Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of novel, unileg cascade thermoelectric systems. Unileg systems offer the flexibility of selecting a single (p- or n-) thermoelectric material in a thermoelectric system compared to two (n- and p-) materials. Finite element analysis simulations were performed to design and analyze two and three stages of cascade systems. Simulation results show that unileg cascade systems perform significantly (∼75%) better than their unicouple counterparts in both two and three stage configurations due to the elimination of the poorly performing thermoelectric leg. In addition to the enhanced thermoelectric power generation, thermal stress is lowered in unileg systems since the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficient originating between different TE legs material can be minimized. Overall, the presented unileg systems show their promise for the future thermoelectric energy generation or cooling applications for electronics.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | 123032 |
| Journal | Energy |
| Volume | 243 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 15 2022 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cascade thermoelectric generator
- Radiative and conductive losses
- Thermal stress
- Thermoelectric performance
- Thomson effect
- Unileg and unicouple TEG
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Modeling and Simulation
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Fuel Technology
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Pollution
- Energy(all)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
- Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
