Modeling and Simulation of Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting Processes

Thermoelectric modules are becoming more and more popular nowadays again as their prices are going down and the new potential applications have appeared due to recent developments in microelectronic and wireless technology. Not so long ago Peltier modules were mainly used as thermoelectric coolers TECs, for example in thermal image generator (De Baetselier et al., 1995a), thermoelectrically cooled radiation detectors (Anatychuk, 1995), active heat sinks for cooling of microstructures and microprocessors (Dziurdzia & Kos, 2000), fiber optic laser packages (Redstall & Studd, 1995), special medical and laboratory equipment for temperature regulation (Uemura, 1995), etc. Also in some niche applications, thermoelectric modules working as thermoelectric generators TEGs have been used for some time. Among others, the examples include a miniature nuclear battery for space equipment (Penn, 1974) and remote power stations (McNaughton, 1995).