ABSTRACT
A thermoelectric leg (TML) model is formulated by using finite element analysis (FEA) implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics. In the modelling approach, segmented thermoelectric legs demonstrate higher efficiency compared to non-segmented configurations. The simulations were performed for TML devices fabricated from Cu₂Te, Cu₂BiSbTe, and Cu₂Bi₂Te₃ materials. Prototype of TML geometry with dimensions of 1 mm × 1 mm × 2 mm (width × depth × height) was employed. The finite element analysis study investigates the influence of temperature, thermoelectric leg height, inlet temperature, and material selection on device performance. At 450 K, Cu₂Bi₂Te₃ generates an electric potential approximately 24% higher than that of Cu₂BiSbTe. Furthermore, at 615 K, the calculated electric potential is nearly 20% higher than values obtained using physical constants measured at different temperatures. The simulation results yield a Seebeck coefficient of 141 μV/K for Cu₂Bi₂Te₃, indicating its superior thermoelectric performance among the investigated materials.
References
- [1] Afolabi, M. A., and M. H. Ali. “Design of Thermoelectric Generator from Aluminum and Copper Elements. “IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering. 13.5 (2016): 60-65.
- [2] Abdel-Motaleb, Ibrahim M., and Syed M. Qadri. “Multi-Physics Numerical Simulation of Thermoelectric Devices.” Journal of Electronics Cooling and Thermal Control04 (2017): 123.
- [3] Ebling, Dirk, et al. “Multiphysics simulation of thermoelectric systems for comparison with experimental device performance.” Journal of electronic materials38 (2009): 1456-1461.
- [4] Ganesamoorthy, Udhaya Sankar. “Generalized Programming Idea for Making the Thermoelectric Device Using MATLAB Software for Cu2Bi2Te3 and Cu2Sb2Te3.” International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences2 (2023): 52-59.
- [5] Hu, Xiaokai, et al. “Three-dimensional finite-element simulation for a thermoelectric generator module.” Journal of Electronic Materials44 (2015): 3637-3645.
- [6] Jouhara, Hussam, et al. “Thermoelectric generator (TEG) technologies and applications.”
- [7] Kramer, LoiseRissini, et al. “Analytical and numerical study for the determination of a thermoelectric generator’s internal resistance.” Energies16 (2019): 3053.
- [8] Li, W., et al. “Multiphysics simulations of thermoelectric generator modules with cold and hot blocks and effects of some factors.” Case studies in thermal engineering10 (2017): 63-72.
- [9] Liu, Weishu, et al. “Current progress and future challenges in thermoelectric power generation: From materials to devices.” ActaMaterialia87 (2015): 357-376.
- Luo, Ding, et al. “A numerical study on the performance of a converging thermoelectric generator system used for waste heat recovery.” Applied Energy270 (2020): 115181.
- Martin, Joshua. “Computational Seebeck coefficient measurement simulations.” Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology117 (2012): 168.
Download all article in PDF
