing electricity generation costs have sparked significant interest in waste heat recovery systems, particularly thermoelectric modules. Given the challenge of breakthroughs in thermoelectric materials, improving module structure has become a key strategy for enhancing efficiency. This study examines the commercially available TGM1-127-1.0-0.8 thermoelectric module through comparative simulation of flat plate and annular configurations. By maintaining consistent conditions across designs—including total volume of thermoelectric material, element geometry, heat source contact area, temperature differential, and connecting copper plate volume—we investigated the relationship between thermoelectric element quantity and module performance. Results demonstrate that the number of thermoelectric elements not only determines the open-circuit voltage but also significantly influences output power. Notably, the output power trend remains consistent across temperature differentials, independent of load resistance variations, suggesting a fundamental relationship between element quantity and module efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Chun-I Wu & Kung-Wen Du & Yu-Hsuan Tu, 2024. "Enhanced Energy Harvesting from Thermoelectric Modules: Strategic Manipulation of Element Quantity and Geometry for Optimized Power Output," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:21:p:5453-:d:1511411
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    References listed on IDEAS

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