Open AccessParametric thermal analysis of the performance of a thermoelectric generator
Author(s) -
G. Casano,
S. Piva
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of physics. conference series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1742-6596
pISSN - 1742-6588
DOI - 10.1088/1742-6596/395/1/012156
Subject(s) - thermoelectric generator , parametric statistics , thermoelectric effect , thermal , generator (circuit theory) , materials science , mechanical engineering , nuclear engineering , computer science , environmental science , engineering , mathematics , thermodynamics , physics , statistics , power (physics)
A parametric analysis is presented for the performance of a thermoelectric generator based on its operating conditions. The mathematical model, consisting of non linear equations, is made dimensionless to allow the characteristic parameters to be evidenced. The proposed parameterization lends generality to the results obtained. In particular the relationships have been investigated between the temperature difference inside the thermoelectric cell and that on the outside of the generator, and the effect of the outer thermal resistances of the generator on the working conditions. These parameters have a significant effect on the efficiency and therefore on the optimization of the operating conditions of the thermoelectric generator