Geometry optimization of two-stage thermoelectric generators using simplified conjugate-gradient method

Liu, Zhichun; Shiping, Zhu; Shan, Feng; Zeng, Lingping; Liu, Wei

doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.01.002

Cited by 79 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…The optimized geometry of a TEG only system has been extensively studied in the past [36,37]. However, it is important to find the optimum geometry of the TEG when used in a hybrid PV-TE system.…”

Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect

Shittu

Zhao

et al. 2019

Renewable Energy

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This study investigates the optimum geometry for maximum efficiency of a hybrid PV-TE uni-couple using Finite Element Method. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to solve the 3-Dimensional heat transfer equations considering thermoelectric materials with temperature dependent properties. Two types of thermoelectric element geometry area ratios are considered for the range 0.5 ≤ ܴ ≤ 2 and 0.5 ≤ ܴ ௌ ≤ 2 . Nine different geometric configurations are analysed for two different PV cells. Effects of thermoelectric generator (TEG) geometric parameters, solar irradiation and concentration ratio on the hybrid system efficiency are presented. The results show that a hybrid PV-TE system will perform better with symmetrical TEG geometry (ܴ = ܴ ௌ = 1) if a PV temperature coefficient of 0.004/K (Cell B) is used. This is different from the optimum geometry for a TEG only system. However, the optimum geometry of the TEG in a hybrid system will be the same as that of a TEG only system (dissymmetrical i.e. ܴ = ܴ ௌ ≠ 1 ) if a PV temperature coefficient of 0.001/K (Cell A) is used. The overall efficiency and TE temperature difference show a decreasing trend as thermoelectric element length and area increase respectively no matter the configuration or temperature coefficient value used. Results obtained from this research would influence hybrid PV-TE system design for obtaining maximum conversion efficiency.

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Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect

Shittu

Zhao

et al. 2019

Renewable Energy

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“…When operating over a large temperature range, the majority of TE material is consequently operating below its potential maximum performance. The fabrication of segmented TE leg structure [21][22][23][24] or multistage TE structure [25][26][27] is one of effective methods to improve the TE performance. However, it can be noted that all these works investigated the TE performance under idealized steady-state operating conditions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical simulation of thermoelectric performance of linear-shaped thermoelectric generators under transient heat supply

Jia

Wang

Gao

2017

Energy

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“…Geometry and material optimization of thermoelectric generators have attracted a great interest recently due to performance enhancement obtained [13]. Different geometries and structure of a thermoelectric generator have been proposed and optimized including segmented thermoelectric generator [14][15][16], annular thermoelectric generator [17][18][19], asymmetrical thermoelectric generator [20][21][22][23] and cascaded thermoelectric generator [24][25][26]. Each of these geometries and structure provide certain advantages in addition to some disadvantages.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrical and mechanical analysis of a segmented solar thermoelectric generator under non-uniform heat flux

Shittu

Xuan

et al. 2020

Energy

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Optimization of segmented solar thermoelectric generator for power output enhancement has been well researched however, the mechanical reliability study of such devices is usually neglected. In addition, assumed heat flux distribution or uniform flux distribution from solar concentrators is usually used for solar thermoelectric generator however, this is not accurate. Therefore, this study presents a detailed three-dimensional numerical investigation on the effect of non-uniform and uniform heat flux on the electrical and mechanical performance of segmented and non-segmented solar thermoelectric generator. Flux distribution from a compound parabolic concentrator is obtained by ray tracing using Lighttools software and COMSOL 5.4 Multiphysics software is used to perform the numerical study based on finite element method. Thermal stress analysis in a fullscale solar thermoelectric generator is presented and the effects of load resistance, solar radiation and cold side temperature on performance of solar thermoelectric generator is analysed. Results show that the power output of the segmented solar thermoelectric generators in Case 3, Case 4 and Case 5 increased by 44.07%, 59.12% and 37.9% respectively compared to that of Case 1 (bismuth Samson Shittu Writing -review & editing Writing -original draft Validation Software Conceptualization a , Guiqiang Li Project administration Supervision a, *

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Geometry optimization of two-stage thermoelectric generators using simplified conjugate-gradient method

Cited by 79 publications

References 41 publications

Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect

Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect

Numerical simulation of thermoelectric performance of linear-shaped thermoelectric generators under transient heat supply

Electrical and mechanical analysis of a segmented solar thermoelectric generator under non-uniform heat flux

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