A numerical model and comparative investigation of a thermoelectric generator with novel profile designs

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs), known as devices, convert waste heat to potential electricity. TEGs feature simple assembly, quiet work, non-exhaust, and stability based on thermodynamics together with Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects. However, the performance of TEG is not high because the t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tan Nguyen Tien, Duc Tran Duy, Vinh Nguyen Duy, Dien Vu Minh, Hoa Binh Pham, Quang Khong Vu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Physics Open
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266603262500033X
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Summary:Thermoelectric generators (TEGs), known as devices, convert waste heat to potential electricity. TEGs feature simple assembly, quiet work, non-exhaust, and stability based on thermodynamics together with Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects. However, the performance of TEG is not high because the thermoelectric conversion inside TEG faces low efficiency. Typically, the cooling exchanger mounted in TEG partly affects the thermoelectric conversion. This paper offers three alternatives to the cooling exchanger based on a commercial model with different channel profiles. All are simulated and evaluated as thermodynamic and mass factors for TEG performance, such as temperature, pressure, and occupied solid volume. Then, two optimal alternatives based on three prior alternatives are analyzed, as well as properties and non-symmetric effects on TEG performance. Therefore, the results show that the different temperatures between the central fluid of the cooling exchanger and the top plate plane of TEG in optimized alternatives are larger than in the commercial model (i.e., 185 K and 183 K for optimal alternatives and 167 K for the commercial model with 5 L/min of mass flow rate inlet).
ISSN:2666-0326