Investigating the modified thermoelectric generator system performance

Abstract

AbstractIt is essential to enhance the performance of the thermoelectric generator as lower efficiencies are obtained recently. This could be achieved by changing its dimensions in addition to copper strip thickness. The present study is performed to obtain the best dimensions of the P–N legs considering the interaction between all variables. To do this, a comprehensive TEG model is achieved in addition to utilizing the single-objective optimization technique. The main performance metrics, including electricity production and conversion efficiency, are assessed, and contrasted with the conventional TEG system since the simulation. The length of the legs and their cross-sectional area were shown to significantly affect power production. The thickness of the conducting plate, in contrast, barely matters. For instance, a P–N pair with legs that have a 2 mm2 cross-sectional area generates 0.4 W and 1.3 W for temperature differences of 480 °C and 980 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the equivalent efficiencies are 4.41% and 6.73%, respectively. Using the genetic algorithm revealed that the ideal values for the leg cross section, leg length, and conducting plate thickness are 1.84 mm2, 0.5 mm, and 0.44 mm, respectively. Once compared to the conventional system, using the optimization method results in an improvement in power production and conversion efficiency of about 247% at a temperature differential of 980 °C.