Power Properties of the Transverse Short-Circuited Thermoelement

Abstract

The short-circuited thermoelement (SCTE) with slanted shorting was studied in electric power generation mode by means of computer simulation. The basic power characteristics and the distribution of physical fields in the thermoelement were obtained. The transverse thermo-electromotive force (EMF) and efficiency of the SCTE were studied as functions of the material, number, cross-sectional area, and orientation with respect to the temperature gradient of the shorting elements. The optimal parameters of the thermoelement to achieve maximum efficiency were determined. Recommendations for SCTE optimization are described.

Green's function approach in the classical theory of thermoelectricity

“…Furthermore, the system is characterized by the material parameters: the thermal conductivity κ for zero current, the Peltier coefficient $\Pi = TS$ , the Seebeck coefficient S , the isothermal electrical conductivity σ , or the resistivity ρ = 1/ σ as well as the Seebeck conductivity Θ = σS . Note that in general all the material parameters are symmetric tensors of 2nd rank, which have to be modified in the presence of magnetic fields 16–24.…”